If you’re searching for a dish that’s as delightful to share as it is to devour, the Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread Recipe will soon become your go-to favorite. Imagine a crusty sourdough loaf sliced into a lattice of gooey, melted Brie pockets bursting with tangy whole berry cranberry sauce, all infused with fragrant rosemary and thyme. This irresistible combination transforms simple ingredients into a convivial centerpiece that invites everyone to tear off pieces, savor the luscious cheese, and enjoy the vibrant flavors mingling in every bite. Whether for a holiday gathering or a cozy night in, this recipe offers warmth, ease, and unforgettable taste in one pull-apart loaf.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread Recipe starts with a handful of simple, fresh, and flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of creamy, tart, and herbal notes while creating a visually stunning and aromatic loaf.
- 1 round sourdough loaf or crusty artisan bread: Provides the perfect sturdy yet tender base for filling and pulling apart.
- 8 oz (225 g) Brie cheese, cubed: Melts beautifully to create luscious pockets of creamy richness.
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce: Adds a vibrant pop of tart sweetness that complements the Brie perfectly.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: Ensures a golden crust and enhances the herbs’ aroma when brushed over the loaf.
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped: Introduces a fragrant earthiness that pairs wonderfully with both cheese and cranberry.
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (optional): Adds a subtle herbal complexity to the flavor profile.
- Pinch of sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the sourdough loaf into a crisscross grid pattern—be sure not to cut all the way through so the loaf remains intact and holds all the delicious fillings inside. This step sets the stage for the pull-apart magic.
Step 2: Stuff with Brie Cheese
Next, slide the cubes of Brie into every crevice of the bread. Distributing the cheese evenly ensures each pull will deliver that oozing, creamy satisfaction. It’s like hiding little treasures of gooey goodness throughout the loaf!
Step 3: Add the Cranberry Sauce
Spoon the whole berry cranberry sauce into the cracks, spreading it out so each bite gets a burst of tart, fruity brightness. The contrast between the cheese and cranberry is what makes this recipe truly irresistible.
Step 4: Brush with Herb Butter
Mix the melted butter together with the finely chopped rosemary and thyme (if using), then generously drizzle it over the entire loaf. This step adds a golden sheen, a punch of fragrant herbs, and a wonderful buttery richness that brings everything together beautifully.
Step 5: Season and Bake
Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top to balance the flavors perfectly. Place your bread on a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil for easy cleanup, then bake for 15–20 minutes until the cheese has melted and the edges of the bread turn crispy and golden.
Step 6: Optional Broil for Crispiness
For an extra irresistible crunch, pop the loaf under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning. This final touch makes the crust extra crisp while maintaining all the soft, melty goodness inside.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve Warm
Once out of the oven, sprinkle a little more fresh rosemary on top for added color and aroma. Serve it warm to your eager guests, and watch as they pull apart chunks oozing with Brie and bursting with cranberry flavor—a welcoming treat that tastes like a hug.
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme on top right before serving enhances the aroma and visual appeal. You might also consider a light drizzle of honey or a scattering of toasted nuts for a subtle crunch and unexpected sweetness that plays well with the savory and tart notes of the bread.
Side Dishes
This pull apart bread pairs wonderfully with simple green salads featuring tangy vinaigrettes, fresh fruit platters that echo the cranberry’s sweetness, or even a bowl of warm soup to create a comforting and complete meal perfect for chilly evenings or festive occasions.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of serving straight from the baking sheet, transfer the loaf to a rustic wooden board or a vibrant ceramic platter. Surround it with small ramekins of extra cranberry sauce, soft butter, or honey to encourage dipping. Serving with a cheese knife enhances the interactive experience, making mealtime even more fun and engaging.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, wrap the bread tightly in aluminum foil or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day to preserve freshness and prevent it from drying out. For best taste, consume within this time frame as the texture is optimal when fresh.
Freezing
To enjoy this Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread Recipe later, freeze the whole unbaked loaf wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 1 month. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake according to the recipe instructions for fresh, melty results.
Reheating
To reheat, place the leftover bread in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is re-melted. Avoid microwaves if possible, as they tend to make the bread soggy rather than crispy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While a round sourdough loaf is recommended for its sturdy crust and chewy texture, you can experiment with other crusty artisan breads like a boule or a rustic Italian loaf. Just make sure it’s firm enough to hold the fillings without falling apart.
What if I don’t like rosemary or thyme?
No problem at all. You can omit the herbs or substitute them with others you prefer, such as oregano or sage, which work beautifully with cheese and cranberry flavors. Fresh herbs simply add an aromatic layer, so feel free to tailor it to your taste.
Is it necessary to use whole berry cranberry sauce?
Using whole berry cranberry sauce gives lovely texture and bursts of tartness, but you can use a smooth cranberry sauce if that’s what you have on hand. The flavor will still be fantastic, just slightly less textural contrast.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can assemble the loaf with cheese, cranberry, and herbs a few hours ahead and keep it wrapped in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before baking. This makes it a handy option for prep before guests arrive.
How do I prevent the bread from becoming soggy?
Not cutting all the way through the loaf helps keep it sturdy. Also, baking on a lined sheet ensures airflow to crisp the edges. Avoid overloading the bread with too much cranberry sauce to maintain the perfect crisp-chewy balance.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that brings together beauty, simple ingredients, and unforgettable flavor. Sharing this warm, gooey, and tangy delight with friends or family creates happy moments and full hearts. Give it a try and watch how effortlessly it becomes a cherished favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread is a delightful appetizer perfect for festive occasions or cozy gatherings. Featuring a crusty sourdough loaf filled with gooey Brie cheese and sweet tangy whole berry cranberry sauce, it’s enhanced with fresh rosemary, thyme, and a buttery drizzle baked to golden perfection. The bread is baked until the cheese melts and the edges turn crisp, creating a shareable treat that’s irresistibly flavorful and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 round sourdough loaf (or crusty artisan bread)
Filling
- 8 oz (225 g) Brie cheese, cut into cubes
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
Topping and Seasonings
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Slice Bread: Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the sourdough loaf into a crisscross grid pattern, making sure not to cut all the way through the bottom so the loaf remains intact.
- Insert Brie: Evenly tuck cubes of Brie cheese into the slits and crevices of the bread, distributing the cheese throughout.
- Add Cranberry Sauce: Spoon the whole berry cranberry sauce into the cracks between the bread pieces, ensuring a good coverage for balanced sweetness.
- Prepare Herb Butter: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with finely chopped rosemary and optional thyme leaves. Drizzle this fragrant butter mixture evenly over the entire loaf for added moisture and flavor.
- Season: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top to enhance all the flavors.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the assembled bread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil to catch any drips.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread edges turn crispy and golden brown.
- Optional Broil: For extra crispiness, broil the bread for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with extra fresh rosemary, and serve the bread warm to enjoy the melty, savory-sweet flavors.
Notes
- Use a serrated knife to slice the bread gently to keep the loaf intact.
- Feel free to substitute fresh herbs according to your preference or omit thyme if desired.
- For a dairy-free option, replace Brie with a vegan cheese alternative.
- This bread is best served fresh and warm; leftovers can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to restore crispness.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of cranberry sauce or opt for a sugar-free variety.
