20-Minute Baked Brie Bread Bowl That Steals Every Party

Oh my gosh, if you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, baked brie in a bread bowl is where it’s at I can’t tell you how many times this recipe has saved me at parties – it’s like edible magic. You just hollow out a crusty sourdough loaf, stuff it with creamy brie, add some sweet and crunchy toppings, and let the oven work its wonders. Twenty minutes later, you’ve got this gorgeous, gooey masterpiece that disappears faster than you can say “cheese”

I first made this for a holiday gathering years ago and it instantly became my signature dish. Now my friends won’t let me show up without it The best part? It looks fancy but couldn’t be simpler – just a handful of ingredients and barely any prep. That golden, crispy bread hugging the melted brie? Absolute perfection. And trust me, no one can resist tearing off pieces of that warm, cheese-filled bread bowl.

Seriously, this baked brie bread bowl is the appetizer equivalent of a warm hug. It’s cozy, indulgent, and guaranteed to make you the star of any potluck. Let me show you how it’s done

Ingredients for Baked Brie in Bread Bowl

Okay, let’s talk ingredients – and I promise, this is one of those magical recipes where every single thing matters. You’d think just any old cheese and bread would work, but trust me, these specific choices make all the difference between good and “oh-my-gosh-give-me-the-recipe” amazing.

• 1 round sourdough loaf (about 8 inches in diameter) – That sturdy crust is key It holds up beautifully when hollowed out and gets perfectly crispy in the oven.
• 1 (8 oz) wheel of brie with rind – Leave that rind on, friends It helps the cheese hold its shape and adds this incredible earthy flavor as it bakes.
• 2 tbsp honey (warmed for easier drizzling) – I microwave mine for 10 seconds – just enough to make it pourable without being too hot.
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts – The toasty crunch against the creamy cheese? *Chef’s kiss*
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries – These little bursts of tartness cut through the richness so perfectly.
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped – Don’t skip this That woodsy aroma will make your whole kitchen smell like holiday magic.

Quick pro tip from my many trials (and errors): measure out everything before you start. When that cheese starts melting, you’ll want to move fast, so having your toppings prepped and ready is a total game-changer

How to Make Baked Brie in Bread Bowl

Alright, let’s get to the fun part – turning these simple ingredients into a showstopping appetizer I’ve made this dozens of times, and while it looks impressive, the process couldn’t be easier. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have everyone begging for your secret.

Preparing the Bread Bowl

First things first – preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab your sourdough loaf and let’s get to work. Here’s how I do it without destroying the bread (learned this the hard way):

Lay the loaf on its side and use a serrated knife to slice off the top quarter – think of it like carving a pumpkin lid. Go slow and steady, keeping your cut as level as possible. Now for the hollowing: I leave about a 1-inch border all around – any thinner and the bowl might collapse when baking.

Here’s my favorite trick: use your fingers to gently pull out bread from the center, then switch to a spoon to scrape the sides smooth. And save those bread scraps Tear them into chunks for dipping later – they’ll be perfect for scooping up all that melty goodness.

Assembling and Baking

Now the magic happens Place your whole brie wheel (rind and all) right into that bread bowl. Drizzle your warmed honey over the top – it should glide on beautifully. Then comes the fun part: sprinkling on those walnuts, cranberries, and rosemary. I like to press them in slightly so they don’t all roll off.

Pop the bread lid back on like a little hat, then wrap the whole loaf snugly in foil. You want it tight enough to keep the heat in but not so tight that the toppings get smashed. Into the oven it goes for 20-25 minutes – I start checking at 20.

How do you know it’s done? The edges of the bread will turn golden, and if you peek under the foil, you should see the cheese peeking out the sides, all gooey and irresistible. That’s when you know it’s party time

Tips for Perfect Baked Brie in Bread Bowl

After making this recipe more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks that’ll take your baked brie bread bowl from good to “can I have your recipe?” amazing. These little details make all the difference

• Let your brie breathe first – Take that cheese wheel out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before baking. Room-temperature brie melts so much more evenly than cold-from-the-fridge brie. Trust me on this
• Make friends with foil – Wrap your loaf snugly but not too tight. You want steam to circulate but not escape completely. If your bread starts getting too dark before the cheese melts, tent the top loosely with extra foil.
• Serve it piping hot – This beauty waits for no one The minute it’s out of the oven, gather your guests because that cheese starts firming up fast. Nothing beats tearing into warm bread with molten brie oozing out.
• Get creative with toppings – While walnuts and cranberries are classic, don’t be afraid to mix it up Try candied pecans, fig jam, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra pizzazz.
• Save those bread scraps – Those pieces you hollowed out? Toast them briefly while the brie bakes for instant dippers. Just brush with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and pop them in for 5 minutes.

Oh! One last thing I learned the hard way – use oven mitts when handling the baked bread bowl. That foil gets deceivingly hot, and melted cheese burns are no joke. Ask me how I know…

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about baked brie in a bread bowl? It’s like a blank canvas just waiting for your personal touch Over the years, I’ve played around with so many variations – some intentional, some from “oops, I’m out of this ingredient” moments that turned out delicious. Here are my favorite swaps and twists:

Sweet Stuff: Not a cranberry fan? No problem Chopped dried figs add this gorgeous jammy sweetness that pairs beautifully with brie. Apricots or cherries work wonders too. And if you’re feeling fancy, a spoonful of orange marmalade or apple butter spread under the cheese will make your guests swoon.

Nutty Alternatives: While walnuts are classic, try toasted pecans for extra buttery richness or almonds for a slightly sweeter crunch. For nut-free versions, sunflower seeds or pepitas give you that satisfying texture without the allergens.

Herb Swaps: Rosemary not your thing? Fresh thyme leaves are divine here – just use a bit less since they’re more potent. In summer, I love tossing in some chopped fresh basil for a brighter flavor. And if you’re using dried herbs, halve the amount (they pack more punch).

Cheese Options: While brie is the star, camembert makes an equally delicious substitute if that’s what you can find. For vegan friends, there are some incredible plant-based brie alternatives now – just check they’re the meltable kind before baking.

Bread Choices: No sourdough? A sturdy country loaf or even a small round of pumpernickel can be amazing. Just avoid anything too soft – you need that crust to hold up to the melty cheese

The beauty of this recipe is how forgiving it is. Once you’ve got the basic method down, feel free to play around My most unexpected hit? A version with spicy pepper jelly and candied bacon that disappeared in about 2 minutes flat. What will your signature variation be?

Serving Suggestions for Baked Brie in Bread Bowl

Okay, let’s talk presentation – because half the fun of this baked brie bread bowl is the whole experience I love making this the centerpiece of my appetizer spread, and over the years, I’ve picked up some surefire ways to make it extra special.

First, the dippers: Those bread scraps you saved from hollowing out the loaf? Toast them up for the perfect built-in serving vessels. But don’t stop there I always surround my bread bowl with:

• Crisp apple slices (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are my go-tos for that sweet-tart contrast)
• A mix of crackers (water crackers are classic, but rosemary or black pepper ones add nice flavor)
• Fresh grapes or pear slices (the juiciness cuts through the richness beautifully)
• Endive leaves or cucumber rounds for low-carb options

For parties, I like to take it up a notch with presentation. Place the whole baked bread bowl on a wooden cutting board or pretty platter, then scatter your dippers around it artfully. A small bowl of extra honey on the side lets guests add more sweetness if they want. And here’s my secret weapon – a sprig of fresh rosemary tucked into the bread lid makes it look straight from a fancy bistro

One more pro tip: Keep a small knife nearby (I use a cheese spreader) because that first plunge into the molten brie is half the fun Watching the cheese ooze out as someone makes that initial cut never gets old. Just be ready – once people start digging in, this beauty disappears fast

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Let’s be real – leftovers are rare with this baked brie bread bowl (I’ve seen parties where people literally fight over the last scrap). But on the off chance you have some to save, here’s how to keep it tasting amazing:

First, storing: Once cooled, wrap any remaining bread bowl tightly in foil or transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 2 days – any longer and the bread starts getting too soggy. Pro tip: If you know you’ll have leftovers, scoop out any unmelted cheese from the center before storing to prevent the bread from getting overly saturated.

Now for reheating: That microwave might tempt you, but resist For the best texture, always reheat in a 300°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. The low-and-slow approach brings back that gooey cheese magic without turning your bread into a sad, rubbery mess. If the top starts looking dry, a quick drizzle of fresh honey works wonders.

Fair warning though – the bread won’t be quite as crisp as the first time around. That’s why I like to transform day-old baked brie into the most luxurious grilled cheese you’ve ever had Just slice, add some extra cheese if you’re feeling wild, and grill until golden. Waste not, want not, right?

Nutritional Information

Okay, let’s talk numbers – because I know some of you (unlike me) like to keep track of these things. Just remember: nutritional values are estimates and vary by ingredients used. This is comfort food, people, not health food – but hey, cheese has protein and bread has fiber, right? That counts

• Calories: About 320 per serving (and yes, I’m counting that generous cheese pull as one serving)
• Fat: 18g (9g saturated from that glorious brie)
• Carbohydrates: 30g (2g fiber from the sourdough)
• Protein: 12g (cheese for the win)
• Sugar: 12g (mostly from the honey and cranberries)
• Sodium: 480mg (bread and cheese team up here)

A little tip from my nutritionist friend: pairing this with those apple slices or grapes I mentioned earlier helps balance out the richness. Not that I’m suggesting you need an excuse – life’s too short to skip melted cheese

There you have it, friends – my all-time favorite party trick that never fails to impress Whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner party or just craving some cozy comfort food, this baked brie bread bowl is guaranteed to hit the spot. I’d love to hear how yours turns out – did you stick with the classic walnut-cranberry combo or try something wild like my pepper jelly version? Snap a pic of your cheesy masterpiece and share it in the comments below And if you’ve got any brilliant twists on this recipe, spill your secrets – I’m always looking for new ways to make this even more irresistible.

Now go forth and melt some cheese, you culinary rockstar Just don’t blame me when everyone starts requesting this at every gathering from now on. Trust me, it happens to the best of us.

This 20-Minute Baked Brie Bread Bowl is the ultimate party centerpiece—gooey, impressive, and incredibly easy to make. If you love shareable appetizers, you’ll also enjoy our Garlic Butter Chicken Bites or our irresistible Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs. Tag us on Facebook to show off your party spread Find more crowd-pleasing ideas in our appetizer collection. Print