Baked Brie in a Bread Bowl

It’s no secret that baked brie is delicious. It’s warm, gooey, fragrant, and delicious. But Baked Brie in a Bread Bowl takes it one step further! Featuring melty brie tucked inside a bread bowl that’s brushed with garlic butter, this baked brie is impressive, delicious, and, most importantly, easy to make!

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When it comes to simplicity and impressiveness, baked brie always takes the cake. But when you bake it in a bread bowl, you’re taking it one step further. This simple appetizer recipe is going to wow everyone; just don’t tell anyone how easy it is to make!

I love serving this Baked Brie in a Bread Bowl on a board surrounded by dippers. Crackers, baguette slices, fruit, breadsticks, and more are all tasty dippers and dunkers. Don’t forget a glass of wine – this baked brie is just begging to be served with a crisp glass of Chardonnay or a drinkable merlot.

Perfect for sharing with friends or even an indulgent girl dinner, I’ve perfected this recipe so that you can sit back, nibble, and enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 bread bowl – I love sourdough bread bowls, but any kind will work. You may have to find a bakery to get bread bowls.
• Brie wheel – Any kind of brie will work. Don’t buy the fanciest brie – any kind will work in this recipe.
• Butter – I cook with salted butter. If you’re using unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt to the garlic butter.
• Garlic – Fresh garlic. Dried or jarred minced garlic just doesn’t have the same punchy flavor.
• Parsley – Fresh parsley, chopped finely.
• Red pepper flakes – Just a wee pinch to add another flavor element.
• White wine – You can skip the white wine, but it really does add a bit of acidity to balance the richness of the cheese.
• Honey – Brie and honey go hand-in-hand. A drizzle of honey on top will make all the difference.
• Thyme – Fresh thyme. Trust me on this – brie just isn’t the same without thyme.

How to make Baked Brie In A Bread Bowl

1. Preheat the oven to 350-F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Melt the butter in the microwave or in a small pan on the stovetop. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute or until the garlic is fragrant. Add the chopped parsley and red pepper flakes. Mix well.
3. Cut a thin slice off the top of the bread, then hollow out the bread leaving about 1/2-inch of bread all the way around the outside and the bottom.
4. Make vertical cuts into the crust of the bread to create petals that can be peeled away.
5. Brush the inside of the bread bowl with the garlic butter.
6. Remove the top layer of the brie wheel by cutting it away with a sharp knife. You want to expose the creamy inside.
7. Trim the brie, if needed, to fit inside the bread bowl. Place the brie wheel inside the bread bowl.
8. Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of brie from the middle of the brie wheel, and pour the wine into the divot.
9. Sprinkle the top with chopped thyme and bake at 350-F for about 20-30 minutes or until the brie is hot and oozy and the bread is toasted.
10. Drizzle with honey and serve with crackers, bread cubes, fresh fruit, and more.

Chef Jenn’s Tips

• You can prep everything up to a day in advance and keep it tightly wrapped in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. You’ll need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the brie is fridge-cold.
• If your brie starts to firm up, pop it into the microwave for 20 seconds to get it gooey again.
• If the bread starts to get too brown while baking, cover it loosely with foil.

Why Does Brie Melt So Easily?

Brie is a super melty cheese and it even becomes more flavorful when melted. But why does it melt so easily and quickly? Brie melts easily due to its high moisture content and its fat composition. As a soft cheese, Brie has a higher water content compared to hard cheeses and this helps it melt smoothly and easily at lower temperatures. The fats in Brie transition into a liquid state easily when heated, making Brie an ideal cheese for recipes requiring a smooth, melted cheese. Perfect for dipping, dunking and spreading, melted brie is oh-so-good!

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Serving Suggestions

Baked Brie in a Bread Bowl is a terrific conversation starter and the perfect finger food or appetizer to share with family or friends. Pair it with a crisp, dry white wine that complements the creamy richness of the brie. Surround it with a variety of dippers: sliced apples and pears for a fresh crunch, a mix of crackers for texture, and perhaps a selection of charcuterie for those who love a savory touch.

STORAGE

If you happen to have any leftover baked brie, pop it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat it, warm it in a preheated 350-F oven until warmed through.