Looking for a delicious, crowd-pleasing appetizer for your holiday gatherings? Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread is a mouth-watering choice that combines gooey cheese, tart cranberry sauce, and crusty sourdough. This appetizer is both easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress, making it a great choice for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive occasion.
This guide will walk you through each step to make this flavorful pull-apart bread that’s perfect for sharing. Prepare to take your festive dining table to a whole new level with a dish that is eye-catching yet delectable!
Ingredients
To make this Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread, you’ll need:
- 1 round sourdough loaf (8–10 inches in diameter)
- 1 cup fresh cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 8 oz Brie cheese, sliced
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary (or 1 tbsp dried rosemary)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme (optional for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Sourdough Loaf
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the round sourdough loaf on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut a grid pattern into the top of the loaf, creating 1-inch cubes. Be careful not to cut all the way through the bread; leave the base intact so that it holds together.
2. Stuff the Bread with Brie and Cranberry Sauce
- Gently pull apart the sections of the loaf and stuff each opening with Brie slices. The creamy texture of Brie complements the tart cranberry perfectly.
- Next, spoon cranberry sauce into the openings alongside the Brie. Distribute it evenly for a balanced flavor in every bite.
3. Add Butter and Herbs
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter with honey, chopped rosemary, and thyme.
- Drizzle this mixture generously over the bread, making sure it seeps into the cuts. The butter mixture will add flavor and help the bread get crispy as it bakes.
4. Bake the Pull-Apart Bread
- Wrap the entire loaf in foil and place it on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes to allow the Brie to start melting.
- Unwrap the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the bread edges are golden and crispy.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
- Sprinkle a bit more fresh rosemary and thyme on top, and add a touch of salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve warm and watch it disappear!
Tips for Perfect Pull-Apart Bread
- Use Fresh Sourdough: A sturdy sourdough loaf works best for this recipe. It holds its shape and adds a rustic flavor.
- Homemade Cranberry Sauce: If you have time, homemade cranberry sauce adds a fresher, more vibrant taste than store-bought.
- Experiment with Herbs: Fresh rosemary pairs beautifully with cranberry and Brie, but you can also try thyme, sage, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a holiday twist.
Why Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread Is a Must-Try
This Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread isn’t just a feast for the eyes; it’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures. Here’s why it’s a hit:
- Flavor Balance: The creamy, mild Brie balances the tart cranberry sauce, creating a rich yet refreshing bite.
- Shareable and Fun to Eat: Each piece is packed with flavor, and guests can simply pull out a section, making it perfect for gatherings.
- Seasonal and Festive: Cranberry and Brie are classic holiday flavors. This dish feels special, yet it’s simple enough for a weeknight indulgence.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this pull-apart bread with other holiday favorites:
- Charcuterie Board: Serve alongside cured meats, nuts, and fruits for a festive spread.
- Holiday Cocktails: Cranberry pairs beautifully with holiday drinks like mulled wine or a classic Christmas punch.
- Soup Starter: Serve with a cozy bowl of butternut squash or tomato soup for a complete, comforting meal.
Conclusion: Cranberry Brie Sourdough
Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread is the ultimate holiday appetizer—simple, elegant, and absolutely delicious. It’s the perfect way to bring friends and family together around the table this holiday season. Try this recipe at your next gathering, and watch it become a new holiday tradition.
FAQ: Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread
Yes! You can assemble the bread with the cranberry sauce and Brie a few hours ahead and keep it wrapped in the fridge. Just add the melted butter and herbs right before baking to keep it fresh and crispy.
If you’re not a fan of Brie, Camembert is a great alternative with a similar creamy texture. You could also try cream cheese, mozzarella, or goat cheese for a different flavor, but be aware that these will slightly alter the dish’s taste and texture.
Yes! If fresh herbs aren’t available, use dried herbs but reduce the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary and 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme.
Reheat leftovers by wrapping the bread in foil and placing it in a 300°F oven for about 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.
Absolutely! While homemade cranberry sauce adds a fresher flavor, store-bought cranberry sauce works well, especially if you’re short on time. Look for a variety with whole cranberries if possible for the best texture.
Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread Recipe
🎉 Just pulled this Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread out of the oven, and WOW! This recipe is an absolute game-changer! 🧀✨ It’s everything I love in a holiday appetizer: gooey melted Brie, tart cranberries, and a touch of sweetness from honey-butter glaze! 😋🥖 The crispy sourdough pulls apart perfectly, and the flavors? Unreal! Perfect for sharing with friends and family (or not…😉).
Trust me, YOU NEED this recipe for your next gathering! 🎄👨🍳
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 large round sourdough loaf
- 8 oz Brie cheese, sliced or cubed
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (or ½ cup dried cranberries)
- ¼ cup cranberry sauce
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme (optional)
Instructions
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Prep the Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sourdough loaf on a cutting board, and using a sharp bread knife, cut a grid into the loaf about ¾ of the way down. Be careful not to slice all the way through the bottom.
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Add Brie and Cranberries: Gently pull apart the bread pieces and tuck Brie slices and cranberries into each cut, spacing them evenly.
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Make the Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, honey, sea salt, and rosemary. Optionally, add thyme for an extra flavor kick.
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Drizzle and Bake: Drizzle the butter mixture generously over the stuffed bread, letting it seep into the cracks. Wrap the loaf loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
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Unwrap and Crisp: Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the bread is golden and crisp, and the cheese is melted.
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Serve: Allow it to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm for the best experience!
Notes
- Customize it: For added flavor, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts into the cuts for a nutty crunch.
- Cranberry sauce swap: If you’re using dried cranberries, add an extra spoonful of cranberry sauce to keep the bread moist.
- Use a serrated knife: This will make it easier to slice through the crusty sourdough without breaking it apart.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 390 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
Keywords: HolidayAppetizers, PullApartBread, BrieAndCranberry, EasyHolidayRecipes, BakedGoodness, PartyFood, FestiveEats, SourdoughBread, CranberryRecipes, CheesyBread
If you enjoyed Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread, try our Perfect Garlic Bread in the Air Fryer or Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls for more crowd-pleasers!
The Sparkling Wine & Rosé from Farm Steady makes an excellent accompaniment for your Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread.
Try Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread for a holiday appetizer that’s sure to please! Let us know if you have any other questions in the comments.
