Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread is a show-stopping appetizer perfect for the holiday season. This recipe combines the tangy flavor of sourdough bread with creamy, melted brie cheese and the sweet-tart bite of cranberry sauce. Ideal for sharing, this pull-apart bread is easy to prepare and will impress your guests with its festive flavors and rustic presentation. Whether served at a Thanksgiving feast, Christmas party, or casual winter gathering, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that captures the cozy spirit of the season.
Ingredients
- 1 large round sourdough loaf (unsliced)
- 8 ounces brie cheese, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the bread
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a serrated knife, carefully cut the sourdough loaf in a crosshatch pattern, making 1-inch wide cuts. Be sure not to slice all the way through the bread—leave the bottom intact to hold the loaf together.
Step 2: Fill the bread with brie
Insert the pieces of brie cheese into the cuts of the bread, tucking them deep into the crevices. Make sure to distribute the cheese evenly throughout the loaf for a gooey, cheesy pull-apart experience.
Step 3: Add cranberry sauce
Using a small spoon, dollop cranberry sauce into the same crevices, spreading it slightly to ensure every piece of bread gets some of the tangy, sweet flavor.
Step 4: Prepare the butter mixture
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the chopped rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. If you prefer a simpler flavor, you can skip the herbs.
Step 5: Drizzle and bake
Drizzle the herbed butter evenly over the bread, making sure it seeps into the cuts. Wrap the bread in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes.
Step 6: Finish baking
Unwrap the bread and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the brie is fully melted and the bread is golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Variation
Savory Option: Substitute the cranberry sauce with caramelized onions for a rich, savory flavor.
Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the crevices along with the brie and cranberry sauce.
Sweet Addition: Drizzle a little honey over the loaf before baking for a touch of sweetness that complements the brie and cranberries.
Cooking Notes
Choose a sturdy sourdough loaf for the best results, as softer bread may not hold up well when filled and baked. Brie with the rind on works perfectly in this recipe; the rind melts down during baking, adding extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pull-apart bread on a large platter with fresh herbs for garnish. Pair it with a glass of sparkling wine or cider for an elegant holiday appetizer. Accompany it with a side of mixed nuts or dried fruits for a complete festive snack spread.
Tips
Cut the bread slowly and carefully to avoid slicing through the bottom crust. For easier cleanup, line the baking sheet with parchment paper before wrapping the bread in foil. Use leftover cranberry sauce from holiday meals for an economical and delicious twist.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cooking Time:
25 minutes
Total Time:
35 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 7g
- Sodium: 280mg
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, you can use a crusty French boule or ciabatta loaf if sourdough isn’t available.
Q: How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Assemble the bread with brie, cranberry sauce, and butter, then wrap it tightly in foil and refrigerate. Bake it fresh when ready to serve.
Q: What can I substitute for brie cheese?
Camembert or even mozzarella can be used for a similar gooey texture.
Q: Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as long as the cheese and cranberry sauce don’t contain animal-based additives.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Wrap the leftover bread tightly in foil and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes to restore its texture.
Conclusion
Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread is more than just a dish—it’s an experience. The combination of creamy brie, tart cranberry, and crusty sourdough creates a harmony of flavors that’s as festive as it is delicious. Perfect for sharing, this appetizer is a surefire way to delight your guests and bring a touch of gourmet flair to your holiday table. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a large party, this pull-apart bread will undoubtedly be the star of the spread. So grab a loaf of sourdough, some brie, and cranberry sauce, and get ready to impress with this simple yet stunning recipe!
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Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread
Ingredients
- 1 large round sourdough loaf (unsliced)
- 8 ounces brie cheese, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the bread
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a serrated knife, carefully cut the sourdough loaf in a crosshatch pattern, making 1-inch wide cuts. Be sure not to slice all the way through the bread—leave the bottom intact to hold the loaf together.
Step 2: Fill the bread with brie
Insert the pieces of brie cheese into the cuts of the bread, tucking them deep into the crevices. Make sure to distribute the cheese evenly throughout the loaf for a gooey, cheesy pull-apart experience.
Step 3: Add cranberry sauce
Using a small spoon, dollop cranberry sauce into the same crevices, spreading it slightly to ensure every piece of bread gets some of the tangy, sweet flavor.
Step 4: Prepare the butter mixture
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the chopped rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. If you prefer a simpler flavor, you can skip the herbs.
Step 5: Drizzle and bake
Drizzle the herbed butter evenly over the bread, making sure it seeps into the cuts. Wrap the bread in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes.
Step 6: Finish baking
Unwrap the bread and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the brie is fully melted and the bread is golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.