Baked Brie and Cranberry Sauce in Sourdough: The Ultimate Holiday Appetizer

As the holidays approach, there’s a particular joy I find in welcoming family and friends to my kitchen. Food becomes the glue of gatherings, an invitation to share stories, laughter, and new memories. Each holiday season, I aim to create appetizers that not only impress but embody the warmth of the occasion. This year, I wanted something easy yet decadent, with flavors that evoke the holiday spirit. The result? Baked Brie and Cranberry Sauce nestled in a crusty sourdough bowl. It’s a showstopper, easy to pull together, and simply delicious.

Let me walk you through this holiday appetizer that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This appetizer combines the creamy richness of Brie with the tart sweetness of cranberry sauce, all embraced by the rustic charm of sourdough. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday gathering, as it’s a cozy yet refined dish that delights every guest. The melted Brie blends beautifully with the tangy cranberries, while the sourdough offers a crunchy, chewy contrast.

Ingredients List

Let’s gather everything we need for this delightful holiday appetizer:

• One round sourdough loaf (approximately 8-10 inches in diameter, homemade our bought fresh)
• 1 wheel of Brie cheese (about 8 ounces)
• 1 cup of cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• Olive oil

Tools You’ll Need

• Serrated knife – For slicing the top off the sourdough loaf.
• Small baking sheet or cast-iron skillet – For baking the sourdough.
• Foil – To cover the top if the sourdough browns too quickly.
• Serving platter or board – To present the dish in style!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Sourdough

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Using a serrated knife, cut a circle from the top of the sourdough loaf that matches the diameter of your Brie wheel. Make it about 1-2 inches deep so that the Brie and cranberry sauce will sit snugly inside.
3. Score the edges of the loaf by slicing the bread around the sides into 1-inch segments, without cutting all the way through. These will create “tearable” pieces after baking.
4. Place the prepared sourdough on a baking sheet, brush the top lightly with olive oil, and bake for 5-7 minutes to give it a slight crisp.

Assemble the Brie and Cranberry Filling

1. Take the sourdough loaf out of the oven.
2. Carefully trim the rind from the top and sides of the Brie wheel.
3. Nestle the Brie wheel into the hollowed-out sourdough.
4. Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the top of the Brie. 

Bake

1. Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the Brie is fully melted and the bread is golden and crisp. (Tip: If the bread browns too quickly, loosely cover the top with foil).
2. When the Brie is melted, and the cranberry sauce is bubbly, carefully remove the sourdough from the oven.

Serve

1. Place the baked sourdough Brie on a serving platter or board. Slice the top and surrounding bread into bite-sized pieces so guests can dip or spread the warm, melty Brie and cranberry sauce.

Creating this recipe brings back memories of my childhood, when the kitchen was filled with the smell of baking bread and spiced cranberry sauce. Every bite of this baked Brie appetizer is cozy and nostalgic for me, yet it’s also a fun twist on the traditional holiday fare.

When I created ModKitchn, I wanted to inspire people to celebrate these meaningful moments. My goal with this recipe is to make hosting easy, approachable, and memorable, with simple yet delightful dishes that make guests feel at home.

Baked Brie in sourdough has that beautiful, rustic presentation that’s bound to draw people in. And the best part? You don’t need to be a professional chef to make it. Just a handful of ingredients, a bit of assembly, and a short bake later, you’ll have something everyone loves.

Final Tips & Variations

Make It Sweeter: Add a sprinkle of brown sugar on top of the cranberry sauce for a caramelized touch.

Use Different Cheeses: Camembert works well in place of Brie if you want to experiment.

Garnish Creatively: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or pomegranate seeds add a festive look.

The holidays are a time to come together, and this Baked Brie and Cranberry Sauce in Sourdough is a perfect way to kick off any gathering. This is one I take to all the holiday potlucks and my family's Thanksgiving. It’s a recipe that celebrates simplicity, but the flavors are complex and rich. As friends and family gather around, let this dish be a centerpiece for connection, warmth, and joy. From my kitchen to yours, happy holidays!

Happy Baking!

Morgan with ModKitchn