Description
This Best Baked Brie with Honey, Fig, and Pistachio is an elegant and indulgent appetizer perfect for gatherings. A wheel of creamy brie cheese is baked inside a rustic bread bowl, topped with luscious cranberry sauce, fresh thyme, and a drizzle of olive oil. The result is a delightful combination of creamy, tangy, and herby flavors, accented with a crunchy bread exterior and fresh parsley garnish for a beautiful presentation. Ideal for serving at holiday parties, brunches, or cozy get-togethers.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread Bowl and Cheese
- 1 round rustic bread loaf
- 1 wheel brie cheese (12 ounces)
Toppings and Seasonings
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Coarse salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for melting the brie evenly without overcooking the bread.
- Prepare Bread Bowl: Slice the top off the rustic bread loaf carefully to create a hollow bowl shape. Remove some of the inner bread to make enough space for the brie cheese while still maintaining a sturdy outer crust.
- Assemble Cheese and Toppings: Place the wheel of brie cheese in the center of the hollowed bread bowl. Spoon the cranberry sauce evenly over the top, sprinkle the fresh thyme leaves, and season with coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper. Drizzle the olive oil over all to add richness and help with browning.
- Bake: Place the assembled bread bowl on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the brie is bubbly, soft, and golden at the edges, indicating it is perfectly melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the baked brie from the oven, sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top for a fresh contrast in flavor and color, and serve warm. Enjoy by dipping pieces of the bread bowl or serving alongside crackers or fruit.
Notes
- You can substitute cranberry sauce with fig jam or honey for different flavor variations.
- Use a good-quality rustic bread loaf with a thick crust to hold the brie and toppings properly.
- Serve immediately while the cheese is still warm and melty for the best experience.
- If desired, add chopped pistachios on top for extra crunch and flavor, complementing the brie beautifully.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated before serving.
