Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Bread Bowl

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the large rustic bread loaf and cut the top off, forming a “lid.” Set the lid aside as it will be used later. With a sharp knife, carefully hollow out the center of the bread, creating a cavity deep enough to hold the brie. Make sure to leave about an inch of bread on the sides and bottom to support the brie without leaking. Set aside the bread chunks you remove, as they can be toasted later and served alongside the finished dish.

Step 2: Prep the Brie and Cranberries

Take the brie wheel and carefully slice off the top rind. This will allow the brie to melt and become extra creamy. Place the brie into the hollowed-out bread bowl. Sprinkle the dried cranberries evenly on top of the brie. For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle the brie and cranberries with honey, if using. Honey adds a subtle sweetness that complements the tartness of the cranberries.

Step 3: Add the Fresh Thyme and Seasoning

Strip the leaves off two or three sprigs of fresh thyme and scatter them over the brie and cranberries. Thyme brings a fragrant, earthy note that balances the richness of the brie. Next, drizzle the olive oil over the top, and season with a pinch of sea salt and cracked black pepper. These simple seasonings will enhance the overall flavor profile without overpowering the dish.

Step 4: Bake the Bread Bowl

Place the bread bowl (with the brie, cranberries, and thyme) on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the brie is fully melted and the bread is golden and crisp. Keep an eye on it to prevent the bread from burning. You want the bread to have a nice crusty exterior while remaining soft and chewy inside. During the last five minutes, you can add the bread pieces you removed earlier to the oven to toast them lightly.

Step 5: Serve

Once the brie is melted and the bread is golden, remove the bread bowl from the oven. Let it cool slightly for a few minutes before serving. Place the bread lid back on top for presentation, or serve it alongside the bread bowl. Garnish with additional fresh thyme if desired. Serve with the toasted bread pieces or extra crackers for dipping.