If you are searching for a wonderfully cozy and impressive appetizer to wow your friends or family, the Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed with Brie and Cranberry Sauce Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish combines the rustic charm of a crusty sourdough loaf with the rich creaminess of melted Brie and the festive zing of cranberry sauce. Herb-infused garlic butter ties everything together, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s comfort food elevated to an art form, perfect for gatherings or a special treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple, fresh ingredients that each play a crucial role in building incredible flavor and a satisfying texture profile. Gathering these basics sets you up for guaranteed success and a truly memorable dish.
- 1 large round sourdough loaf: The sturdy base with a crunchy crust perfect for stuffing and dipping.
- 8 oz Brie cheese, sliced: Soft and creamy, Brie melts beautifully inside the bread, creating that luscious cheesy center.
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce: Adds a sweet and tart contrast that cuts through the richness.
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: The canvas for our herb and garlic blend, lending moisture and richness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a fragrant punch that enhances the savory layers.
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped: Offers earthy, pine-like notes that pair magically with the cheese.
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped: Adds a subtle herbal brightness to balance the richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate all other flavors.
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Brings a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma on serving.
How to Make Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed with Brie and Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by warming your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that once the bread is assembled, you can go straight to baking without losing any of that gooey goodness.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
With a serrated knife, carefully slice the top off your sourdough loaf, creating a “lid.” Next, hollow out the center by removing the soft interior bread while leaving about a 1-inch thick wall all around. This hollowed space will soon cradle our heavenly Brie and cranberry filling, so take your time to get a nice even cavity.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Herb Butter
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with minced garlic, finely chopped rosemary, and thyme. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. This aromatic butter mixture is the secret ingredient that infuses the bread with classic herbaceous warmth and subtle garlic flavor every bite needs.
Step 4: Assemble the Stuffing
Place the hollowed-out loaf on a baking sheet for easy handling. Brush the inside with the garlic herb butter, ensuring every nook and cranny is coated. Begin layering slices of Brie cheese inside the bread, creating a creamy, melty foundation. Spoon generous dollops of cranberry sauce over the Brie, providing bright bursts of flavor. Repeat the layering until the loaf is filled to the brim with this irresistible duo.
Step 5: Cover and Bake
Replace the top “lid” of your sourdough loaf and brush the outside of the bread with the remaining garlic herb butter for an extra flavorful crust. Wrap the entire loaf tightly in foil to trap steam and melt the Brie thoroughly. Bake in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese inside is fully melted and the bread turns a beautiful golden brown.
Step 6: Serve
Once baked, carefully remove the foil and let the bread cool for a few minutes. If you like, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a fresh, green finish. Slice and serve warm to enjoy the ooey-gooey texture bursting with flavor in every bite.
How to Serve Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed with Brie and Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a lovely pop of green color but also gives a light, slightly peppery contrast that brightens the rich flavors. For an extra special touch, you can scatter some toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts on top for crunch and earthiness.
Side Dishes
This stuffed sourdough bread is so rich and satisfying it can be a star appetizer on its own. However, pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette complements the creamy Brie and sweet cranberry sauce beautifully. Roasted root vegetables or a simple bowl of soup also round out a cozy meal effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, consider serving the bread on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh herbs and extra cranberry sauce for dipping. You can also cut it into smaller cubes and provide toothpicks as an easy-to-eat finger food. Another fun idea is to hollow out multiple small sourdough rolls instead of one big loaf for individual servings that look adorable on a buffet table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed with Brie and Cranberry Sauce Recipe keeps well covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store it in an airtight container or wrap tightly in foil to maintain moisture and prevent the bread from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled loaf (before baking) by wrapping it securely in plastic wrap and then foil. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and proceed with baking instructions as usual. This is a fantastic way to prep the dish ahead of time for holidays or gatherings.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, uncovered. This will warm the cheese and restore the crisp crust without making the bread soggy. Avoid microwaving as it tends to compromise texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Brie?
Absolutely! Creamy cheeses like Camembert, Havarti, or even a mild goat cheese work wonderfully. Brie is preferred for its rich meltability and mild flavor, but feel free to experiment with what you love.
Is it better to use homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce?
Both options are great. Homemade cranberry sauce offers a fresh taste and you can control the sweetness, while store-bought saves time and still provides that signature tartness to balance the cheese.
How do I prevent the bread from becoming soggy?
Hollowing the loaf carefully to leave thick enough walls and brushing the inside with garlic herb butter helps create a barrier against sogginess. Also, wrapping the loaf in foil during baking traps steam, melting the cheese perfectly without soaking the bread too much.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
With some swaps yes! Use a vegan sourdough loaf, plant-based butter, and dairy-free cheese alternatives. Cranberry sauce is naturally vegan, so that stays the same. The flavor will be different but still delicious and festive.
How long can I keep the leftovers at room temperature?
It’s best not to leave the stuffed bread out for more than 2 hours to avoid any food safety risks, especially since it contains dairy. Refrigerate any uneaten portions promptly.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed with Brie and Cranberry Sauce Recipe that makes it a standout on any table. Its combination of flavors and textures is both comforting and elegant, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try — it’s perfect for holidays, game nights, or whenever you want to make an ordinary day a little more unforgettable. Grab your sourdough, Brie, and cranberry sauce and watch the magic happen in your kitchen!
Print
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
Description
This Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed with Brie and Cranberry Sauce is a delightful appetizer perfect for gatherings. A hollowed sourdough loaf is filled with creamy Brie cheese and tangy cranberry sauce, infused with a flavorful garlic herb butter, then baked to golden perfection. The result is a warm, melty, and aromatic treat that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Bread and Filling
- 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 prepare for baking the stuffed bread.
- Prepare the Bread: Using a serrated knife, slice the top off the sourdough loaf to create a lid. Carefully hollow out most of the bread from inside, leaving about a 1-inch thick wall around the edges to maintain structure.
- Make the Garlic Herb Butter: In a small bowl, mix melted unsalted butter with minced garlic, finely chopped rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper until evenly combined.
- Assemble the Stuffing: Place the hollowed loaf on a baking sheet. Brush the inside thoroughly with the garlic herb butter. Layer sliced Brie cheese inside, then spread a generous amount of cranberry sauce on top of the Brie. Repeat layering until the loaf is filled.
- Cover and Bake: Place the bread top (lid) back on the filled loaf and brush the outside with the remaining garlic herb butter. Wrap the entire bread in foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the Brie is melted and the bread exterior is golden.
- Serve: Remove the foil, allow the bread to cool slightly to avoid burns. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley. Slice and serve warm to enjoy the melted Brie and flavorful herbs.
Notes
- Use a serrated knife to neatly slice and hollow the sourdough without tearing the crust.
- The cranberry sauce can be store-bought or homemade based on your preference.
- Wrap the bread tightly in foil to ensure the Brie melts properly without drying out the bread.
- Optionally add additional fresh herbs for garnish or flavor enhancement.
- This recipe is best served warm and fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
