Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping appetizer that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious, you’ve got to try this Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out—gooey melted brie, sweet-tart cranberry sauce, and that crispy, golden sourdough crust all mingling together in every bite. When I first tried this, it quickly became my go-to for holiday parties and cozy nights in. Trust me, once you make it, your family and friends will be begging for the recipe!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread Recipe lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each one plays a key role, from the tang of the sourdough to the creamy goodness of brie and the zing of cranberry sauce – you’ll want to grab everything fresh and high quality if you can.

• Sourdough round loaf: Choose a nice crusty boule or round sourdough—you want something sturdy enough to hold all those fillings.
• Brie cheese wheel: I recommend cutting it into small squares for easy stuffing; rind and all adds great flavor!
• Cranberry sauce: Homemade or store-bought works—just pick one with good texture and a nice balance of sweet and tart.
• Olive oil or melted butter: This adds richness and helps keep the bread crispy and golden.
• Fresh thyme (optional): I love the herbal aroma thyme brings, but rosemary is another gorgeous choice.
• Garlic powder: Brings a subtle savory depth together with the herbs.
• Honey (optional): A drizzle on top makes every bite just a touch more luxurious and sweet.
• Fresh rosemary (optional for garnish): Adds visual appeal and a fresh piney scent when you serve.

Variations

One of the things I adore about this Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I’ve tried several flavor twists, and you might find your favorite version by mixing things up a bit!

• Add toasted pecans or walnuts: My family goes crazy when I toss in some crunchy nuts between the brie and cranberry layers for extra texture.
• Use fresh cranberries with a sprinkle of sugar instead of sauce: For a brighter, tangier pop that’s less sweet.
• Swap thyme for rosemary or sage: I’ve learned rosemary’s piney aroma pairs beautifully especially in winter months.
• Make it vegan: Use a dairy-free cheese alternative and vegan butter—this still works deliciously!

How to Make Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Bread and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or foil to catch any drips—trust me, this makes cleanup so simple. Take your sourdough round and, using a serrated knife, carefully cut from the top almost to the bottom in diagonal lines about an inch apart, forming diamond shapes. Just make sure you don’t slice all the way through; keep the loaf intact so it stays together while baking.

Step 2: Make the Herb-Infused Oil

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil or melted butter with garlic powder and fresh thyme if you’re using it. This herby oil seeps into the bread, infusing it with flavor and helping create that irresistibly crisp crust we all crave.

Step 3: Stuff and Brush the Bread

Gently pull apart the bread at each cut to create little pockets. Using a brush, generously paint the herb oil inside each slit and on the outside crust—don’t be shy here, it’s what brings the flavor alive. Next, stuff the cubes of brie cheese deep into each opening followed by a teaspoon of cranberry sauce nestled right beside the cheese. The combination melts beautifully during baking!

Step 4: Bake to Gooey Perfection

Place your stuffed loaf on the prepared baking sheet and pop it into the oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the brie is melted thoroughly and the bread edges turn a toasty golden brown. Watch carefully towards the end so the bread doesn’t burn—the scent will pretty much tell you you’re almost there!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, pull the bread out and add some fresh rosemary sprigs on top for that festive look and aromatic touch. If you love a bit of sweetness, drizzle honey over the warm bread. Serve right away and watch everyone eagerly pull apart their portions.

How to Serve Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I typically top the bread with fresh rosemary sprigs right after baking—it not only looks festive but fills the air with a lovely herbal fragrance. The honey drizzle is my secret weapon; my guests always ask for seconds because of that sweet finish. If you want to get fancy, a few crushed toasted pecans sprinkled on top also work wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette or a bowl of warm butternut squash soup for a cozy contrast. I’ve also served it alongside charcuterie boards loaded with cured meats and olives—it’s truly a crowd-pleaser no matter the sides.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I like to serve this bread on a wooden cutting board surrounded by fresh cranberries and sprigs of rosemary for a rustic look. Another fun idea is placing little bowls of extra cranberry sauce and honey nearby so everyone can customize their bites. If you’re feeling festive, a candlelit table and cozy blankets make this recipe part of a memorable experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I wrap my leftover Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread tightly in foil or store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps it fresh for up to 2 days. Just know that the bread will lose some of its crispness but remains delicious when reheated.

Freezing

I have frozen portions of this bread before by wrapping them extremely well in plastic wrap and foil. While technically you can freeze it, I found that the texture isn’t quite the same after thawing, especially the brie can become watery. If you aim to freeze it, eat it within a month for best quality.

Reheating

To warm leftovers, I pop slices in the oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes, uncovered, to help crisp the crust back up. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the bread a bit chewy. Reheating on a skillet at low heat turned out to be another winner method!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread Recipe has a special place in my heart because it brings people together—whether for holidays, casual get-togethers, or just a cozy night when you want something warm and indulgent. I love how straightforward it is but yields such spectacular flavor and presentation. I truly encourage you to try it out and make it your own—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a comforting treat all in one.

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