Name: Pull Apart Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 round rustic bread boule; 12 ounces brie cheese (top rind removed); 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce; 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Kosher salt; Fresh ground pepper

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s sure to impress, then you’ve found it! This Pull Apart Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl is a delightful blend of gooey brie and tangy cranberry sauce, all nestled in a warm, crusty bread bowl. Every bite is a mix of creamy and sweet-tart flavors that will have everyone gathering around the table.

This recipe is perfect for holiday parties, cozy family gatherings, or even just a fun snack on a busy weeknight. It’s simple to prepare, yet looks so elegant—your friends and family will think you spent hours in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick prep time: With only 5 minutes of prep, you can focus on enjoying time with loved ones.
Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will love pulling apart the bread and dipping into the melty brie!
Perfect for sharing: This dish encourages everyone to gather around and dig in together, making it ideal for social events.
Versatile flavors: The combination of cranberry and thyme is festive but can be enjoyed any time of year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients for this delightful dish! You’ll find that these are simple, wholesome items that come together beautifully.

For the Bread Bowl

1 bread boule (round loaf of rustic bread)
1 wheel of brie (about 12 ounces, top of rind removed; use triple cream if you can)

For the Filling

1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
2 tablespoons olive oil
Kosher salt
Fresh ground pepper

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is! Feel free to get creative with different flavors or ingredients.

Add some crunch: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra layer of texture.
Switch up the cheese: Try using camembert or goat cheese for different flavor profiles.
Introduce other fruits: Swap the cranberry sauce for apple or peach preserves for a sweeter twist.
Herb options: Experiment with other herbs like rosemary or sage to match your taste preferences.

How to Make Pull Apart Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This step ensures that your bread bowl bakes evenly and gets that perfect golden crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread

Slice off the top quarter of the bread boule. Use your brie wheel as a guide to trace a circle in the middle. Carefully scoop out the center—it’s okay if it’s not perfect! This hollowed-out space will hold all that delicious filling.

Step 3: Create Pull-Apart Slices

Next, cut slices around the edge of your bread about 1.5 inches apart. Be sure not to cut all the way through! This method allows everyone to easily pull apart pieces after baking.

Step 4: Add Flavor

Brush the inside of your hollowed bread with olive oil, then season with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper. Sprinkle half of your fresh thyme inside. Place your brie wheel right in the center and top it with more thyme. Finally, spoon your whole berry cranberry sauce over that beautiful wheel of cheese.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Replace the top of your bread boule and pop it into the oven for about 20 minutes. Consider lining your baking sheet with foil or parchment paper because some brie might ooze out during baking—a little mess means lots of flavor! If desired, toast any leftover bread from scooping out the center for serving alongside this amazing dish.

Serve immediately and enjoy every last bite!

Pro Tips for Making Pull Apart Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl

Creating a show-stopping appetizer like the Pull Apart Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl is easier than you might think! Here are some pro tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

Choose the right bread: Opt for a sturdy, rustic bread boule that can hold up to the cheese and cranberry without falling apart. This will give you the perfect vessel for pulling apart and dipping.
Let the brie come to room temperature: Allowing your brie to warm slightly before baking helps it become extra melty and gooey, making every bite heavenly.
Experiment with flavors: Feel free to customize with herbs or spices. A touch of rosemary or a hint of garlic can elevate the flavor even more and make it uniquely yours!
Watch baking time closely: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your bread bowl while it bakes. You want it golden brown and bubbly but not overcooked.
Serve immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh from the oven while everything is warm and melty. Gather your guests around as soon as it’s done for maximum impact!

How to Serve Pull Apart Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl

Presentation is key when serving this delightful appetizer! Here are some ideas that will make your Pull Apart Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl look as good as it tastes.

Garnishes

Fresh thyme sprigs: Scatter a few sprigs on top of the bread before serving for an aromatic touch that complements the flavors beautifully.
Crushed walnuts or pecans: Sprinkle a handful of crushed nuts around the bread bowl for added crunch and a nutty flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

Vegetable platter: Crisp veggies like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers are perfect for dipping in the melted brie and cranberry sauce.
Cheese board: Create a small cheese board with a variety of cheeses, crackers, and fruits to offer more options for your guests.
Fruit salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits balances the richness of the baked brie nicely, providing a refreshing side.
Stuffed mushrooms: These savory bites pair perfectly with your cheese-filled bread bowl and offer another delicious option at your gathering.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Pull Apart Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl will be a hit at any holiday party or gathering! Enjoy every moment spent sharing this delightful dish with friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pull Apart Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it, ensuring you have a tasty treat ready for any gathering.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the bread bowl to cool completely before storing.
Place leftovers in an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Wrap the unbaked bread bowl tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Reheating

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the bread bowl on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions about this delightful recipe:

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of brie in the Pull Apart Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl?

Absolutely! While brie offers a creamy texture and flavor, you can substitute it with other soft cheeses like camembert or even goat cheese for a tangy twist.

What should I serve with my Pull Apart Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl?

This appetizer pairs beautifully with fresh vegetables, crackers, or toasted bread pieces from the hollowed-out center of the boule. It’s perfect for dipping!

How can I customize my Pull Apart Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl?

Feel free to add extras like chopped nuts, dried fruits, or different herbs to enhance the flavor profile. Personalizing it makes it even more special!

Is the Pull Apart Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl suitable for vegetarians?

Yes! This recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or animal-derived ingredients.

Final Thoughts

This Pull Apart Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl is truly a showstopper that will impress your guests at any gathering. It’s warm, gooey, and packed with flavor — a perfect appetizer for holiday celebrations or cozy nights in. I hope you enjoy making this delightful treat as much as I do. Don’t forget to share your experience and let me know how it turns out!

Dinner

Pull Apart Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 8
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

If you’re in search of a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines gourmet flavors with effortless preparation, look no further than this Pull Apart Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl. This delightful dish features a warm, crusty bread bowl filled with creamy brie and topped with tangy cranberry sauce, creating a perfect harmony of sweet and savory tastes. Ideal for holiday gatherings, family get-togethers, or cozy weeknight snacking, this recipe is not only stunning but also simple enough to make you feel like a culinary pro. With just a few fresh ingredients and minimal prep time, you can impress your guests and enjoy memorable moments around the table.

Ingredients

Scale

1 round rustic bread boule
12 ounces brie cheese (top rind removed)
1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
2 tablespoons olive oil
Kosher salt
Fresh ground pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Slice the top off the bread boule and hollow out the center to create a cavity for the filling.
Cut slices around the edge of the bread without cutting all the way through.
Brush the inside with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with half of the thyme.
Place the brie in the center, top it with remaining thyme, and spoon cranberry sauce over it.
Replace the top of the bread and bake for 20 minutes until golden.