Garlic Butter Baked Brie in a Bread Bowl: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer

Delight your dinner guests and elevate any gathering with the irresistibly indulgent Garlic Butter Baked Brie in a Bread Bowl. This show-stopping appetizer is not only incredibly easy to prepare but also promises a symphony of flavors and textures that everyone will rave about. Imagine warm, gooey brie cheese infused with aromatic garlic butter, all nestled within a toasted, tear-apart sourdough bread bowl. It’s the perfect centerpiece for your next party, holiday feast, or a cozy night in, offering a sophisticated yet utterly comforting culinary experience.

An Unforgettable Appetizer Experience

Prepare to amaze with an appetizer that goes far beyond the ordinary. Our Garlic Butter Baked Brie in a Bread Bowl combines the luxurious creaminess of brie, brushed with a savory, seasoned garlic butter, all baked to perfection inside a rustic sourdough loaf. The result? A truly sensational dish that is both indulgent and surprisingly effortless to create. It’s a culinary masterpiece that will leave your guests reaching for more, making it an instant favorite for any occasion.

Effortless Elegance: Easy & Impressive

While I could happily enjoy this melted brie straight from the serving plate myself, its true magic shines when entertaining. This easy appetizer is a testament to simple ingredients coming together to create something profoundly savory and inviting. The bread chunks, carved from the sourdough loaf, bake up with a delightfully crisp exterior and a wonderfully soft interior, perfect for scooping. The brie cheese melts into a warm, creamy pool, ready to envelop each piece of bread in a heavenly embrace. Every dip is a moment of pure bliss, turning a simple gathering into a gourmet affair with minimal fuss.

The Essential Ingredients for Perfect Baked Brie

Creating this magnificent appetizer requires just a handful of quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred to control the overall saltiness. It’s the base for our irresistible garlic butter.
• Garlic, minced: Freshly minced garlic is key to a vibrant, aromatic garlic butter. Avoid pre-minced garlic for the best flavor.
• Dried Italian seasoning: This blend typically includes herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, adding a complex herbaceous note.
• Round of sourdough bread: A sturdy, crusty round loaf is essential. Sourdough not only offers a fantastic texture once baked but also a tangy flavor that complements the richness of the brie.
• Wheel of brie cheese: Opt for a good quality 8-ounce (or larger, depending on your bread size) wheel of brie. Its creamy, buttery texture and mild flavor are perfect for baking.
• Baking sheet: A rimmed baking sheet will catch any potential drips and ensure even baking.
• Serrated bread knife: Crucial for cutting the bread precisely without squishing it.

How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Brie in a Bread Bowl: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these detailed instructions to create your own magnificent Garlic Butter Baked Brie in a Bread Bowl. Precision and a little patience will ensure a perfect outcome every time.

• Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a rimmed baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents any melted cheese or butter from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Step 2: Craft the Garlic Butter. In a small, microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the finely minced garlic and dried Italian seasoning until well combined. Set this fragrant mixture aside; it’s the heart of our flavor.
• Step 3: Prepare the Brie. Carefully trim most of the white rind off the wheel of brie. While some people prefer to leave it on, removing it allows the cheese to melt more smoothly and makes for a creamier, easier-to-dip experience. Don’t worry if a little rind remains; it won’t affect the taste or texture significantly.
• Step 4: Ready the Bread Bowl. Using your serrated bread knife, slice about ½-inch off the very top of your sourdough loaf. This top piece will be cut into dippers later.
• Step 5: Create the Brie Cavity. Place the prepared wheel of brie on top of the bread where you’ve removed the cap. Using the brie as a guide, carefully cut a circle around it and down into the bread with your serrated knife. Be mindful not to cut all the way through the bottom of the loaf.

• Step 6: Hollow Out the Bread. Gently remove enough of the inside bread (the piece you cut out in Step 5) so that the brie wheel will fit snugly down into the hollowed-out center. Reserve this removed bread for dipping.
• Step 7: Score the Bread for Dipping. With the serrated knife, cut 1-inch slices all around the outside perimeter of the bread bowl, stopping where the hollowed-out center ends. Again, do not cut all the way through the bottom. These cuts will create natural “dippers” that can be easily pulled apart after baking.
• Step 8: Brush with Garlic Butter. Generously brush the emptied inside of the bread bowl and in between each 1-inch slice with your prepared garlic butter. This infuses the bread with incredible flavor and helps it toast beautifully.
• Step 9: Position the Brie and Final Buttering. Carefully place the wheel of brie down into the emptied bread bowl. Brush the top of the brie with some of the remaining garlic butter. Also, brush the outside of the bread bowl generously with any remaining garlic butter to ensure a golden, flavorful crust.
• Step 10: Prepare the Dippers. Take the bread that was sliced off the top and hollowed out from the center of the bread bowl. Slice these pieces into bite-sized chunks. Brush or dip these bread pieces into any last bit of remaining garlic butter. Arrange these prepared bread pieces around the bread bowl on the baking sheet.

• Step 11: Bake to Perfection. Place the baking sheet in the middle rack of your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the bread bowl is beautifully toasted golden brown and the brie cheese is completely melted and bubbly. The aroma filling your kitchen will be your delicious reward!

Serving & Storage Tips for Your Baked Brie

To fully enjoy the creamy goodness and crispy bread, serve your Garlic Butter Baked Brie in a Bread Bowl immediately after taking it out of the oven, while the cheese is still wonderfully melty and the bread is warm and fragrant.

Should you have any leftovers (a rare occurrence!), store them in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. When reheating, place the bread bowl (covered with foil to prevent the bread from burning) in an oven preheated to 325°F (160°C) until the cheese is melted through and warmed. This method helps maintain the bread’s texture better than a microwave.

Expert Tips & Delicious Variations

Make this Garlic Butter Baked Brie in a Bread Bowl truly your own with these helpful tips and creative variations:

• Elevate the Flavor: Beyond Italian seasoning, consider adding fresh rosemary or thyme to your garlic butter for an earthy aroma. A pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce a subtle warmth.
• Sweet & Savory Twist: Before baking, drizzle a tablespoon of honey or fig jam over the brie for a delightful sweet and savory combination. A sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts adds a textural crunch.
• Alternative Cheeses: While brie is traditional, a wheel of Camembert offers a similar creamy texture with a slightly stronger flavor. For a bolder taste, a robust goat cheese or a blend of brie and goat cheese can be used. Ensure any alternative cheese melts well.
• Bread Choices: While sourdough is highly recommended for its structure and flavor, other crusty round loaves like ciabatta or a good quality artisan white bread can also work. Avoid soft bread types that might become soggy.
• Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare the garlic butter and trim the brie a day in advance. Store the butter in the fridge (it will solidify, just gently re-melt before use) and the brie wrapped tightly. Hollow out the bread and score it just before baking for the freshest results.
• Serving Enhancements: Alongside the garlic-buttered bread dippers, consider serving apple slices, pear slices, grapes, or various crackers. Fresh vegetable sticks like carrots and celery also offer a refreshing contrast.
• Pairing Suggestions: This decadent appetizer pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, or a light-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling cider or a refreshing iced tea are excellent choices.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Brie

To ensure your success, here are answers to some common questions about making Garlic Butter Baked Brie in a Bread Bowl:

• Do I have to remove the rind from the brie? While not strictly necessary (the rind is edible), removing most of it allows the brie to melt into a smoother, creamier consistency, making it easier and more pleasant to scoop. If you prefer a slightly earthier flavor, you can leave a thin layer.
• Can I use a different type of bread? Yes, you can. However, a sturdy, round, crusty loaf like sourdough is highly recommended. It holds its shape well during baking and provides a delightful texture. Baguettes or softer loaves might not create the ideal “bowl” or may become too soggy.
• What if I don’t have Italian seasoning? No problem! You can create your own blend using individual dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and a pinch of rosemary. Adjust the proportions to your taste. Even just garlic and butter will be delicious!
• How do I know when the brie is perfectly melted? The brie is done when it’s visibly soft and gooey, often bubbling slightly, and the top has a slight sheen. The bread bowl itself should be golden brown and toasted around the edges. A quick check with a small spoon can confirm its melty consistency.
• Can I add other ingredients to the brie before baking? Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. You can add a layer of fig jam, apricot preserves, honey, chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans), or even a few cranberries on top of the brie before baking for extra flavor and texture.

If you make this Garlic Butter Baked Brie in a Bread Bowl and post a pic to social, be sure to tag us on Instagram @thebakermama so we can see! We just love seeing how inspired and creative y’all get with the ideas we share. Enjoy!

xoxo,

Print Recipe

Garlic Butter Baked Brie in a Bread Bowl

Author: The BakerMama

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Yield: 8-10 servings

Description

Delight your dinner guests with Garlic Butter Baked Brie in a Bread Bowl. It’s an easy, appealing, and indulgent appetizer everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 pound round of sourdough bread
• 1 (8 ounce) wheel of brie cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a rimmed baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Whisk in the garlic and dried Italian seasoning. Set aside.
3. Carefully trim the rind off of the wheel of brie so that most of it is removed. It’s okay if some of it is still intact.
4. Slice about ½-inch off of the top of the bread bowl.
5. Place the wheel of brie on top of the bread and use a serrated knife to cut a circle around the brie and down into the bread.
6. Remove enough of the inside of the bread so that the wheel of brie will fit nicely down into it.
7. Use the serrated knife to cut 1-inch slices all around the outside of the bread down to where the hollowed-out center stops.
8. Brush the emptied inside and in between each 1-inch slice with the garlic butter.
9. Place the wheel of brie down into the emptied bread bowl. Brush the top of the brie with some of the remaining garlic butter as well as all around the outside of the bread bowl.
10. Slice the remaining bread that was on top and hollowed out of the bread bowl into bite-size pieces and brush or dip the bread pieces into any remaining garlic butter. Arrange the bread pieces around the bread bowl on the baking sheet.
11. Bake in the middle rack of the oven for about 30 minutes or until the bread bowl is toasted and the brie is melted.
12. Serve immediately while the cheese is melty and bread is warm.