Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

This hearty Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread transforms a humble sourdough loaf into a showstopping appetizer that balances creamy cheese with tangy cranberry. Perfect for holiday gatherings or weekend entertaining, it delivers impressive results with minimal effort.

I first made this bread for a last minute Thanksgiving appetizer when I realized I needed something to keep hungry guests occupied before the main meal. The combination of melty brie and tart cranberries nestled in buttery bread became an instant tradition that my family now requests at every gathering.

• Sourdough bread: Serves as the sturdy foundation that holds up to the filling while maintaining a crisp exterior and chewy interior
• Butter: Infused with herbs creates an aromatic base that elevates the simple bread
• Dried thyme: Adds earthy notes that complement the richness of the cheese
• Dried rosemary: Brings a piney fragrance that cuts through the richness
• Brie cheese: Provides that luxurious melt factor with its creamy texture and mild flavor
• Cranberry sauce: Offers sweet tartness that balances the rich cheese perfectly
• Kosher salt: Enhances all flavors and brings everything together

How To Make Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

Preheat The Oven:

Set your oven to 350°F and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the bread. This temperature ensures the cheese melts properly without burning the bread exterior.

Prepare The Bread:

Take your round sourdough loaf and make careful horizontal and vertical cuts creating a grid pattern of 1inch cubes. The crucial technique here is stopping short of cutting through the bottom crust to ensure everything stays connected. I find using a serrated knife gives the cleanest cuts without squishing the bread.

Create Herb Butter:

Combine the softened stick of butter with dried thyme and rosemary in a small bowl. Add kosher salt to taste about a quarter teaspoon is usually sufficient. Mix thoroughly until herbs are evenly distributed throughout the butter. This aromatic mixture will infuse the bread with flavor as it bakes.

Apply Butter Mixture:

Using a pastry brush apply the herb butter generously over the top of the bread making sure to let it drip down between all the cuts. Take your time with this step as getting butter into all the crevices ensures flavor in every bite. The butter also helps the bread develop a beautiful golden crust.

Stuff With Fillings:

Carefully separate the cuts you made and tuck pieces of cubed brie and spoonfuls of cranberry sauce into each opening. Alternate between cheese and cranberry for the best distribution of flavors. Be generous but not overloaded as the cheese will melt and spread.

Wrap And Bake:

Enclose the stuffed bread completely in aluminum foil. This creates a mini oven environment that helps melt the cheese without drying out the bread. Place on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips and bake for about 20 minutes until the cheese is completely melted.

Serve Immediately:

Remove from the oven carefully open the foil and transfer to a serving platter. The bread is best enjoyed hot when the cheese is at its meltiest stage. Let guests pull apart the sections with their hands for a communal dining experience.

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My favorite moment with this recipe came during a snowy Christmas Eve when the power went out just as dinner was being prepared. We wrapped this bread in foil and finished it on the grill outside. The smoky flavor that developed accidentally became so popular that I sometimes finish it on the grill intentionally now even with functioning electricity.

Make Ahead Options

This pull apart bread offers excellent make ahead potential for busy hosts. You can prepare the entire loaf up to the baking stage wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve simply transfer directly from refrigerator to oven still wrapped in foil adding about 5 extra minutes to the baking time. The flavors actually develop nicely with a rest in the refrigerator making this an ideal preparation strategy for entertaining.

Creative Variations

While the classic cranberry and brie combination is perfect for fall and winter gatherings this versatile format works beautifully with numerous flavor profiles. For a Mediterranean twist substitute feta for the brie and use fig jam instead of cranberry sauce sprinkled with fresh thyme. Summer entertaining calls for goat cheese with honey and fresh berries. During game day gatherings try cheddar with bacon bits and jalapeño jelly for a crowd pleasing appetizer that disappears quickly.

Serving Suggestions

This pull apart bread functions beautifully as the centerpiece of a casual appetizer spread. Surround it with clusters of grapes bundles of crisp vegetables and perhaps some cured meats for guests to enjoy alongside. For a more substantial offering pair it with a hearty soup like butternut squash or French onion. The bread also makes an unexpected but delightful accompaniment to a green salad turning a light lunch into something more satisfying.

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Choosing The Perfect Bread

The foundation of this recipe is the bread itself so choosing wisely matters. While sourdough is specified for its sturdy structure and slight tanginess other artisanal round loaves work well too. Look for a bread with a firm crust and chewy interior that will hold up to the fillings without becoming soggy. Avoid very soft breads which may collapse under the weight of the cheese and cranberry. If possible choose a loaf baked the same day for optimal freshness. Some bakeries will slice the bread for you in the pattern needed if you ask saving you time and effort at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, you can substitute sourdough with an artisan loaf or any sturdy round bread with a good crust to keep its shape when baked.

→ What can I use instead of cranberry sauce?

You can replace cranberry sauce with fig jam, apple butter, or your favorite fruit preserves for a unique twist.

→ How can I make this ahead of time?

Prepare the bread with butter, brie, and cranberry sauce, wrap it in foil, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

→ What can I use to make this vegan?

Substitute vegan cheese for brie, plant-based butter for regular butter, and ensure your bread is vegan-friendly.

→ How should I serve this dish?

Serve it straight from the oven while it's warm and gooey. Pair it with festive drinks or as part of a holiday spread.