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You'll flip for this mouthwatering Melty Cranberry Cheese Bread Bowl! It's super simple to throw together but looks fancy enough to wow your holiday guests. The gooey brie melts perfectly with tangy cranberry sauce, all nestled in a tear-apart bread shell made for sharing. It'll definitely be the star of your festive spread!
What Makes This Crowd-Pleaser So Fantastic
This showstopper ticks all the boxes: it's a breeze to make, looks stunning on the table, and tastes absolutely amazing. There's something magical about the combo of creamy brie and zingy cranberry that folks can't resist. The fun part? Everyone gets to tear off pieces of the bread to dunk in the warm, melty center. Put this out at your next holiday party and watch it vanish!
What You'll Need
- Crusty Bread Round: 1 big sourdough or artisan loaf.
- Brie Wheel: 8-10 ounce chunk, left out to soften.
- Cranberry Sauce: 1 cup ready-made or homemade.
- Thyme Sprigs: 2-3 fresh sprigs to top it off.
- Olive Oil or Butter: Just enough to brush the bread.
- Extra Add-ins:
- A drizzle of honey
- Some crunchy nuts
- Sprigs of rosemary for smell
Getting Your Bread Ready
- Find the Right Loaf
- Go for a round bread about 8-10 inches across, making sure it's big enough to fit your cheese with room to spare.
- Slice the Lid
- Grab a bread knife and cut a circle from the top that's slightly bigger than your brie. Keep this piece for later.
- Scoop It Out
- Dig out the middle, leaving walls about 1-inch thick. Don't throw away the bread chunks!
- Make Dippers
- Cut the extra bread into bite-sized squares. Spread them on a baking sheet, splash with oil, and bake at 375°F for 5-7 minutes until they're golden. These are perfect for dunking.
- Create Pull-Apart Edges
- Cut criss-cross lines around the top edge, about an inch deep and an inch apart, so folks can tear off pieces easily.
Putting It All Together
Drop your brie right into the hollowed bread bowl. Spoon cranberry sauce all over the cheese, then sprinkle fresh thyme on top for extra flavor. If you want, brush some oil or melted butter around the edges of the bread to help it turn golden brown in the oven.
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Cooking and Digging In
Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Stick the loaded bread bowl on a baking sheet and cook for 15–20 minutes until the cheese gets all bubbly and melty. Bring it straight to the table with your toasted bread chunks, some crackers, or veggie sticks. Your guests will love ripping off bread pieces and scooping up the gooey cheesy cranberry mix.
Clever Twists and Tricks
Want to take it up a notch? Try adding a honey drizzle before it goes in the oven. Tossing in some pecans or walnuts adds a nice crunch too. Not into cranberry? Switch it out for caramelized onions or fig spread instead. Got leftovers? Just pop it back in the oven for a few minutes to bring back that melty goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What’s the benefit of triple cream brie?
- It melts smoother and gives a rich, creamy texture that's perfect for an indulgent dish like this.
- → Can I prep it in advance?
- You can slice the bread and get it ready earlier, but save the assembly and baking for just before serving to keep it fresh and gooey.
- → Why choose whole berry cranberry sauce?
- It adds a better texture and depth of flavor compared to the jellied kind, and it looks appetizing when baked with brie.
- → Is there a specific bread I should use?
- A firm bread boule like sourdough or country bread works best. It'll hold the gooey filling without falling apart.
- → How do I use leftover bread bits?
- Toast the pieces and serve them for scooping up the extra cheese and sauce. They make great crunchy dippers!