Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry Sauce

1. Cook the Cranberries:

In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup cranberries, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup water, 1 tablespoon orange juice, and 1 teaspoon orange zest. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

2. Simmer Until Thickened:

Continue to cook the cranberry sauce for about 8-10 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can mash the cranberries slightly with the back of a spoon. For a chunkier sauce, leave them whole.

3. Add Optional Spices:

If you like a bit of warm spice, stir in 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon to add depth to the flavor. Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly while you prepare the bread bowl.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread Bowl

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Hollow Out the Bread:

Take your round loaf of bread and slice off the top to create a lid. Set the top aside for later. Using your hands or a small knife, gently hollow out the center of the bread, being careful not to puncture the sides or bottom. Leave about 1/2 inch of bread around the edges to create a sturdy bowl.

3. Prepare the Brie:

Unwrap the wheel of brie and place it in the hollowed-out bread bowl. If the wheel is too large, you can trim it to fit snugly inside the bread.

4. Brush with Olive Oil:

Brush the inside and edges of the bread bowl (including the lid) with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. This will help the bread get golden and crispy as it bakes.

Step 3: Bake the Brie and Bread Bowl

1. Bake Until Golden:

Place the bread bowl (and the bread lid) on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the brie is soft and melty in the center.

2. Remove from the Oven:

Once the brie is fully melted and the bread is crispy, remove the bread bowl from the oven. You’ll want to let it cool slightly so it’s easier to handle, but not too long—you still want that gooey, melted cheese!

Step 4: Add the Cranberry Topping

1. Spoon on the Cranberry Sauce:

Spoon the slightly cooled cranberry sauce over the melted brie in the bread bowl. The tart cranberries will complement the creamy brie perfectly, creating a delicious contrast of flavors.

2. Garnish (Optional):

For an extra touch of flavor and presentation, garnish the bread bowl with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary. You can also add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup if you like a hint of sweetness, or sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top for crunch.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Your Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl is ready to be served! Place it on a large serving platter surrounded by bread cubes, crackers, or sliced fruit for dipping. Use the bread bowl lid as an extra dipper, tearing it into pieces for scooping up the gooey brie and cranberry sauce.