The Creamy Brie Bread Bowl with Garlic Herb Butter is an indulgent, crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines the rich, buttery flavor of brie with the warm, comforting textures of fresh bread and herb-infused butter. This dish is perfect for gatherings, holidays, or any time you want to wow your guests with a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth treat. Whether served as an appetizer or a centerpiece for a party platter, the creamy, gooey brie paired with a crunchy bread crust and fragrant garlic herb butter makes this dish irresistible. Best of all, it’s simple to prepare but yields gourmet results that will leave everyone asking for more.
Ingredients:
For the bread bowl:
– 1 large round loaf of sourdough bread or any crusty bread (about 8-10 inches in diameter)
– 1 wheel of brie cheese (8-12 oz, depending on the size of the bread bowl)
For the garlic herb butter:
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
– one tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
Optional toppings and dippers:
– Olive oil for brushing (optional)
– Assorted vegetables, crackers, or bread slices for dipping
– Nuts, such as chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, prepare your bread bowl. Take the loaf of sourdough or your chosen crusty bread and carefully slice off the top, about 1 inch from the top of the loaf. Set this piece aside, as it can be used for dipping later.
Step 2:
Use your hands or a spoon to hollow out the center of the bread loaf, leaving about 1-2 inches of bread along the edges. This will create your bread bowl. Be sure not to make the walls too thin, as they need to hold the weight of the melted brie and garlic herb butter. Keep the pieces of bread you’ve removed for dipping.
Step 3:
Take the wheel of brie and cut off the top rind, exposing the creamy interior. Place the brie into the hollowed-out bread bowl. If the brie wheel is too large, you can trim it slightly to fit. If it’s smaller, you can tuck the excess bread pieces into the bowl around the brie.
Step 4:
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Blend until all ingredients are evenly combined, creating a fragrant garlic herb butter.
Step 5:
Generously spread the garlic herb butter over the exposed brie and around the edges of the bread. Make sure to coat the inside of the bread bowl and any of the crust you want to infuse with that delicious flavor. You can also brush the outside of the bread with olive oil for extra crispness, although this is optional.
Step 6:
Place the bread bowl and the extra bread pieces onto a baking sheet. Cover the bread bowl loosely with foil to prevent the top from over-browning. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the brie is fully melted and gooey. If you want a crispier texture for the bread, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Step 7:
Once the brie is melted and the bread is golden, remove the bread bowl from the oven. Serve it immediately, surrounded by the reserved bread pieces, vegetables, or crackers for dipping.
Variation:
While the original recipe calls for brie, you can experiment with other soft cheeses such as Camembert or a triple cream cheese for an equally decadent option. You can also vary the herbs, using fresh oregano, basil, or even dill to tailor the flavor profile to your liking. For a more adventurous twist, consider adding sun-dried tomatoes, caramelized onions, or even a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze over the top before serving.
COOKING Note:
Make sure to choose a bread that’s crusty on the outside but still soft and airy inside, such as sourdough or French bread, to properly hold the melted brie. The garlic herb butter should be thoroughly mixed and softened, as this allows the flavors to penetrate both the cheese and the bread more effectively. When covering the bread bowl with foil, check on it halfway through the cooking time to ensure it doesn’t get too brown before the brie has fully melted.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the Creamy Brie Bread Bowl hot from the oven for the best experience. Surround it with an array of dippers like sliced apples, grapes, crudité, or even crackers for a diverse platter. You can also serve it alongside cured meats or a charcuterie board for a fuller spread. The extra bread cubes or crusts you removed from the bread bowl can be toasted lightly in the oven to create crunchy dippers.
Tips:
- – If you’re pressed for time, prepare the garlic herb butter a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
- – For extra flair, sprinkle a handful of chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) over the brie before baking to add texture.
- – Be sure to serve this appetizer warm to ensure that the brie stays soft and melty. If it starts to cool down and harden, you can briefly pop it back into the oven or a microwave to restore its creamy texture.
- – This dish can also be made on a grill. Simply wrap the bread bowl in foil and place it over indirect heat until the brie is melted.
- – When selecting a brie, try to choose one that’s creamy and has a soft rind for the best texture and flavor.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Note: These values are approximate and depend on serving size and additional ingredients used.
Calories: 350-450 calories per serving
Protein: 12-15 grams
Sodium: 450-550 mg
FAQs:
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: It’s best to bake this bread bowl fresh, but you can prepare all the components ahead of time. Hollow out the bread, prepare the garlic herb butter, and have the brie ready to go. When you’re ready to serve, simply assemble and bake.
Q: What other cheeses can I use besides brie?
A: You can substitute Camembert, triple cream cheese, or even a mix of mozzarella and cream cheese if you prefer a different flavor. Just make sure to use a cheese that melts smoothly.
Q: Can I add meat to this recipe?
A: Absolutely! You can add crispy bacon bits, pancetta, or even some sautéed mushrooms for an extra savory layer of flavor.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A: If you have leftovers, you can reheat the bread bowl in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese melts again. You may need to cover it with foil to avoid over-browning.
Conclusion:
The Creamy Brie Bread Bowl with Garlic Herb Butter is the perfect balance of comfort, elegance, and flavor. It’s a versatile dish that can be adapted with different herbs, cheeses, and dippers, making it a hit at any gathering or special occasion. The gooey, melty brie paired with the fragrant garlic herb butter and crusty bread is a combination that’s sure to satisfy any crowd. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer or a cozy snack, this bread bowl is an easy yet impressive dish to serve up. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a favorite at all your future events!
Print
Creamy Brie Bread Bowl with Garlic Herb Butter
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients:
For the bread bowl:
– 1 large round loaf of sourdough bread or any crusty bread (about 8-10 inches in diameter)
– 1 wheel of brie cheese (8-12 oz, depending on the size of the bread bowl)
For the garlic herb butter:
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
– one tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
Optional toppings and dippers:
– Olive oil for brushing (optional)
– Assorted vegetables, crackers, or bread slices for dipping
– Nuts, such as chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, prepare your bread bowl. Take the loaf of sourdough or your chosen crusty bread and carefully slice off the top, about 1 inch from the top of the loaf. Set this piece aside, as it can be used for dipping later.
Step 2:
Use your hands or a spoon to hollow out the center of the bread loaf, leaving about 1-2 inches of bread along the edges. This will create your bread bowl. Be sure not to make the walls too thin, as they need to hold the weight of the melted brie and garlic herb butter. Keep the pieces of bread you’ve removed for dipping.
Step 3:
Take the wheel of brie and cut off the top rind, exposing the creamy interior. Place the brie into the hollowed-out bread bowl. If the brie wheel is too large, you can trim it slightly to fit. If it’s smaller, you can tuck the excess bread pieces into the bowl around the brie.
Step 4:
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Blend until all ingredients are evenly combined, creating a fragrant garlic herb butter.
Step 5:
Generously spread the garlic herb butter over the exposed brie and around the edges of the bread. Make sure to coat the inside of the bread bowl and any of the crust you want to infuse with that delicious flavor. You can also brush the outside of the bread with olive oil for extra crispness, although this is optional.
Step 6:
Place the bread bowl and the extra bread pieces onto a baking sheet. Cover the bread bowl loosely with foil to prevent the top from over-browning. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the brie is fully melted and gooey. If you want a crispier texture for the bread, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Step 7:
Once the brie is melted and the bread is golden, remove the bread bowl from the oven. Serve it immediately, surrounded by the reserved bread pieces, vegetables, or crackers for dipping.
Notes
Make sure to choose a bread that’s crusty on the outside but still soft and airy inside, such as sourdough or French bread, to properly hold the melted brie. The garlic herb butter should be thoroughly mixed and softened, as this allows the flavors to penetrate both the cheese and the bread more effectively. When covering the bread bowl with foil, check on it halfway through the cooking time to ensure it doesn’t get too brown before the brie has fully melted.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 350-450 calories per serving
- Sodium: 450-550 mg
- Protein: 12-15 grams