Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread is the ultimate holiday appetizer or snack that combines gooey, melty brie cheese, tart cranberry sauce, and fresh herbs, all nestled inside a warm, crusty sourdough loaf. Perfectly designed for sharing, this dish brings people together as they pull apart irresistible pieces of bread filled with sweet and savory goodness. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, a dinner party, or a casual get-together, this recipe is guaranteed to impress your guests and add a festive touch to your table.
This recipe is both visually stunning and incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients. The beauty lies in its balance of flavors—the creaminess of the brie, the tanginess of the cranberry, and the crunch of the bread all come together to create a dish that’s more than the sum of its parts. You don’t have to be a baking expert to prepare this show-stopping bread, and it’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. So if you’re ready to elevate your appetizer game, give this Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread a try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Entertaining: This pull-apart bread is a crowd-pleaser that’s ideal for holiday parties, game nights, or potlucks.
- Sweet and Savory Flavor: The combination of creamy brie, tart cranberry sauce, and fresh herbs offers a well-balanced taste experience.
- Easy to Prepare: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is approachable for cooks of all skill levels.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your preferences, such as using different cheeses, jams, or breads.
- Visually Stunning: The crisscross pattern and melted cheese make this dish as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Halal-Friendly: All ingredients are naturally halal, making it accessible to a wide audience.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Serving Size: 1-2 pieces of pull-apart bread
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 250
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 9g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
Ingredients
For the Bread
- 1 large sourdough boule (or any round crusty bread, about 10-12 inches in diameter)
- 8 ounces brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Garnishes
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for crunch)
- Honey, for drizzling (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the sourdough boule on a cutting board and, using a sharp serrated knife, carefully make deep cuts into the bread to form a crisscross pattern. Be sure to cut almost all the way to the bottom without slicing through the base of the bread, leaving the loaf intact. The result should be a grid of squares, each about 1 to 1½ inches wide.
Step 2: Fill the Bread
Gently pull apart the bread squares with your fingers to create space for the fillings. Insert a cube of brie cheese into each cut, ensuring the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the loaf. Next, spoon small dollops of cranberry sauce into the crevices, tucking it between the bread and brie cubes.
Step 3: Add the Butter and Herbs
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and olive oil. Use a pastry brush to generously brush the mixture over the top of the bread, ensuring it seeps into the cuts for extra flavor. Sprinkle the chopped rosemary and thyme evenly over the loaf, followed by the chopped nuts if you’re using them.
Step 4: Bake the Bread
Wrap the entire loaf in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the foil to allow the top to crisp up, then bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the brie is fully melted and bubbly, and the bread is golden and crunchy.
Step 5: Serve
Carefully remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a serving platter. Drizzle a little honey over the top if desired for an extra touch of sweetness. Serve immediately, letting your guests pull apart the cheesy, flavorful pieces of bread.
Ingredient Background
Sourdough Bread: The crusty exterior and tangy flavor of sourdough make it the perfect base for this pull-apart bread. Its sturdy structure ensures it holds up to the fillings and baking process without becoming soggy. Other types of crusty bread, like a round boule or artisan loaf, can also be used if sourdough isn’t available.
Brie Cheese: Brie is a soft, creamy cheese that melts beautifully, making it ideal for pull-apart bread. Its mild, buttery flavor pairs perfectly with the tartness of cranberry sauce. You can substitute brie with camembert or even a gooey cheese like mozzarella for a different twist.
Cranberry Sauce: Cranberry sauce brings a bright, tangy sweetness that complements the rich, creamy brie. You can use homemade cranberry sauce for an extra special touch or a good-quality store-bought version.
Fresh Herbs: Rosemary and thyme add an earthy, aromatic note to the dish, enhancing the savory elements. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried ones can be used in smaller quantities.
Optional Ingredients: Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the bread. Honey brings a touch of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the tangy cranberry sauce and the savory cheese.
Technique Tips
- Cut Carefully: Use a sharp serrated knife to ensure clean cuts without tearing the bread. Place a dish towel under the loaf to stabilize it while cutting.
- Distribute Evenly: Make sure the brie and cranberry sauce are evenly distributed to ensure every piece is filled with flavor.
- Don’t Overfill: Avoid overloading the bread with fillings, as it can cause the loaf to become too soft or difficult to handle.
- Wrap in Foil: Wrapping the loaf in foil for the first part of baking helps the cheese melt evenly without burning the top of the bread.
Alternative Presentation Ideas
- Mini Pull-Apart Loaves: Use smaller bread rolls or buns to create individual pull-apart servings. Perfect for portion control or as part of a buffet spread.
- Flatbread Style: Slice a rectangular loaf, like ciabatta, into a grid and follow the same recipe for a flatter version that’s easy to slice and serve.
- Festive Wreath: Arrange small sourdough rolls in a circular pattern on a baking tray to create a bread wreath. Fill the cuts with brie and cranberry, then bake for a holiday-inspired presentation.
Additional Tips for Success
- Use Room Temperature Cheese: Brie is easier to cut and insert into the bread when it’s slightly softened.
- Homemade Cranberry Sauce: If you’re making your own cranberry sauce, prepare it ahead of time and let it cool completely before using it in this recipe.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the bread a few hours in advance and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge until ready to bake.
Recipe Variations
- Savory Spin: Swap the cranberry sauce for caramelized onions or pesto for a more savory version.
- Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or drizzle hot honey over the bread for a sweet-and-spicy combination.
- Cheese Swap: Replace brie with a mix of cheddar and gouda for a sharper, more robust flavor.
Freezing and Storage
- Refrigerate Leftovers: Wrap any leftover bread in foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
- Freeze Before Baking: Assemble the bread, wrap it tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
Healthier Twist Ideas
- Whole Grain Bread: Use whole grain or seeded bread for added fiber and nutrients.
- Reduce Butter: Cut back on the butter and replace it with olive oil for a lighter option.
- Lower Sugar: Use a sugar-free cranberry sauce or substitute it with a no-sugar-added jam.
Serving Suggestions for Events
- Holiday Appetizer: Serve as a festive appetizer during Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday gathering.
- Game Day Snack: Pair with a charcuterie board or other finger foods for a delicious game-day spread.
- Casual Dinner Party: Present alongside a salad or soup for an easy yet impressive starter.
Special Equipment
- Serrated Knife: A serrated knife is essential for cutting through the crusty bread without crushing it.
- Pastry Brush: Use a pastry brush to evenly coat the bread with the butter and olive oil mixture.
- Aluminum Foil: Foil helps keep the bread warm and ensures the cheese melts evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of bread? Yes, any crusty bread like ciabatta, artisan loaf, or even a French baguette can be used in place of sourdough.
- What if I don’t like cranberry sauce? You can substitute cranberry sauce with fig jam, apricot preserves, or even chutney for a different flavor.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the bread a few hours in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
- How do I keep the bread warm for serving? Wrap the baked bread in foil and place it in a warm oven (around 200°F) until ready to serve.
- What can I serve alongside this dish? Pair it with a fresh salad, a soup like butternut squash or tomato bisque, or a charcuterie board.
- Can I use a vegan cheese alternative? Yes, there are many plant-based cheeses available that melt well and can be substituted for brie.
- What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Reheat the bread in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to restore its texture and flavor.
- How can I make it more festive? Add dried cranberries, pomegranate arils, or a sprinkle of edible glitter for a holiday-inspired touch.
Conclusion
Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its combination of creamy brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and fresh herbs baked into a crusty loaf of bread is sure to impress both your eyes and taste buds. Simple to make yet incredibly elegant, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your holiday or party repertoire. Serve it warm, let guests pull apart the gooey, cheesy goodness, and enjoy a dish that’s as delightful to eat as it is to share!
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Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Bread
- 1 large sourdough boule (or any round crusty bread, about 10–12 inches in diameter)
- 8 ounces brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Garnishes
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for crunch)
- Honey, for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the sourdough boule on a cutting board and, using a sharp serrated knife, carefully make deep cuts into the bread to form a crisscross pattern. Be sure to cut almost all the way to the bottom without slicing through the base of the bread, leaving the loaf intact. The result should be a grid of squares, each about 1 to 1½ inches wide.
Step 2: Fill the Bread
Gently pull apart the bread squares with your fingers to create space for the fillings. Insert a cube of brie cheese into each cut, ensuring the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the loaf. Next, spoon small dollops of cranberry sauce into the crevices, tucking it between the bread and brie cubes.
Step 3: Add the Butter and Herbs
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and olive oil. Use a pastry brush to generously brush the mixture over the top of the bread, ensuring it seeps into the cuts for extra flavor. Sprinkle the chopped rosemary and thyme evenly over the loaf, followed by the chopped nuts if you’re using them.
Step 4: Bake the Bread
Wrap the entire loaf in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the foil to allow the top to crisp up, then bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the brie is fully melted and bubbly, and the bread is golden and crunchy.
Step 5: Serve
Carefully remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a serving platter. Drizzle a little honey over the top if desired for an extra touch of sweetness. Serve immediately, letting your guests pull apart the cheesy, flavorful pieces of bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1-2 pieces of pull-apart bread
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g