If you’re searching for a dish that commands attention and delivers incredible flavors in every pull-apart bite, look no further than Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread. This crowd-pleasing appetizer marries tangy sourdough, creamy melted brie, and vibrant cranberry sauce, all finished with an aromatic herb butter that perfumes your kitchen. It’s the ultimate answer to both holiday feasting and impromptu gatherings, effortlessly combining festive flavors with irresistible cheesy warmth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread lies in its straightforward ingredient list, where each element does some heavy lifting in the flavor department! From the crisp tang of sourdough to creamy brie and bright, sweet-tart cranberries, you’ll be amazed how a handful of ingredients can create such magic.
- Sourdough Bread Loaf: The bold, tangy flavor and hearty crust of sourdough are essential for structure and distinctive taste; make sure to use a good, sturdy loaf!
- Brie Cheese: Decadently creamy, brie turns delightfully gooey as it bakes, perfectly complementing the tart cranberry.
- Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce: Use either homemade or your favorite store-bought version; the burst of berries brings jewel-bright color and a sweet-tart kick.
- Butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps the bread get golden and crisp on top—don’t skip it!
- Fresh Rosemary: This classic holiday herb delivers a deeply aromatic, almost pine-like lift that pairs delightfully with both cheese and cranberries.
- Fresh Thyme: Brings earthiness and a gentle, woodsy fragrance to round out the flavors of the bread.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Enhances all the other ingredients; just a small pinch wakes everything up.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you are! While the oven comes to temperature, grab a round sourdough loaf and a sharp bread knife. This sets the stage for that irresistible golden, bubbly bread.
Step 2: Slice the Bread
Place your sourdough loaf on a cutting board and, with gentle precision, slice in a crosshatch pattern—cutting almost, but not quite, to the bottom. The goal is to create a grid of pull-apart squares that will cradle melty cheese and tart cranberries in every mouthful.
Step 3: Stuff with Brie and Cranberry
Here’s where the fun begins! Use your fingers to gently pull apart the bread, tucking brie cubes deep into each crevice. Nestle spoonfuls of cranberry sauce in and around the cheese, ensuring every nook is generously filled—this guarantees melty, gooey, tangy pops in every bite.
Step 4: Make and Brush on Herb Butter
In a small bowl, combine melted butter with rosemary, thyme, and a little salt and black pepper. With a pastry brush, work the herby butter all over the loaf, focusing on the cracks and exposed bread—it infuses every piece with flavor and helps the loaf bake up beautifully golden.
Step 5: Bake and Finish
Wrap the loaf loosely in foil (don’t seal it tight) and set it on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, then peek under the foil—uncover the bread and return it to the oven for the final 10 minutes, until the brie is bubbly and the top is irresistibly golden. Serve warm for melty, pull-apart perfection!
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread
Garnishes
For a festive finish, sprinkle extra chopped rosemary or thyme over the top just before serving. A scattering of toasted pecans or walnuts adds delicious crunch and a hint of nutty flavor that plays well with the creamy brie and sweet cranberries.
Side Dishes
Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread makes a show-stopping centerpiece on any charcuterie or appetizer spread. Pair it with crudité, pickles, and fresh fruit, or let it accompany a seasonal soup like butternut squash or roasted tomato for an unforgettable meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling creative? Try serving the pull-apart bread on a wooden board surrounded by grapes, apple slices, and dried fruits. Or, cut the baked loaf into quarters and present each wedge on a different platter—perfect for mingling guests at parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow end up with leftovers, simply wrap the remaining Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread in foil or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep happily in the refrigerator for up to three days, retaining much of its gooey appeal when reheated.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh from the oven, the bread can be frozen after baking. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag. It will keep for one month—just thaw and reheat before serving.
Reheating
To recapture that fresh-baked warmth and meltiness, unwrap the bread and heat it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until hot and the cheese is gooey once again. For a crisp top, avoid microwaving; the oven does the job best!
FAQs
Can I make Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the loaf up to a day in advance—just wrap it tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a couple of extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
Can I use a different type Appetizer
Brie is the classic choice for its sublime melting quality, but creamy camembert or even a triple crème will work beautifully for similar results. Just make sure the cheese is soft and melts easily for that signature gooey center.
What’s the best way to keep the bread warm at a party?
Keep the bread wrapped loosely in foil on a warm platter or pop it back into the oven for a couple of minutes as needed. If it sits out for a while, a quick blast in the oven will bring it right back to its melty best!
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Fresh herbs really shine in this recipe, but if you only have dried, you can use them—just scale back to about 1/3 the amount, as dried herbs are more potent. Sprinkle sparingly and taste as you go.
Are there any nut-free variations for this recipe?
Definitely! The classic Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread is completely satisfying on its own. If you’d like crunch without nuts, try topping with toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds, or just stick to extra herbs for an aromatic finish.
Final Thoughts
Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread isn’t just a recipe—it’s an invitation to gather, indulge, and celebrate with the people you love. Whether it stars at your next holiday dinner or kicks off a cozy night in, this gorgeous, gooey bread is guaranteed to win hearts (and requests for the recipe). Don’t hesitate—try it, and watch every piece disappear!
Print
Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread. A heavenly combination of tangy cranberry sauce, gooey brie cheese, and aromatic herbs nestled in a warm sourdough loaf, perfect for any gathering or cozy night in.
Ingredients
Sourdough Bread:
- 1 round sourdough bread loaf (about 1 lb)
Brie and Cranberry Filling:
- 8 oz brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
Herbed Butter:
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Bread: Slice the sourdough loaf in a crosshatch pattern, almost to the bottom but not all the way through. Stuff brie cubes and cranberry sauce into the cuts.
- Season and Bake: Mix melted butter with herbs, salt, and pepper. Brush over the bread, wrap in foil, and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 10 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use store-bought or homemade cranberry sauce.
- Enhance with chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
- Perfect for holiday appetizers or party snacks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
