Need to bring an appetizer this holiday season? Look no further…

This is so incredibly simple to make and it’s 100% a crowd pleaser. 

The garlic confit adds such a special touch and the cranberry sauce adds a tartness that perfectly compliments the richness. Topped with a drizzle of honey and some cozy herbs and you’re all set!

If you like this recipe you may also like:

Garlic Soup

Garlic Confit Pasta alla Vodka

How to make Garlic Baked Brie:

Let’s go step-by-step and dig into how to make this easy holiday appetizer!

Step One:

 Peel all of the garlic and place into either a small roasting pot or a small/medium saucepan. Cover completely with olive oil and throw in whatever herbs you like (I prefer rosemary, thyme or sage).

Step Two:

You can cook this over the stove on the lowest heat until cloves are tender but be mindful that you want it to simmer gently, not fry. You could also cook in the oven on 250 degrees, covered, for 1-2 hours (or until cloves are tender). Feel free to do this step the day before and store in the fridge until ready to use!

Step Three:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Step Four:

Cut the top quarter off of a boule of bread (I like using sourdough!) Option to cut slices around the bread (don’t cut all the way down) so that you have some pull apart pieces at the end. 

Step Five:

Remove the rind from the top of the brie and then set the brie on top of the bread and cut around the brie to make a circle in the bread. Remove the inside of the bread and feel free to cube up and toast for extra dipping pieces at the end.

Step Six:

Inside the bread bowl, add some cranberry sauce and spread evenly. Add half of the softened garlic cloves and then place the brie on top. Brush some of the olive oil from the garlic confit over the top of the bread and then add the remaining garlic confit cloves on top of the brie. Drizzle with honey, top with chopped rosemary and thyme and place in the oven for 20-30 minutes (or until golden and bubbly).

Step Seven:

Serve and eat right away! Slice into it, pull it apart, just get in there. 

Making Ahead of time:

1. Garlic Confit: Can be made a few days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavor intensifies over time.
2. Prepping the Bread and Cheese: You can prepare the bread bowl and trim the brie up to a day ahead, keeping it wrapped in the refrigerator.

Bringing to a Dinner Party?

1. Transporting:
   • If you’re preparing this for a dinner party, partially cook the dish at home (about 15-20 minutes).
   • Let it cool slightly and then cover it carefully with aluminum foil.
   • Transport it in a container that keeps it stable, to avoid the bread from tipping over.
2. Reheating Instructions:
   • Once you arrive at the dinner party, preheat the oven to 350°F.
   • Remove the foil and finish baking the dish for the remaining 10-15 minutes until it’s fully heated and the cheese is bubblyyyyy

If you end up trying this recipe out, please tag me @britacooks on social media so I can see your lovely creations!