If you’re searching for the perfect festive treat to wow your friends and family, you need to try Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread. This delightful creation combines the creamy, indulgent richness of Brie cheese with the tart sweetness of cranberries, all baked into soft, buttery pull-apart bread that’s as fun to share as it is to eat. Bursting with flavor and stunning on any holiday table, Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread captures the spirit of celebration in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser: Pull-apart format makes sharing easy and fun for gatherings.
- Flavor Explosion: The combo of creamy Brie and tangy cranberry creates a taste you won’t forget.
- Simple to Make: Uses straightforward ingredients and steps, perfect for any skill level.
- Customizable: Easy to tweak with nuts, herbs, or different breads to suit your preferences.
- Visually Stunning: Its golden, cheesy top with bursts of red cranberries steals the show.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, yet essential. Each one brings its own magic—bread for soft pull-apart layers, Brie for creamy indulgence, and cranberries for bright, eye-catching sweetness.
- Pull-Apart Bread Loaf: A crusty, soft white or sourdough loaf works perfectly as the base.
- Brie Cheese: Soft, creamy Brie adds melting richness that ties the whole dish together.
- Fresh or Dried Cranberries: Provide tart bursts of color and flavor throughout the bread.
- Butter: Melted butter adds moisture and helps the flavors meld beautifully during baking.
- Fresh Herbs (Optional): Rosemary or thyme can add an aromatic boost if you want to elevate the savory notes.
- Honey or Maple Syrup (Optional): For a subtle sweetness glaze that pairs wonderfully with Brie and cranberries.
Variations for Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread
Feel free to make this recipe your own! It easily adapts to different tastes and dietary needs, whether you want to make it more savory, nutty, or even vegan-friendly.
- Nuts Added: Toss chopped pecans or walnuts for an irresistible crunch.
- Herb Twist: Mix in fresh thyme or rosemary to deepen the flavor profile.
- Vegan Version: Use vegan cheese and dairy-free butter to suit plant-based diets.
- Sweet & Spicy: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or chili flakes for a unique twist.
- Different Fruits: Swap cranberries for dried cherries or figs for a new flavor dimension.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Bread
Start by slicing your bread loaf into thick sections, around 1 to 2 inches, both horizontally and vertically, making sure not to cut all the way through to keep the loaf intact for easy pulling apart later.
Step 2: Prepare the Brie and Cranberries
Cut the Brie into small cubes or slices that fit comfortably between the bread slices. If you’re using fresh cranberries, rinse and dry them; if dried, consider soaking briefly in warm water for softness.
Step 3: Stuff the Bread
Gently pry apart the bread cuts and stuff Brie pieces and cranberries deep inside, distributing them evenly for every bite.
Step 4: Brush with Butter and Herbs
Melt your butter and optionally mix in chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. Brush this fragrant butter generously all over and inside the loaf to ensure richness and help meld the flavors during baking.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the stuffed loaf on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil for the first 15 minutes to trap moisture, then bake uncovered until the Brie is melted and the crust is golden and crispy.
Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread
- Choose the Right Bread: Use a fresh but sturdy loaf like sourdough so the structure holds while baking.
- Don’t Overstuff: Leave enough room in the bread for heat to circulate and melt the cheese evenly.
- Herb Butter Is Key: Adding fresh herbs to butter takes the aroma and flavor up a notch.
- Timing Matters: Bake covered initially to prevent drying out, then uncover to get that perfect crust.
- Serve Warm: This bread is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while Brie is gooey and cranberries burst with flavor.
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread
Garnishes
Top with a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme and a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze for an elegant finish that complements the cheesy and fruity flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple charcuterie board for balanced holiday sharing and snacking.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve right in the cast-iron skillet or on a rustic wooden board to highlight its inviting, casual charm. Surround it with small bowls of dips or extra berries for an interactive experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled but unbaked bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 1 month, then bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Reheating
Reheat slices or the whole loaf in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and Brie is melty again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Yes, frozen cranberries work great; just thaw and drain them well before stuffing the bread to avoid extra moisture.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap Brie for a vegan cheese option and use a plant-based butter to keep the creamy, rich texture.
What type of bread is best for Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread?
A crusty, soft bread like sourdough or artisan white bread is ideal because it holds fillings well and develops a pleasant texture when baked.
Can this be prepared ahead of a party?
Yes, you can assemble it a few hours before and refrigerate, then bake fresh right before serving for best results.
How spicy or savory can I make this?
You can easily add spices like chili flakes or herbs such as rosemary to enhance savory or spicy elements depending on your flavor preference.
Final Thoughts
Nothing says festive like a warm, melty Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread at your holiday table. It’s one of those dishes that brings joy from the first tear-apart bite to the last crumb, making it a must-try recipe to impress your guests and satisfy your own cravings. Trust me, once you make it, this will be your new holiday staple!
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Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread is a festive and indulgent appetizer that combines creamy Brie cheese with tart cranberries baked into a soft, buttery bread. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it’s easy to make, visually stunning, and wonderfully shareable.
Ingredients
Base
- 1 crusty, soft white or sourdough pull-apart bread loaf (about 12–16 oz)
Fillings
- 6 oz Brie cheese, cut into small cubes or slices
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
Butter & Herbs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary or thyme, finely chopped (optional)
Optional Sweet Glaze
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
Optional Variations
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon or chili flakes (optional)
- Vegan cheese and plant-based butter for dairy-free version (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Your Bread: Slice the pull-apart bread loaf into thick sections approximately 1 to 2 inches both horizontally and vertically, making sure not to cut all the way through the loaf to keep it intact for easy pulling apart later.
- Prepare the Brie and Cranberries: Cut the Brie cheese into small cubes or slices that will fit comfortably inside the bread cracks. If using fresh cranberries, rinse and dry them thoroughly; if dried, soak them briefly in warm water to soften and drain well.
- Stuff the Bread: Carefully pry apart the cut sections of the bread and stuff the Brie pieces and cranberries evenly deep inside the bread to ensure flavor distribution in every bite.
- Brush with Butter and Herbs: Melt the unsalted butter, and if desired, mix in chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. Brush this herb butter generously all over and inside the loaf to add moisture and infuse flavor during baking.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the stuffed loaf on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes covered to retain moisture, then uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the Brie melts and the crust turns golden brown and crispy.
- Optional Sweet Glaze and Garnish: After baking, drizzle with honey or maple syrup if desired, and sprinkle additional fresh herbs to finish.
Notes
- Choose a fresh yet sturdy pull-apart bread like sourdough to maintain structure while baking.
- Don’t overstuff the bread to allow heat circulation and even cheese melting.
- Herb-infused butter enhances the aroma and flavor significantly.
- Start baking covered to prevent drying, then finish uncovered for a crispy crust.
- Serve warm for the best experience, while Brie is gooey and cranberries are bursting.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- The assembled but unbaked bread can be frozen for up to 1 month; bake directly from frozen, adding extra cook time as needed.
- Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 80g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg