Gooey Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread Recipe: Festive Party Joy

Warmth and comfort mingle perfectly in this cranberry brie pull-apart bread that promises delightful moments of shared pleasure.

Soft, pillowy dough embraces pockets of creamy cheese and tart berries for an irresistible combination.

Festive gatherings demand something spectacular, and this recipe delivers with elegant simplicity.

Layers of golden bread tear away easily, revealing melted brie and bursts of crimson cranberries.

Seasonal ingredients transform an ordinary appetizer into something magical and memorable.

Fragrant herbs and rich cheese create a sensory experience that feels both sophisticated and homey.

Let this stunning bread become the centerpiece that sparks conversation and brings everyone closer together.

Why Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread Is a Crowd Magnet

• Craft Stunning Appetizer: Impress guests with a visually stunning bread that looks like a professional chef prepared it, combining elegant brie and festive cranberries.
• Minimal Prep Work: Quickly slice bread, stuff with cheese and cranberry mixture without complicated techniques, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Perfect Holiday Showstopper: Delivers incredible flavor combination that screams celebratory gathering, ideal for winter parties, family get-togethers, and special occasions.
• Simple Ingredient Magic: Transform basic ingredients like bread, cheese, and seasonal berries into a gourmet-style dish that feels luxurious yet surprisingly easy to create.

What You’ll Need for Gooey, Sweet-and-Savory Bread

• Crusty Bread Loaf: A sturdy bread that provides the perfect structure for this pull-apart appetizer.

• Brie Cheese: A soft and creamy French cheese that melts beautifully and adds rich, luxurious flavor to the bread.

• Dried Cranberries, Rosemary, Thyme: These ingredients create a festive and aromatic combination that elevates the taste profile of the bread.
• Maple Syrup: A sweet and distinctive sweetener that adds depth and complements the savory elements.
• Salted Butter: Provides richness and helps bind the herbs and cranberries together.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor of the dish.

How to Bake This Tear-and-Share Favorite

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn the oven to 350°F and get ready for a delicious adventure.

Step 2: Create a Bread Cutting Pattern

Grab a sharp serrated knife and slice the bread in a grid pattern.

Be careful not to cut all the way through – you want the loaf to stay connected.

Step 3: Tuck in the Cheese

Gently place brie pieces into the bread cuts, spreading them evenly throughout the loaf.

Step 4: Mix the Flavor Explosion

• Fresh cranberries
• Chopped rosemary
• Crumbled thyme
• Melted butter
• Rich maple syrup
• A pinch of salt

Spoon this vibrant mixture into the bread cuts, nestling it around the cheese.

Step 5: Wrap and Prepare

Cover the entire loaf in aluminum foil and place on a baking sheet.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

First, bake the wrapped bread for 20-25 minutes. Then unwrap the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese is wonderfully melted and the bread gets crispy edges.

Step 7: Serve and Celebrate

Pull the bread apart and enjoy the mouthwatering combination of sweet, savory, and cheesy flavors!

Tips for Gooey Brie and Tangy Cranberry in Every Bite

• Choose a sturdy bread like sourdough or French bread to ensure the loaf holds its shape during baking and doesn't fall apart.
• Cut the brie cheese into small, even pieces to guarantee consistent melting and distribution throughout the bread.
• Use fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme for the most vibrant and aromatic flavor profile in the dish.
• Swap cranberries with other seasonal fruits like diced apples or pears for a different festive variation during different times of the year.
• Let the bread rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to pull apart and serve without burning your fingers.

Fun Holiday Spins on Pull-Apart Bread

• Mediterranean Olive Feta Bread: Replace cranberries with chopped kalamata olives, swap brie for crumbled feta cheese, and add dried oregano and garlic for a Greek-inspired version.
• Caramelized Onion Swiss Bread: Substitute cranberries with slowly caramelized onions, use Swiss cheese instead of brie, and sprinkle fresh thyme for a rich, savory profile.
• Apple Cheddar Autumn Bread: Trade cranberries for diced apples, replace brie with sharp cheddar cheese, and drizzle with honey instead of maple syrup for a cozy fall flavor.
• Jalapeño Pepper Jack Bread: Swap cranberries with diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese instead of brie, and add a dash of cumin for a spicy southwestern kick.

What to Pair with This Irresistible Appetizer

• Pair with Sparkling Wine: Select a crisp champagne or prosecco to complement the rich, creamy brie and tart cranberries, cutting through the bread's buttery texture.
• Match with Herbal Gin Cocktail: Create a rosemary-infused gin drink that echoes the herb notes in the recipe, enhancing the bread's aromatic profile and adding a festive touch.
• Serve alongside Winter Salad: Prepare a light mixed green salad with goat cheese, candied pecans, and a citrus vinaigrette to balance the bread's decadent flavors and provide a fresh contrast.
• Accompany with Mulled Cider: Warm spiced apple cider with cinnamon and cloves will highlight the maple syrup's sweetness and create a cozy holiday atmosphere.

Best Ways to Keep It Fresh and Melty

• Refrigerate: Store leftover pull-apart bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping the bread's texture and flavors intact.
• Freeze: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 weeks to preserve its delicious taste.
• Reheat in Oven: Unwrap the bread, place on a baking sheet, and warm at 325°F for 10-15 minutes until cheese melts and bread becomes crispy again.
• Microwave Quickly: Heat individual portions for 20-30 seconds, but be cautious as microwaving can make the bread slightly soggy compared to oven reheating.

FAQs About Pull-Apart Brie Goodness

• Can I use a different type of cheese instead of brie?

Yes, you can substitute brie with other soft melting cheeses like camembert or fontina for similar results.

• How do I know if the bread is cut correctly without breaking it?

Make gentle, shallow cuts using a serrated knife, stopping just short of slicing through the entire loaf to keep the bottom intact.

• Is this recipe good for holiday gatherings?

Absolutely! This pull-apart bread is perfect for holiday parties, offering a festive and shareable appetizer that looks impressive and tastes delicious.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the bread earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake just before serving to ensure maximum freshness and warm, melty cheese.

Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Cranberry brie pull-apart bread delivers winter holiday magic on a single plate, blending sweet-tart berries with creamy cheese inside golden, buttery bread layers. Comfort meets elegance in this shareable centerpiece that guarantees smiles and quick disappearance from any festive gathering.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 large round loaf of sourdough bread
• 1 (8 ounces) wheel of brie cheese, cut into small cubes
• 1 cup fresh cranberries

Herbs:

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme

Seasoning and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• Salt, to taste

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Instructions

1. Carefully slice the bread into a grid pattern, keeping the base intact, using a sharp serrated knife to create crosshatch cuts approximately one inch apart.
2. Gently wedge brie cheese fragments into each slice opening, distributing them evenly throughout the bread’s surface.
3. Combine cranberries, fresh rosemary, and thyme with melted butter, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl, stirring until ingredients are thoroughly blended.
4. Delicately spoon the aromatic cranberry mixture into the bread’s cuts, nestling the sauce around the cheese pieces to ensure complete coverage.
5. Carefully encase the prepared loaf in aluminum foil, creating a sealed packet that will help retain moisture during baking.
6. Position the wrapped bread on a baking sheet and slide into a preheated 350°F oven, allowing it to bake for 20-25 minutes.
7. Unwrap the foil, exposing the bread’s surface, and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese becomes gloriously melted and the bread edges turn golden and crispy.
8. Remove from the oven, let rest for a few minutes, then serve while warm to capture the ultimate sensory experience of gooey cheese and tangy cranberries.

Notes

• Cheese Selection Matters: Choose a soft, creamy brie that melts smoothly and complements the tangy cranberries for optimal flavor integration.
• Precise Cutting Technique: Make grid cuts carefully without slicing through the bread’s base to maintain the loaf’s structural integrity and create perfect pockets for cheese and cranberry mixture.
• Herb Flexibility: Swap rosemary and thyme with other aromatic herbs like sage or oregano to personalize the flavor profile and match different seasonal preferences.
• Dietary Adaptation: Replace butter with olive oil for a lighter version, and use gluten-free bread to make this recipe suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg