If you are looking for a show-stopping appetizer that brings together creamy cheese, aromatic garlic butter, and crusty bread in one irresistible package, then this Garlic Butter Baked Brie in a Bread Bowl Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine pulling apart a warm, golden loaf to reveal soft, melted brie infused with fresh herbs and garlic butter—a perfect starter for any gathering that will have your guests asking for the recipe again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is wonderfully straightforward with a handful of fresh, quality ingredients that work beautifully together to create big flavors. Each component plays a vital role, from the rich brie that melts into gooey perfection to the aromatic herbs and garlic butter that elevate the bread bowl into a delightfully savory masterpiece.
- 1 round sourdough bread bowl (about 8 inches wide): A sturdy, crusty vessel that holds the melty brie and soaks up all the buttery goodness.
- 1 wheel of brie cheese (8 ounces): The star of the dish, creamy and mild, perfect for melting.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and a smooth texture when infused with garlic and herbs.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Brings aromatic warmth and depth without overpowering the cheese.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: Offers a fresh, grassy note and lively color to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme: Adds subtle earthiness and pairs perfectly with garlic and cheese.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the natural flavors beautifully.
- Pinch of black pepper: Adds a gentle hint of spice for balance.
- Optional: extra bread or crackers for serving: Perfect for scooping up every last bit of the melty brie.
How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Brie in a Bread Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread Bowl
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a serrated knife, carefully slice a circle from the top of the sourdough bread bowl and gently remove it. Next, hollow out enough of the bread inside to snugly fit the wheel of brie. This creates a cozy, edible container that will hold all the melted gooey goodness without any leaks.
Step 2: Add the Brie
Place your whole wheel of brie inside the hollowed-out bread bowl. The brie will melt down slowly as it bakes, becoming wonderfully creamy and luscious—this part is truly magical once it starts warming up in the oven.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and cook gently for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned—this step infuses the butter with a beautiful, mellow garlic flavor. Stir in your fresh parsley, thyme, salt, and black pepper to create an herbaceous and flavorful butter mixture.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Pour the warm garlic butter evenly over the brie and inside the bread bowl. Replace the bread top loosely on the bowl, then wrap the entire loaf tightly in aluminum foil. Place it on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and the top of the bread, then return to the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes until the brie is fully melted and bubbly on the surface.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Baked Brie in a Bread Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
To dress up your Garlic Butter Baked Brie in a Bread Bowl Recipe, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a light drizzle of honey can add a lovely sweet-spicy contrast. Fresh herb sprigs on top add a pretty, fresh touch and echo the flavors inside. The aesthetics and flavor boost make the dish feel extraordinary on any table.
Side Dishes
This appetizer pairs perfectly with a colorful charcuterie board, crisp apple slices, or a simple salad with a bright vinaigrette to balance the richness. Offering a selection of crackers and extra bread pieces invites everyone to dive in and enjoy scooping up the melty, buttery cheese.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, you can shape your sourdough bowl by scoring decorative patterns on its crust before baking. Alternatively, serve smaller individual portions by hollowing out mini round loaves and following the same method—perfect for intimate gatherings or fancy hors d’oeuvres.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, simply cover the bread bowl with plastic wrap or transfer any remaining brie and bread to airtight containers. It’s best to consume within 2 days for optimal freshness, as the bread tends to become chewy and the cheese firm with time.
Freezing
Freezing the whole baked bread bowl is not recommended, as the bread and cheese textures can degrade. However, you can freeze the garlic butter mixture separately in an ice cube tray for up to a month and use it fresh next time you bake brie.
Reheating
To reheat your Garlic Butter Baked Brie in a Bread Bowl Recipe leftovers, unwrap the bread bowl and place it in a warm oven (about 350°F / 175°C) for 10 minutes or until the cheese softens again. Avoid microwaving to keep the bread from becoming soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for the bread bowl?
While sourdough is ideal for its sturdiness and tangy flavor, you can experiment with other crusty round loaves like boule or rustic Italian bread. Avoid softer breads that won’t hold up well to the melted cheese and butter.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
You can try using vegan butter and a plant-based brie alternative, but keep in mind that melting properties and flavor will differ from traditional brie. The garlic butter infusion, however, can remain the same and still offer delicious notes.
How long should I bake the brie to get it perfectly melted?
Generally, baking wrapped for 20 minutes followed by an unwrapped session of 5 to 10 minutes at 375°F ensures the brie melts fully and the top gets nicely golden without overcooking.
Can I add additional toppings like nuts or fruit?
Absolutely! Toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans and fresh or dried fruits such as cranberries or figs complement the rich brie beautifully and add fantastic texture and sweetness.
What’s the best way to serve this at a party?
Place the bread bowl on a wooden board surrounded by crackers, sliced apples, and cured meats. Provide small knives and spreaders so guests can serve themselves easily while enjoying the warm, melty brie right from the bread bowl.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Garlic Butter Baked Brie in a Bread Bowl Recipe enough for anyone wanting a decadent, crowd-pleasing appetizer with minimal fuss. The combination of buttery garlic, fresh herbs, creamy cheese, and crusty bread simply works every time. Give it a try at your next gathering—your friends and family will thank you!
Print
Garlic Butter Baked Brie in a Bread Bowl Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm and savory appetizer featuring a wheel of creamy brie cheese baked in a hollowed sourdough bread bowl with garlic butter, fresh herbs, and savory spices. Perfect for holiday gatherings and easy entertaining, this garlic butter baked brie offers a melty, flavorful dip served right in the edible bread bowl.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 round sourdough bread bowl (about 8 inches wide)
- 1 wheel of brie cheese (8 ounces)
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Optional
- Extra bread or crackers for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the brie and bread bowl evenly.
- Prepare Bread Bowl: Using a serrated knife, carefully cut a circle from the top of the sourdough bread bowl and remove the top piece. Hollow out enough bread from inside to fit the brie snugly without gaps.
- Insert Brie: Place the whole 8-ounce wheel of brie cheese inside the hollowed bread bowl, positioning it so it fits comfortably.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in chopped parsley, thyme, salt, and black pepper to combine.
- Pour Garlic Butter: Pour the prepared garlic butter evenly over the brie cheese and into the hollowed bread bowl so it soaks the bread and flavors the cheese.
- Wrap and Bake First Stage: Replace the bread top loosely on the bowl, then wrap the entire bread bowl in aluminum foil to retain moisture. Place it on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Bake Uncovered for Melted Brie: Remove the foil, take off the bread top, and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the brie cheese is fully melted, soft, and bubbly.
- Serve Warm: Remove from oven and serve immediately with extra bread pieces or crackers for dipping into the melted garlic butter brie mixture.
Notes
- You can assemble the bread bowl and brie with garlic butter ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake, making it ideal for planning ahead.
- For extra flavor, consider sprinkling crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving or drizzling honey over the melted brie for a sweet contrast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
