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Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Sourdough Bread
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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!
