Baked Brie Bread Bowl with Fig Jam & Walnuts

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## **👩‍🍳 Instructions**

### **1️⃣ Prepare the Bread Bowl**
1. Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**.
2. Using a serrated knife, carefully slice off the top of the **bread loaf** to create a lid.
3. Hollow out the inside of the loaf by gently pulling out the bread, leaving about **1-inch** around the edges to form the “bowl.” Set the bread pieces aside for dipping.

### **2️⃣ Prepare the Brie**
1. Place the **wheel of Brie cheese** in the center of the hollowed-out bread bowl.
2. Spoon the **fig jam** over the top of the Brie, spreading it evenly to coat.
3. Sprinkle the **chopped walnuts** on top of the fig jam, pressing them lightly into the cheese to help them stick.
4. Optional: Drizzle **honey** over the top of the walnuts for an extra touch of sweetness.

### **3️⃣ Bake the Bread Bowl**
1. Carefully place the filled bread bowl onto a baking sheet.
2. If desired, brush the outside of the bread with a little **olive oil** for extra crispness and flavor.
3. Cover the top of the bread with the lid you cut earlier.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for **15-20 minutes**, or until the bread is warm and slightly crispy, and the Brie cheese is melted and gooey.

### **4️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!**
1. Remove the bread bowl from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
2. Garnish with **fresh thyme** or **rosemary** for a fresh, aromatic touch (optional).
3. Serve immediately with the reserved bread pieces and any additional crackers, vegetables, or fruits for dipping.

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## **🍽 Tips & Variations**

✔ **Use Different Cheeses:** If you prefer a stronger cheese flavor, try using **Camembert** instead of Brie. For a more tangy option, **goat cheese** works wonderfully as well.
✔ **Make It Sweet:** Try using **apricot jam** or **raspberry preserves** instead of fig jam for a different fruity twist.
✔ **Add More Crunch:** Toss in some **toasted pecans**, **hazelnuts**, or even **almonds** for variety.
✔ **Serve With More Dipping Options:** In addition to the bread, serve with **apple slices**, **grapes**, or **vegetable sticks** for a more colorful and varied dipping experience.
✔ **Make Ahead:** You can prep the bread bowl and the cheese filling in advance. Just assemble everything and refrigerate until ready to bake.

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### **✨ Final Thoughts**

This **Baked Brie Bread Bowl with Fig Jam & Walnuts** is the ultimate comfort food with a touch of elegance. It’s a perfect blend of warm, melted cheese, sweet fruitiness from the jam, and the delightful crunch of walnuts, all wrapped in a fresh, chewy bread bowl. Whether you’re serving it at a festive gathering or enjoying it as a cozy evening treat, this appetizer is sure to impress and satisfy everyone’s taste buds.

💬 **Tried this recipe? Let us know how it turned out!** 🧀🍞🍯

Looking for more delicious appetizers or creative ways to use Brie? Feel free to ask for more recipes – I’d love to share! 😊