🍞🧀 Cranberry Brie Sourdough Bread Bowl (Mediterranean Style)

Cozy • Party Appetizer • Sweet + Savory • 15 Minutes

📝 Ingredients

For the Bread Bowl

• 1 round sourdough loaf (medium size)

• 2–3 tbsp olive oil

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• ½ tsp dried thyme or oregano

• Pinch of black pepper

For the Filling

• 200–250g Brie cheese, sliced (rind on is fine)

• ½–¾ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)

• 2 tbsp chopped walnuts or pistachios

• 1–2 tbsp honey

• 1–2 tbsp fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped

Optional Mediterranean Add-Ins

• A few chopped dried apricots or figs

• A drizzle of pomegranate molasses

• Fresh pomegranate seeds on top

For Serving

• Bread chunks from the hollowed loaf

• Crackers

• Apple slices

• Grapes or berries

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread Bowl

1. Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).

2. Cut the top off the sourdough loaf and set aside.

3. Hollow out the inside to make space for the filling (save chunks for dipping).

4. Mix olive oil + garlic + thyme/oregano + pepper.

5. Brush the inside of the bread bowl and lid with this mixture.

2. Add the Brie

1. Place Brie slices inside the bread bowl.

2. Try to fill it evenly so it melts smoothly.

3. Add the Cranberry Layer

1. Spoon cranberry sauce over the Brie.

2. Drizzle with honey.

3. Sprinkle chopped nuts + herbs on top.

4. Add a few figs/apricots if using.

4. Bake

• Place the filled bread bowl on a tray.

• Add the bread chunks around it.

• Bake 12–15 minutes, until the Brie is fully melted and the bread is toasted and golden.

5. Finish & Serve

Top with:

• Fresh rosemary

• A drizzle of honey

• Optional: a few pomegranate seeds

Dip in using toasted bread pieces, crackers, apples, or grapes.

🌿 Mediterranean Flavor Notes

• Olive oil + garlic base

• Rosemary + thyme

• Nuts like pistachios or walnuts

• Dried fruits (figs/apricots)

• Pomegranate molasses for authentic depth

This turns a classic dish into a Mediterranean festive appetizer that tastes luxurious and comforting.