Name: Garlic Baked Brie
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-488080H5M14S
Total time: PT-488080H5M14S
Cuisine: French-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 boule of bread (sourdough recommended); 2 heads of garlic; Olive oil; Fresh rosemary, thyme, and/or sage; ½ cup cranberry sauce; 1 wheel of brie; Drizzle of honey

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Garlic baked brie is the ultimate show-stopping appetizer that combines creamy, melty cheese with sweet cranberry sauce, rich garlic confit, and a golden sourdough bread bowl. Finished with honey and herbs, it’s a cozy, indulgent dish perfect for sharing at holidays, dinner parties, or any time you want to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked brie is more than just an appetizer—it’s an experience. The combination of roasted garlic confit, tangy cranberry sauce, creamy melted brie, and crusty sourdough bread makes every bite irresistible. The bread bowl doubles as both the serving vessel and part of the dish, making it interactive and fun for guests. It’s rustic, comforting, and surprisingly simple to make.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 boule of bread (sourdough recommended)
2 heads of garlic
Olive oil
Fresh rosemary, thyme, and/or sage
½ cup cranberry sauce
1 wheel of brie
Drizzle of honey

Directions

Peel the garlic cloves and place them in a small roasting dish or saucepan. Cover with olive oil and add herbs of choice. Cook gently on the stovetop over very low heat until cloves are tender, or in the oven at 250°F for 1–2 hours. (This step can be done in advance.)
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Slice the top quarter off the boule of bread. Optionally, cut shallow slices around the bread for pull-apart pieces.
Remove the rind from the top of the brie. Place brie on top of the bread and trace around it to cut a hole in the bread. Scoop out the inside and reserve for dipping.
Spread cranberry sauce in the bread bowl and top with half of the softened garlic cloves. Place the brie on top.
Brush the bread with garlic-infused olive oil, then scatter remaining garlic cloves on top of the brie. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with herbs.
Bake for 20–30 minutes, until the brie is melted and bubbly and the bread is golden.
Serve immediately and dig in with bread pieces or a knife for spreading.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6–8 as an appetizer
Prep time: 15 minutes (plus garlic confit cooking time)
Cook time: 20–30 minutes
Total time: 35–45 minutes (not including advance prep for garlic confit)

Variations

Swap cranberry sauce for fig jam, apricot preserves, or caramelized onions.
Add toasted nuts (like walnuts or pecans) on top for crunch.
Use a flavored brie (herbed or truffle) for extra richness.
Make it savory with sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and roasted peppers instead of sweet toppings.
Try with mini sourdough rolls for individual portions.

Storage/Reheating

Garlic baked brie is best eaten fresh out of the oven while warm and gooey. If you have leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through. The bread may lose some crispness, but the flavor will still be delicious.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the bread and garlic confit in advance. Assemble with brie and cranberry just before baking.

What type of bread works best?

Sourdough is ideal, but any sturdy round boule will work. Avoid softer breads that may collapse.

Do I have to make garlic confit?

No, but it adds incredible flavor. You can roast garlic cloves in the oven instead if preferred.

Can I use brie with the rind on?

Yes, the rind is edible. Removing just the top rind helps the cheese melt more evenly.

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, camembert or a soft triple cream cheese works well.

How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?

Bake uncovered to keep the bread crust crisp, and avoid adding too much cranberry sauce.

What can I serve with this baked brie?

Crackers, apple slices, or extra bread cubes make great dippers.

Can I add meat to this recipe?

Yes, prosciutto, bacon, or salami would pair beautifully.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, as long as your brie is made with vegetarian rennet.

Can I freeze garlic baked brie?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze garlic confit and bread separately and assemble fresh later.

Conclusion

Garlic baked brie is a rich and irresistible appetizer that combines creamy cheese, savory garlic, sweet cranberry, and crusty sourdough for the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, visually impressive, and perfect for gatherings where sharing good food is the centerpiece. Once you slice into the bubbling brie and pull apart the bread, you’ll see why this recipe is unforgettable.