Baked Brie in Sourdough Bread Bowl Recipe

If you’re looking to wow your guests with something both cozy and impressive, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Baked Brie in Sourdough Bread Bowl Recipe is seriously one of my favorite appetizers to make when friends drop by or during holiday gatherings. It’s creamy, melty brie tucked inside a crusty sourdough bread bowl, topped with sweet fig preserves—utterly irresistible and ridiculously easy to pull together. I promise, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to for entertaining or just treating yourself on a chilly night.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic is in the simplicity here: just a few quality ingredients that come together to create something really special. The sourdough bread bowl is sturdy enough to hold the melty cheese, while the fig preserves add this sweet, fruity balance that complements the richness beautifully.

• Sourdough Bread Loaf: Choose a round loaf with a firm crust for the perfect bread bowl that won’t get soggy too fast.
• Brie Cheese: Get a nice 8-ounce wheel, preferably at room temperature so it melts evenly when baking.
• Fig Preserves: This adds a fantastic sweet contrast; if fresh figs are in season, they’re a great garnish too.
• Fresh Figs and Rosemary Sprigs: Optional, but I love how they add elegance and a pop of color when serving.
• Olive Oil: A brush over the bread edges enhances browning and adds richness.

Variations

I love to switch this up depending on the season or what I have in my pantry. You can easily personalize the fig preserves with your favorite jams or even mix in some nuts or spices into the brie for extra flavor. Don’t be shy—this recipe is friendly to creativity!

• Nutty Addition: I once sprinkled chopped toasted walnuts on top of the preserves for an amazing crunch and earthy flavor that my family went crazy for.
• Seasonal Jam Swap: In spring, peach preserves or apricot jam work beautifully instead of fig.
• Herb Infusion: Adding fresh thyme or sage inside the brie before baking adds a fragrant touch I adore.
• Spicy Kick: A drizzle of honey mixed with a pinch of cayenne can turn this into a sweet-spicy sensation.

How to Make Baked Brie in Sourdough Bread Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Hollow Out Your Bread Bowl

Start by placing your brie wheel on top of the sourdough and use a sharp knife to trace around it. This ensures the bread cavity perfectly fits your cheese. Carefully cut inside the circle and scoop out enough crumb to nestle the brie snugly. Don’t remove too much bread—you want a solid wall so the cheese doesn’t leak out while melting.

Step 2: Prep the Bread for Baking

Cut 1-inch slices around the circle—these little cuts help the bread get beautifully toasted and ready for dipping later. Brush the top and edges of the bread with olive oil to encourage golden browning. I love the way this step adds crunch and a touch of olive oil flavor.

Step 3: Get the Brie Ready

Before placing the brie in the bread, gently slice off the top rind of the cheese. Removing this encourages the cheese to ooze out deliciously while baking—trust me, this little trick makes a HUGE difference in texture. Then nestle the cheese inside your hollow bread bowl and dollop the fig preserves on top.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper or foil to catch any drips. Preheat to 375°F, then place the bread bowl right in the center. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes until the bread is perfectly toasted and the brie is melted and gooey. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-browning. When done, carefully remove and transfer to a serving plate.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Add fresh figs and rosemary sprigs to your bread bowl for that gorgeous finish. Not only do they look festive, but the herbs add a lovely aroma while the figs bring a fresh bite. Serve immediately and watch everyone dive right in!

How to Serve Baked Brie in Sourdough Bread Bowl Recipe

Garnishes

I usually stick with fresh figs and rosemary sprigs—they add such a fresh aroma and look stunning with minimal effort. Sometimes I’ll sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top just before serving to enhance the sweet-savory contrast. If you want to get fancy, a drizzle of honey or a few toasted nuts on top is lovely too!

Side Dishes

For sides, I love pairing this baked brie bread bowl with crunchy crudité like sliced cucumber, bell peppers, or apple slices. It also goes great alongside a fresh green salad or a platter of cured meats and olives if you’re putting together a charcuterie spread.

Creative Ways to Present

One favorite party trick of mine is to serve multiple mini bread bowl brie bites on a wooden board, each adorned with different toppings—like cranberry sauce, peach jam, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika—so guests can mix and match flavors. For holidays, adding edible flowers and fresh herbs makes the presentation really feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have leftovers (which isn’t always the case!), wrap the bread bowl tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. I find that the bread gets a bit softer but the flavor still holds up well.

Freezing

Freezing baked brie inside the bread bowl doesn’t work too well because the texture suffers, but you can freeze the brie separately if needed. Just thaw it slowly in the fridge before using. For the bread, I recommend keeping it fresh and toasting freshly when ready.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the whole bread bowl into a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to revive the crust and warm the brie without melting it too much again. If you don’t have an oven, a quick spin in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes works great.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Baked Brie in Sourdough Bread Bowl Recipe holds a special spot in my heart because it’s simple yet feels indulgent every single time. I love how it brings people together—everyone gathers around to dip, share laughs, and enjoy that warm, gooey cheese magic. If you want a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy on effort but big on flavor, you absolutely have to try it. Trust me, you’ll be making this one again and again!

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