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Garlic Butter Baked Brie in a Bread Bowl is my go-to party starter when I want something easy but show-stopping. That melty cheese surrounded by garlicky bread is guaranteed to disappear fast and it takes almost no time to prep. When friends show up unexpectedly or you need to impress at a potluck this whole thing comes together in under an hour and always brings rave reviews.
The first time I put this out at book club the whole thing was gone before the second chapter. Now my family asks for it every movie night and I never have leftovers.
Ingredients
- Butter: Adds rich flavor that makes every bite decadent Choose high-quality unsalted butter for best results
- Fresh Garlic: Delivers that signature robust kick Always mince fresh garlic cloves for a punchy taste
- Dried Italian Seasoning: Brings in herbaceous notes Look for a blend with oregano and basil as the first ingredients
- Sourdough Bread Round: Holds everything together with a chewy tanginess Pick a round with a crisp crust and soft insides
- Brie Cheese: This is the star of the show melting to perfection Go for a wheel with a creamy center and edible rind
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Melt the Butter:
- In a small microwave-safe bowl melt the butter on low power until just liquefied so you do not scorch it Whisk in the freshly minced garlic and dried herbs letting it infuse for a minute or two
- Prepare the Sourdough Bread:
- Using a serrated knife slice a half inch off the top of your bread round This creates a lid Save this piece for dipping later
- Hollow Out the Center:
- Place the brie on the cut open bread to trace its shape Carefully carve a circle just deep enough to fit the brie Remove the extra bread making sure not to poke through the crust
- Score the Bread Bowl:
- With the bread still intact score one inch wide slices all around the outer edge Cut down only to where you hollowed out the bread These slices will make it easy to pull and dip once baked
- Brush with Garlic Butter:
- Use a pastry brush to thoroughly coat the inside of the bread bowl and between each scored slice Make sure you get every crevice so every bite is loaded with flavor
- Assemble the Brie:
- Nestle the trimmed wheel of brie into the hollowed center Press it down gently and brush the brie top and the outside of your bread bowl with more garlic butter
- Prep the Dippers:
- Take the bread you removed and the top crust slicing them into bite-sized pieces Toss those in any remaining garlic butter Arrange these around the bread bowl on your baking sheet
- Bake Until Golden and Melty:
- Place everything on a rimmed baking sheet and bake at three fifty degrees for thirty minutes The goal is to melt the brie and toast the bread edges so they are crisp but not dry Peek at fifteen minutes and rotate if needed for even browning
- Serve Immediately:
- Transfer to a platter or just set the warm tray out Serve while the brie is gooey and the bread is steaming fresh
Pin
The brie is always my favorite part Creamy cheese and crispy bread made my childhood dinner parties feel special My dad would always ask for extra garlic butter on his pieces which I now do every single time
Storage Tips
Once baked this appetizer is best eaten warm from the oven If you have leftovers wrap tightly and store in the fridge Reheat covered with foil in a moderate oven to keep the bread from drying out You can also microwave single servings for a few seconds but the bread will lose its crisp
Ingredient Substitutions
Ciabatta or rustic Italian loaves work if you cannot find sourdough For the brie a camembert wheel melts similarly and offers a slightly earthier flavor You could also swap Italian seasoning for your favorite dried herbs such as rosemary and thyme If you need to be nut free always check your brie ingredients
Serving Suggestions
This dish makes a festive centerpiece for any cheese board Try surrounding it with roasted grapes apple slices or prosciutto curls For a picnic or casual party let guests pull the scored bread apart and dip themselves A drizzle of honey before serving takes the flavor up another notch
Cultural Context
Baked brie in bread draws from French country cooking where gooey cheese and rustic bread have starred for centuries The American twist is making it all-in-one and using a bold garlic butter bath which makes it feel lively and familiar at modern get-togethers
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
Brush an even layer of garlic butter inside the hollowed bread, then bake until the bread edges are toasted. This helps keep the interior crisp.
- → What type of brie should I use?
Use a standard 8-ounce wheel of brie, removing most of the rind for a creamier center and better melting inside the bread bowl.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Assemble up to the baking step and refrigerate. Bake just before serving so the bread stays crisp and the cheese is perfectly melted.
- → What bread works best for this dish?
Sourdough rounds with a sturdy crust hold up well while baking, providing a flavorful vessel for the melted cheese.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Wrap leftovers in foil and refrigerate. Reheat in a moderate oven for 10-15 minutes to revive the texture and warmth.