Baked Brie Cob Cranberry: Irresistible Holiday Appetizer

Name: Baked Brie Cob Cranberry: Irresistible Holiday Appetizer
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large round cob loaf (sourdough or crusty white bread); 1 wheel of brie cheese (about 7–8 oz); 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought); 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or rosemary); Salt and pepper to taste; Optional garnish: extra herbs, toasted nuts, honey drizzle, or pomegranate seeds

by basmer

9 de November de 2025

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Baked Brie Cob Cranberry has become my absolute go-to for holiday gatherings, and I bet it will be yours too! I first stumbled upon this incredible cranberry baked brie recipe when I was looking for a show-stopping appetizer that was still easy to manage during the busy holiday season. The moment I pulled it from the oven – the smell of warm, toasty bread mingled with sweet cranberries and rich brie – I knew I’d found a winner. It’s a delicious, gooey, and utterly irresistible dish that makes everyone feel special. Learning how to make baked brie cobbler cranberry was a game-changer for my entertaining. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Baked Brie Cob Cranberry

An incredibly decadent taste experience with creamy, melted brie and tangy cranberries.
Shockingly quick to prepare, making it perfect for last-minute entertaining.
This easy baked brie cranberry cob is surprisingly budget-friendly for such a festive dish.
It’s a fantastic vegetarian appetizer that appeals to almost everyone.
The visual appeal is stunning, making it a guaranteed conversation starter at any party.
This easy baked brie cranberry cob is a true crowd-pleaser for all ages.
It’s a hearty and satisfying appetizer that can almost act as a light meal.
Warms up beautifully, making it ideal for buffet-style holiday gatherings.

Ingredients for Baked Brie Cob Cranberry

Gathering these few ingredients is all it takes to create this stunning cranberry brie baked dish. The star, of course, is the wheel of brie, which melts into pure creamy bliss. I love using a good quality, 7–8 oz wheel for the perfect melt. For that festive tang, a cup of cranberry sauce, whether homemade or your favorite store-bought kind, cuts through the richness beautifully. The cob loaf, ideally a crusty sourdough or white bread, acts as the edible vessel, and we’ll tear some of its insides into bite-sized pieces for dipping. Don’t forget the melted butter mixed with garlic powder for brushing, and a pinch of fresh thyme or rosemary to add an aromatic touch. A little salt and pepper to taste, and you’re ready to assemble this delightful appetizer.

1 large round cob loaf (sourdough or crusty white bread) – choose a sturdy loaf that can hold the melted cheese
1 wheel of brie cheese (about 7–8 oz) – let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking for even melting
1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought) – provides a sweet and tart contrast to the rich brie
2 tablespoons butter, melted – for brushing the bread to get it golden and crisp
1 teaspoon garlic powder – adds a subtle savory note
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or rosemary) – for an aromatic herbaceous element
Salt and pepper to taste – to enhance all the flavors
Optional garnish: extra herbs, toasted nuts, honey drizzle, or pomegranate seeds – for added texture and visual appeal

How to Make Baked Brie Cob Cranberry

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper. This ensures the bread toasts evenly and prevents any cheesy mishaps.
Step 2: Prepare the cob loaf. Carefully cut off the top of the round cob loaf and set it aside – this will be your lid. Then, gently hollow out a circular section in the center of the bread, making sure it’s just large enough to snugly fit your wheel of brie. Tear the removed bread from the center into bite-sized pieces; these will become your delicious dippers.
Step 3: Assemble the cheesy goodness. Place the brie wheel directly into the hollowed-out center of the loaf. Spoon the cranberry sauce generously over the top of the brie, spreading it evenly to create a beautiful, festive layer. Sprinkle with fresh thyme (or rosemary), a pinch of salt, and some pepper to enhance all those wonderful flavors.
Step 4: Get ready for that golden crunch. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter and garlic powder. Brush this mixture all over the inside of the cob loaf and, importantly, coat the torn bread pieces. Arrange these buttered bread pieces around the loaf on the prepared baking tray. Learning how to bake brie with cranberry cobbler is all about creating that perfect textured bite.
Step 5: Time to bake! Pop the tray into the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. You’re looking for the bread to turn a beautiful golden brown and, most importantly, for the brie to become wonderfully melted and gooey. The aroma filling your kitchen at this stage is truly irresistible. This step is crucial for how to bake brie with cranberry cobbler successfully.
Step 6: Serve it up hot! Once baked to perfection, carefully transfer the entire cob loaf onto a serving board. Arrange the toasted bread pieces around it, ready for dipping. Serve this masterpiece immediately while the cheese is at its meltiest and most irresistible. Garnish with extra herbs, toasted nuts, a drizzle of honey, or some vibrant pomegranate seeds if you like. This is the ultimate way to enjoy your baked brie cranberry cobbler.

Pro Tips for the Best Baked Brie Cob Cranberry

To elevate your baked brie cranberry cobbler from good to absolutely unforgettable, I’ve picked up a few tricks. These tips ensure that perfect gooey center and golden crust every time.

Always let your brie come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking. This helps it melt evenly and prevents the bread from over-baking while waiting for the cheese to soften.
Don’t overbake! You want the brie to be molten and creamy, not oily. Keep an eye on it in the last few minutes of baking.
Choose a sturdy cob loaf or a dense sourdough. This is crucial to ensure the bread can hold its shape and support the gooey, melted cheese without collapsing.
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts on top of the cranberry sauce before baking.

What’s the secret to perfect Baked Brie Cob Cranberry?

The real secret to a perfect baked brie cranberry crumble is the balance of textures and temperatures. Letting the brie soften slightly beforehand ensures it melts beautifully, while the garlic butter brushed bread bakes up perfectly crisp for dipping. For more easy appetizer ideas, check out our latest recipes.

Can I make Baked Brie Cob Cranberry ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble this dish a few hours ahead of time. Hollow out the bread, place the brie and cranberry sauce inside, and brush the bread pieces with butter. Cover and refrigerate. Just before baking, let it sit out for about 20 minutes and then bake as usual, potentially adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Baked Brie Cob Cranberry?

The most common pitfall is using a bread that’s too soft, which can become soggy. Always opt for a crusty loaf. Another mistake is overbaking, which can make the brie oily. Watch it closely towards the end of the baking time. Understanding the science behind baking can help prevent these issues.

Best Ways to Serve Baked Brie Cob Cranberry

This festive Baked Brie Cob Cranberry is incredibly versatile and makes a stunning centerpiece for any gathering. Serve it warm, directly from the oven, with the toasted bread pieces arranged artfully around the gooey brie. It’s fantastic on its own, but consider pairing it with a crisp white wine or a sparkling cider. For a more elaborate spread, think about complementary sides like a charcuterie board, some spiced nuts, or even a simple green salad to balance the richness. If you’re looking for something a little different, imagine a brie cranberry baked puff pastry appetizer as a lighter alternative, though this cobbler offers a more substantial, comforting experience. You can find more easy meat recipes for other gatherings.

Nutrition Facts for Baked Brie Cob Cranberry

This delightful baked brie cranberry cobbler is a treat for the holidays! Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving, which includes the bread pieces for dipping.

Calories: 380
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Protein: 14g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 480mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on healthy eating, consult resources like the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

How to Store and Reheat Baked Brie Cob Cranberry

Even though this baked brie cranberry cobbler is best enjoyed fresh, you might end up with some delicious leftover cranberry brie bread. Don’t worry, it stores and reheats beautifully! Once the cob and bread pieces have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you need to store it for longer, you can freeze the cooled leftovers. Wrap the cob and bread pieces securely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat, simply unwrap the cooled leftovers and place them on a baking sheet. For the best results, reheat in a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 10–15 minutes, or until the brie is gooey and the bread is warmed through. You can also reheat individual pieces in a toaster oven or even a microwave for a quicker option, though the bread might be softer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Brie Cob Cranberry

What is the best type of bread to use for a baked brie cobbler cranberry dish?

For the best results with your homemade baked brie cobbler cranberry, I highly recommend using a sturdy, crusty loaf like sourdough or a rustic French bread. These types of bread have a firm crust that holds its shape well and a chewy interior that toasts up perfectly for dipping. Avoid softer breads, as they can become too soggy under the melted cheese.

Can I add other toppings to my baked brie cranberry cobbler?

Absolutely! While the cranberry sauce is classic, feel free to get creative. You could add a layer of fig jam under the cranberry sauce for extra sweetness, sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts over the cranberries before baking for a nutty crunch, or even drizzle a little honey or maple syrup over the top after it comes out of the oven.

How do I ensure the brie is perfectly melted and not burnt?

The key is to let your brie sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking. This helps it soften evenly. Also, keep an eye on it during the last 5-10 minutes of baking. You want the brie to be molten and gooey, but not to the point where it starts to separate or become oily. The bread should be golden brown, and the cheese should be oozing.

Is this a good make-ahead appetizer?

You can prepare most of this dish ahead of time. Hollow out the bread, place the brie and cranberry sauce inside, and brush the bread pieces with butter. Cover the assembled cob and bread pieces separately and refrigerate them for up to 4 hours. Before baking, let them sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes and then proceed with baking, possibly adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Variations of Baked Brie Cob Cranberry You Can Try

While this classic baked brie cobbler cranberry is incredible, don’t be afraid to experiment! For a delightful twist, try a sweet baked brie cranberry tart by using puff pastry instead of a cob loaf. Simply wrap a brie wheel in puff pastry, top with cranberry sauce, and bake until golden. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, explore using a plant-based brie alternative and dairy-free butter for brushing. For a savory kick, consider adding a layer of caramelized onions or a sprinkle of chopped rosemary before the cranberry sauce. You can also try different fruits like a cranberry-apple or cranberry-pear mixture for a seasonal flavor profile.

Puff Pastry Alternative: For a lighter, flakier experience that resembles a sweet baked brie cranberry tart, use store-bought puff pastry. Wrap a brie wheel in the pastry, score the top, add your cranberry sauce, and bake until golden and puffed.
Savory Additions: Enhance the savory notes by adding a layer of caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme before topping with the cranberry sauce.
Fruit Combinations: Mix things up by combining cranberries with other fruits. A cranberry-apple or cranberry-pear compote makes for a wonderfully seasonal variation.
Dietary Adaptations: Explore plant-based brie alternatives and dairy-free butter to create a delicious vegan version of this beloved appetizer.