Name: Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed with Brie & Cranberry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 round loaf sourdough bread; 8 oz brie cheese, cubed; 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped; 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and pepper, to taste

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Have you ever tasted something that was crunchy, gooey, sweet, and savory all in one bite? That might sound too good to be true—but that’s exactly what this Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed with Brie & Cranberry delivers! It might just become your favorite new holiday or party appetizer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just any stuffed bread. It’s crispy on the outside, soft and gooey on the inside, and bursting with flavor from creamy brie cheese, tangy cranberries, fresh garlic, and herby butter. It’s:

Perfect for holidays or any get-together
Easy to make with simple steps
Ready in under an hour
A total crowd-pleaser!

Time Requirement: Around 45 minutes total Skill Level: Easy

Essential Ingredients and Why They Matter

Here’s what you need to bring this delicious dish to life:

Sourdough Bread (1 round loaf): The star! Its crusty exterior and chewy texture make it ideal for stuffing.
Brie Cheese (8 oz): Melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Brie is mild, creamy, and pairs perfectly with sweet and savory flavors.
Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce (1/2 cup): Adds a pop of color and sweet-tart flavor that complements the brie.
Unsalted Butter (1/4 cup): Helps create that crispy, golden finish.
Fresh Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Brings bold flavor and aroma.
Fresh Herbs (1 tbsp each rosemary, thyme, and parsley): Adds color and herby freshness. You can substitute with dried herbs if needed.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Enhances the overall flavor.

Optional Swaps:

Try camembert instead of brie for a stronger cheese.
Use fig jam or cherry preserves in place of cranberry sauce.
Swap sourdough with ciabatta or French boule.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.

Step 2: Cut the Bread

Using a sharp bread knife, cut the sourdough loaf in a crisscross pattern, making sure not to cut all the way through. You want the bottom to stay intact.
Think of it like creating lots of little pockets for that delicious filling.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Herb Butter

In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter.
Stir in the minced garlic and chopped herbs. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 4: Stuff the Bread

Use your fingers or a spoon to gently pry open the bread cuts.
Tuck chunks of brie cheese deep into the crevices.
Spoon cranberry sauce in between the cheese pieces.
Drizzle or brush the garlic herb butter all over, letting it soak into the bread.

Step 5: Bake

Wrap the whole loaf loosely in foil.
Bake for 20 minutes to let everything get melty.
Then, open the foil and bake uncovered for 10-15 more minutes, until golden and crispy.

Assembling and Serving Tips

Once your bread is out of the oven:

Sprinkle a little fresh parsley on top for color.
Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve it whole and let guests pull apart the cheesy, gooey pieces.

Presentation Tip:

Place it on a wooden cutting board surrounded by grapes, nuts, or more herbs for a festive look.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

To store leftovers:

Wrap tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm and gooey again.

To make ahead:

You can prep the bread (cut, stuff, and drizzle with butter) a day ahead.
Wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Creative Recipe Variations

Want to mix things up?

Apple & Cheddar: Replace cranberry and brie with apple slices and sharp cheddar.
Pesto Mozzarella: Use pesto instead of herbs and mozzarella instead of brie.
Bacon Jam & Goat Cheese: For a smoky, tangy twist.

Conclusion

Don’t you love when something easy feels fancy? This Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed with Brie & Cranberry is a beautiful, cozy treat that’s perfect for holidays, family dinners, or just because. It’s fun to make, super tasty, and sure to impress.

Try it once, and you might find yourself making it again and again. Get creative, make it your own, and most importantly—enjoy every bite!

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of bread?
A: Yes! French bread or ciabatta works well too. Just make sure it has a thick crust.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat it?
A: Wrap it in foil and heat at 350°F until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can get soggy.

Q: Is this recipe healthy?
A: It’s a treat, but brie has calcium, and cranberries are packed with antioxidants. Use whole grain bread and go light on the butter for a healthier twist.

Q: Can I freeze it?
A: It’s best fresh, but you can freeze the prepped (unbaked) loaf for up to 1 month. Bake straight from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes.