Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed with Brie and Cranberry Sauce

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Sourdough Bread

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the bread: Place the sourdough loaf on a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, cut the bread into a grid pattern, making horizontal and vertical cuts about 1-2 inches apart, but be careful not to cut all the way through to the bottom of the loaf—leave about 1 inch uncut at the base. This will help hold the stuffing in place without it falling out.
3. Place the loaf on a baking sheet: Once the bread is cut, place it on a parchment-lined or greased baking sheet to prepare it for stuffing.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Herb Mixture

1. Heat the olive oil: In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant and golden, but not burnt.
2. Add the herbs: Once the garlic is sautéed, stir in the fresh rosemary and thyme. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then remove from the heat.
3. Set the mixture aside: Let the garlic herb mixture cool slightly before moving to the next step.

Step 3: Stuff the Bread with Brie and Cranberry Sauce

1. Stuff with brie: Carefully tuck pieces of brie cheese into the cuts of the sourdough loaf. Try to place the brie pieces evenly across the bread to ensure every bite has a good amount of gooey cheese.
2. Add cranberry sauce: Spoon the cranberry sauce into the gaps between the pieces of brie. The sweetness and tartness of the cranberry sauce will complement the creamy brie perfectly.
3. Drizzle with garlic herb oil: Use a spoon or small brush to drizzle the garlic herb mixture over the stuffed loaf, making sure the oil seeps into the cuts and coats the brie and cranberry sauce.

Step 4: Bake the Bread

1. Wrap the bread: To ensure that the bread stays moist and gets beautifully crisp on the outside, cover the stuffed loaf loosely with aluminum foil.
2. Bake: Place the wrapped loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The bread should be crispy on the outside, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly inside.
3. Unwrap and finish baking: After 20-25 minutes, remove the foil and bake the bread for another 5-10 minutes until the top is golden and the cheese is fully melted and oozing from the cracks.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Garnish: Once the bread is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
2. Serve: Slice the bread into wedges, making sure each piece gets a good amount of the delicious brie and cranberry stuffing. Serve immediately as an appetizer, side dish, or snack.

Tips for Success:

• Customize with other cheeses: While brie is a perfect choice for this recipe due to its creamy texture, you can also use other soft cheeses like camembert or goat cheese for a different twist.
• Use homemade cranberry sauce: For an extra touch of flavor, try using homemade cranberry sauce. You can easily make it by simmering fresh cranberries with sugar, orange juice, and a touch of cinnamon.
• Add a little extra flavor: For an added flavor kick, try sprinkling some crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of honey over the top of the stuffed bread before serving.
• Serve warm: This dish is best enjoyed right out of the oven when the cheese is melty and gooey. It’s ideal for dipping, so don’t forget to have extra napkins on hand!

Final Thoughts

Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed with Brie and Cranberry Sauce is the ultimate combination of savory and sweet, crunchy and creamy. The garlic herbs infuse the bread with flavor while the brie melts into the bread, creating an irresistible, gooey filling. The cranberry sauce adds a touch of tart sweetness that balances the richness of the cheese, making this dish an absolute crowd favorite. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday dinner, a casual get-together, or as a cozy snack, this stuffed bread is guaranteed to impress and satisfy everyone at the table. Enjoy!