If you are searching for a warm, comforting, and absolutely irresistible appetizer or snack, this Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed with Brie and Cranberry Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine a crusty sourdough loaf packed with creamy, melting Brie cheese, fresh aromatic herbs, and a delightful hint of tart cranberry sauce that bursts with flavor in every bite. This recipe combines rustic charm with festive flair, making it perfect for gatherings or even a cozy night in. The marriage of garlic and herbs with tangy cranberry and rich Brie inside tender sourdough bread is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping the ingredient list simple but purposeful is key to making this dish shine. Each component brings something special—whether it’s the lush creaminess of Brie, the bright notes of fresh herbs, or the satisfying chew of sourdough bread. Here’s what you’ll gather for this delicious Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed with Brie and Cranberry Sauce Recipe:
- 1 large round sourdough loaf: Choose a sturdy loaf with a good crust to hold all the delicious fillings without falling apart.
- 8 oz Brie cheese, cut into slices: The star ingredient that melts beautifully, delivering a smooth and rich texture.
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade): Adds a sweet and tangy contrast that balances the richness of the cheese perfectly.
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: Mixed with herbs and garlic to infuse the bread with buttery flavor and ensure it toasts nicely.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides aromatic depth and a mild kick that complements the herbs.
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped: Offers a piney, fragrant note that pairs wonderfully with the garlic and Brie.
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped: Brings a subtle earthiness, enhancing the overall herbaceous profile.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to balance and elevate all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a pop of green freshness and visual appeal when serving.
How to Make Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed with Brie and Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect to melt the Brie slowly while crisping the bread’s crust beautifully without burning the herbs or garlic butter.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the top off your sourdough loaf to create a lid. Then hollow out the center of the bread, leaving about a one-inch border all around. Don’t throw away the removed bread—you can save it for dipping or breadcrumbs later. This hollowed-out base is going to be the perfect vessel to hold that rich stuffing we’re about to create.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Herb Butter
In a small bowl, combine your melted butter with minced garlic, fresh rosemary, thyme, and season with salt and pepper. This mixture is key—it will soak into the bread, infusing every bite with savory herb goodness and a gentle garlic aroma, turning simple bread into something extraordinary.
Step 4: Assemble the Stuffing
Place the hollowed sourdough loaf on a baking sheet for easy handling. Brush the inside of the bread generously with the garlic herb butter. Now comes the fun part: layer the sliced Brie cheese inside, followed by a generous spread of cranberry sauce on top of the Brie. Keep layering until the loaf is nicely filled with alternating slices of Brie and cranberry sauce. It’s a mouthwatering combination of creamy and tangy flavors that meld perfectly in the oven.
Step 5: Cover and Bake
Put the bread’s lid back on and brush the top with the rest of the garlic herb butter. Wrap the entire loaf tightly in foil to trap moisture, helping the Brie melt evenly. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread is gloriously golden on the outside. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely intoxicating!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Carefully remove the foil and let the stuffed loaf cool for a few minutes so it’s warm but not too hot to handle. If you like, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a lovely touch of color and slight freshness. Slice into thick wedges and serve warm to enjoy the gooey Brie and sweet cranberry sauce contrasted by herby bread crust every time.
How to Serve Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed with Brie and Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds vibrant color and a light herbal finish that balances the rich flavors. If you want to elevate this recipe visually, a light drizzle of honey or a few rosemary sprigs alongside can make it look stunning on any holiday or party table.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For more cozy comfort, a bowl of roasted butternut squash soup or a crisp apple and walnut salad will complement the savory-sweet profile beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed with Brie and Cranberry Sauce Recipe in a rustic, wooden cutting board surrounded by little bowls of extra cranberry sauce and herb butter. This invites everyone to dip or add more flavor if desired. Another fun idea is to slice it into smaller squares for elegant party appetizers that are easy to handle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. It will keep well at room temperature for up to 24 hours or in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. The bread may soften a bit but the flavors remain delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze the stuffed bread before baking by wrapping it securely in foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed for melty, fresh-tasting results.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, unwrap and place the bread in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and Brie is soft again. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust crisp and the texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?
While sourdough is preferred for its sturdy texture and tangy flavor, a rustic boule or country white bread with a thick crust can work well too. Avoid very soft breads that might get soggy.
Is it possible to make the cranberry sauce from scratch?
Absolutely! Homemade cranberry sauce is simple to prepare using fresh cranberries, sugar, and a splash of orange juice or zest. It gives a fresher, less sweet flavor compared to store-bought, which many people love.
What if I’m not a fan of Brie cheese?
You can substitute Brie with other meltable cheeses like Camembert, cream cheese, or even mild goat cheese. Each offers a slightly different taste experience, so feel free to experiment with your favorites.
How can I make this dish vegetarian-friendly?
This recipe is already vegetarian as it contains no meat products. Just make sure any store-bought cranberry sauce doesn’t have gelatin or non-vegetarian ingredients if you want to keep it fully vegetarian.
Can I prepare this recipe for a large crowd?
Yes! Simply multiply the ingredients according to the number of servings you need and prepare multiple loaves. This Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed with Brie and Cranberry Sauce Recipe is perfect for entertaining and will impress all your guests.
Final Thoughts
If you want to bring a little magic to your table with something truly comforting and flavorful, the Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed with Brie and Cranberry Sauce Recipe is a must-try. It’s simple to prepare yet packs a wonderful punch of bright, creamy, chewy, and herby goodness that everyone will love. Give it a go, and you might just find this becoming one of your new favorite go-to recipes for holidays or cozy nights alike.
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Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed with Brie and Cranberry Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed with Brie and Cranberry Sauce is a delightful appetizer featuring a crusty sourdough loaf hollowed out and filled with creamy Brie cheese and tangy cranberry sauce. Infused with garlic, rosemary, and thyme butter, then baked to bubbly perfection, it’s perfect for gatherings or cozy nights.
Ingredients
Bread and Cheese
- 1 large round sourdough loaf
- 8 oz Brie cheese, cut into slices
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Garlic Herb Butter
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the stuffed bread.
- Prepare the Bread: Using a serrated knife, slice the top off the sourdough loaf to create a lid. Hollow out the center carefully by removing most of the bread inside, leaving about a 1-inch thick edge all around to maintain structure.
- Make the Garlic Herb Butter: In a small bowl, blend the melted unsalted butter with minced garlic, finely chopped fresh rosemary and thyme, along with salt and pepper to taste, creating a fragrant herb-infused butter.
- Assemble the Stuffing: Place the hollowed-out loaf on a baking sheet and brush the inside evenly with the garlic herb butter mixture. Layer the Brie cheese slices inside the bread, then spread a generous amount of cranberry sauce over the Brie. Continue layering until the bread is filled with the Brie and cranberry sauce mixture.
- Cover and Bake: Put the sliced top back onto the loaf and brush the outside with the remaining garlic herb butter. Wrap the entire loaf tightly in foil to keep it moist and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the Brie inside has melted and the bread exterior turns golden and crisp.
- Serve: Remove the foil carefully and let the bread cool slightly. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley. Slice and serve the warm, gooey, herb-infused stuffed bread to delight your guests.
Notes
- You can use homemade cranberry sauce for a fresher taste or store-bought for convenience.
- Make sure to leave about 1-inch thickness on the bread walls so it holds the stuffing without collapsing.
- If preferred, substitute the Brie with other creamy cheeses like Camembert or mozzarella.
- Serve this appetizer warm for the best melty texture and flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored wrapped in foil and reheated gently in the oven.
