12/13/2024
Tis the season for all of holiday parties! I thought I would share a quick and easy appetizer that I love to make when I have a million things to get done in a short amount of time...or if you love cheese and bread like me. This appetizer is one of my favorites because you can alter the recipe (I've added variations at the bottom of the page), it's quick to make, AND it doesn't make a bunch of dirty dishes (that might actually be my favorite part). I guarantee this easy recipe to be a crowd pleaser and one that won't take up too much of your time. If you make it, I would love the hear what you think!
I know this isn't mortgage related but I'm a human that does human things & if I can share something yummy and easy, I'm totally going to! Whether you're in the industry, buying or selling your home or just a human during this crazy season, we all love to eat!
Ingredients
1 round loaf of rustic bread (bread boule)
1 wheel of brie (about 12 ounces, triple cream recommended)
1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
2 tablespoons olive oil
Kosher salt, to taste
Fresh ground pepper, to taste
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the bread bowl and melting the brie to perfection.
2. Prepare the Bread
Slice off the top quarter of the bread loaf and set it aside.
Place the brie wheel in the center of the bread to trace a circle.
Use a knife to cut out the middle of the bread, creating a hollow where the brie will sit.
Remove the bread from the center, leaving about a 1-inch thick wall. Keep the removed bread pieces for dipping later.
3. Cut the Bread for Dipping
Around the edge of the bread, make vertical cuts about 1.5 inches apart, going three-quarters of the way down without cutting through the bottom. This will create easy pull-apart pieces for dipping once the bread is baked.
4. Season the Bread
Brush the inside of the bread bowl and the edges of the bread with olive oil.
Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Sprinkle half of the fresh thyme leaves inside the hollowed bread for added flavor.
5. Add the Brie and Cranberry Sauce
Place the brie wheel into the hollowed-out center of the bread.
Spoon the cranberry sauce over the brie and sprinkle the remaining thyme leaves on top.
6. Bake the Brie
Replace the top of the bread loaf.
Place the bread bowl on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper to catch any melted brie that might ooze out.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the brie is melted and the bread is crispy and warm.
7. Serve
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes.
Remove the top of the bread loaf to reveal the melted brie inside.
For extra dipping options, toast the removed bread pieces until golden and serve them alongside the bread bowl.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
Baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper
Sharp knife for cutting the bread
Pastry brush for brushing the bread with olive oil
Tips and Shortcuts
Bread Choice: A round sourdough or any crusty bread works well. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the melted brie without becoming too soggy.
Cranberry Sauce: For a quicker option, use store-bought cranberry sauce, or if you want to make it extra special, prepare a homemade version ahead of time.
Herb Options: If you don’t have fresh thyme, you can substitute it with rosemary, sage, or even a sprinkle of dried thyme.
Recipe Swaps and Variations
Cheese Alternative: Swap out brie for camembert or a triple cream goat cheese for a slightly different flavor profile.
Fruit Variation: Instead of cranberry sauce, try using fig jam, apricot preserves, or even a chutney for a different sweet contrast.
Add Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the cranberry sauce before baking for added texture and flavor.
