Brie Cranberry Pull-Apart Bread Recipe
If you’re looking for a showstopper of a party appetizer that is equal parts festive, gooey, and bursting with flavor, Brie Cranberry Pull-Apart Bread is your ticket to instant smiles. Imagine tearing off a piece of crisp sourdough and discovering melted Brie oozing alongside sweet, tart cranberry sauce with a whisper of fresh thyme. This is the kind of treat that disappears in minutes—warm, deeply comforting, and downright irresistible. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to whip up, making Brie Cranberry Pull-Apart Bread a must-have for holidays and gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is proof that you don’t need a lot of fancy ingredients for massive flavor. Each ingredient here plays an essential role, from the crusty bread base to the creamy cheese and fragrant herbs, coming together in a harmony of textures and tastes.
- Sourdough loaf: Its sturdy crust and chewy crumb hold up perfectly and catch all those delicious fillings.
- Brie cheese (8 oz): Creamy, melt-in-your-mouth cheese that pairs beautifully with the tart cranberry.
- Cranberry sauce (1 cup): Sweet-tart and vibrant, homemade or store-bought both work wonders here.
- Fresh thyme (2 tbsp, chopped): A little herbal lift that balances the cheese and fruit.
- Butter (4 tbsp, melted): Adds richness and helps everything crisp up deliciously in the oven.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Just a bit to round out the flavors and make everything pop.
How to Make Brie Cranberry Pull-Apart Bread
Step 1: Prep the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the magic number for getting that cheese bubbly and the bread golden without burning. Prepare your loaf pan or baking tray with a little parchment, just for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Crisscross the Bread
Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully slice the top of your sourdough in a deep crisscross pattern. Slice almost all the way to the base, but don’t go through—it should remain one glorious, pull-apart loaf. These pockets are where all the melty magic will happen!
Step 3: Fill with Brie and Cranberry
This is where the Brie Cranberry Pull-Apart Bread earns its name. Tuck generous chunks of Brie into every nook and cranny, making sure you get close to the bottom for maximum gooeyness. Dollop spoonfuls of luscious cranberry sauce between the cheese.
Step 4: Add Butter and Seasoning
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the loaf, letting it seep deep into the slits. Sprinkle over the chopped fresh thyme, then season with salt and pepper to taste. The butter adds richness and helps get everything irresistibly toasty.
Step 5: Cover and Bake
Wrap the loaf loosely in foil and place it on your tray. Bake for 15–20 minutes. This gently melts the cheese and allows the flavors to mingle without over-browning the top.
Step 6: Uncover and Finish Baking
Remove the foil and slide the bread back into the oven for an extra 5–10 minutes. This last stretch crisps the top and edges, so every pull-apart piece has that perfect balance of tender and crunchy.
Step 7: Serve Warm
Serve your Brie Cranberry Pull-Apart Bread straight from the oven, while the cheese is gooey and inviting. There’s nothing better than watching eager hands pull apart pieces and seeing those beautiful cheese strings!
How to Serve Brie Cranberry Pull-Apart Bread
Garnishes
A final flourish of fresh thyme leaves or a light scattering of orange zest can really make your Brie Cranberry Pull-Apart Bread sing. You could also add a light drizzle of honey for extra decadence just before serving.
Side Dishes
This stunning bread likes to be the star, but it’s also right at home surrounded by simple sides. Think fresh, crisp salads; a wintery slaw; or a platter of roasted veggies. It also pairs perfectly with a sparkling bubbly or a chilled rosé.
Creative Ways to Present
Try placing the warm loaf on a wooden board surrounded by clusters of grapes, apple slices, and toasted walnuts for instant party platter appeal. For a rustic twist, bake and serve in a cast iron skillet, which keeps the brie gooey for longer and looks gorgeous on any table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers, wrap the Brie Cranberry Pull-Apart Bread tightly in foil and store in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2 days. It’s a great snack the next day, too!
Freezing
You can freeze your assembled (but unbaked) loaf. Just wrap it tightly in a double layer of foil and store in a freezer bag for up to one month. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 10–15 minutes to the covered baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, place the bread back in the oven at 350°F covered in foil for about 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through. Uncover for the last few minutes if you like it extra crispy on top.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! Any rustic, sturdy loaf will work for Brie Cranberry Pull-Apart Bread. Sourdough is great for its flavor and texture, but French bread or a crusty Italian loaf are tasty alternatives.
What kind of cranberry sauce is best?
You can use either homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce—just make sure it’s the whole-berry kind for the best color and texture throughout the bread. If you want a tangier twist, try adding a squeeze of fresh orange juice to your sauce!
Do I have to use Brie?
Brie is classic for its creaminess, but feel free to experiment with other soft cheeses. Camembert, fontina, or even a mild Havarti would all melt beautifully and taste fantastic in Brie Cranberry Pull-Apart Bread.
Can this be made in advance?
Yes! You can prep the bread with all fillings, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate for up to one day before baking. When ready, just pop it into the oven as directed and serve fresh and warm.
What wine pairs well with this bread?
This dish loves a light, slightly acidic wine—think a chilled Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or even a sparkling white. The acidity cuts through the cheese and compliments the cranberry beautifully.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to share this Brie Cranberry Pull-Apart Bread as I always am. It’s one of those recipes that’s bound to bring people together—whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something warm and wonderful. Trust me, give this a try and get ready for all the compliments!
