Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread is a savory-sweet, crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines the rich creaminess of Brie cheese with the tart sweetness of cranberry sauce, all baked inside a pull-apart bread loaf. The bread is soft and warm, making it perfect for pulling apart into bite-sized pieces, with gooey, melted Brie and tangy cranberry sauce oozing out of each section. The combination of flavors—rich cheese, sweet cranberry, and the fresh bread—is irresistible.
The first time I made this, I was looking for an appetizer that was both indulgent and easy to share, and it was a huge success! The combination of creamy Brie and the tart cranberry sauce makes for a delicious contrast, and the bread becomes even more delicious as it soaks up the flavors while baking. What I love most about Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread is how perfect it is for holiday gatherings, family get-togethers, or any time you want to impress with something that’s both cozy and a little luxurious. It’s simple to make, yet feels like a special treat everyone will want to dig into!
Perfect for:
- Holiday parties
- Family gatherings
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas
- Cheese lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 9 reasons why this Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread will become your go-to appetizer:
- Savory and Sweet Perfection: The balance of creamy brie and tart cranberry creates an irresistible flavor profile.
- Shareable and Fun: The pull-apart nature of the bread makes it easy and fun to share with guests.
- Buttery Soft Bread: The bread is soft and fluffy, absorbing all the flavors of the brie and cranberry sauce.
- Elegant Presentation: The bread is visually stunning, making it a showstopper on any appetizer table.
- Holiday Ready: This bread is perfect for festive gatherings like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble it in advance and bake it just before serving, saving you time.
- Customizable: Adjust the amount of cranberry sauce or add herbs for a personalized touch.
- Impressive Yet Simple: It looks like you spent hours preparing, but it’s actually a breeze to make.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: It’s a great vegetarian option for those with dietary preferences.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 6g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 20g
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 1 loaf of pull-apart bread (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
For the Filling:
- 8 oz brie cheese, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Ingredient Highlights
- Brie Cheese: The rich, creamy brie cheese melts beautifully and adds a luxurious texture.
- Cranberry Sauce: Offers a tangy contrast to the creamy cheese, adding brightness to the dish.
- Garlic and Rosemary: Infuse the bread with aromatic flavors that complement the savory cheese.
- Honey: Optional, but adds a touch of sweetness that enhances the overall flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Bread:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Bread: Slice the pull-apart bread in a crisscross pattern, making sure not to cut all the way through the bottom, so the bread stays in one piece.
- Melt the Butter: In a small bowl, melt the butter and stir in minced garlic and dried rosemary (if using).
- Brush the Bread: Generously brush the butter mixture over the top of the bread, making sure to coat every slice.
Prepare the Filling:
- Prepare the Brie and Cranberries: Cut the brie into small cubes and set aside. If using homemade cranberry sauce, ensure it’s thick and spreadable.
- Stuff the Bread: Gently stuff the bread with cubes of brie cheese and spoonfuls of cranberry sauce, making sure the ingredients fill every crevice.
- Optional Drizzle: Drizzle honey over the filling for added sweetness, if desired.
Bake the Bread:
- Wrap and Bake: Cover the bread loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Uncover and Bake Again: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden and the cheese is fully melted.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm, garnished with fresh rosemary if desired.
How to Serve
Here are 9 serving suggestions for Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread:
- As a Holiday Appetizer: Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas parties as a festive starter.
- With Cheese and Charcuterie: Serve alongside a cheese board or charcuterie for a more filling spread.
- For Brunch: Serve as part of a brunch buffet, alongside eggs and fresh fruit.
- On a Cheese Lover’s Platter: Add to a spread of cheeses for a creamy, melty option.
- As a Side Dish: Serve alongside roasted meats for a savory-sweet contrast.
- For a Game Day Snack: A great option for watching sports with friends and family.
- With Extra Cranberry Sauce: Serve with a side of cranberry sauce for extra flavor.
- As a Picnic Treat: This bread travels well and is a great option for a picnic or potluck.
- As a Party Favorite: Perfect for parties, as guests can easily pull apart pieces.
Additional Tips
- Make Sure the Bread Doesn’t Fall Apart: Be gentle when stuffing the bread to avoid breaking the loaf.
- Reheat if Needed: If you’re making the bread in advance, simply reheat it in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
- Extra Flavor: Add some fresh herbs like thyme or sage to the filling for an extra burst of flavor.
- Cutting the Bread: Use a serrated knife to cut the bread cleanly without crushing it.
- Cranberry Sauce Consistency: If your cranberry sauce is too thin, cook it down on the stove until it thickens before using.
Recipe Variations
- Apple and Brie Pull-Apart Bread: Swap cranberry sauce for apple slices and cinnamon for a fall-inspired version.
- Beef Bacon and Brie Pull-Apart Bread: Add crispy beef bacon bits for a savory twist on the traditional recipe.
- Spinach and Artichoke Pull-Apart Bread: Replace the cranberry sauce with spinach and artichoke dip for a creamy, savory alternative.
- Herb-Infused Butter: Add fresh garlic, thyme, or parsley to the butter mixture for added flavor.
- Pecan and Brie Pull-Apart Bread: Add chopped pecans for crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the brie.
- Vegan Option: Use a plant-based cheese and butter alternative for a dairy-free version.
- Cranberry Jalapeño Pull-Apart Bread: Add diced jalapeños to the cranberry sauce for a spicy-sweet twist.
- Chocolate Hazelnut Brie Pull-Apart Bread: Spread chocolate-hazelnut spread and brie in the bread for a sweet version.
Special Equipment
- Aluminum Foil: For covering the bread during the first part of baking.
- Basting Brush: To apply the garlic butter mixture to the bread.
- Sharp Knife: For cutting the bread into the crisscross pattern.
- Baking Dish or Tray: For placing the bread while it bakes.
- Cooling Rack: To allow the bread to cool slightly before serving.
FAQ Section
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute brie with other creamy cheeses like camembert or goat cheese. - Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the bread up to a day ahead, then bake just before serving. - Can I freeze the bread?
While the bread is best served fresh, you can freeze it before baking. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed. - What if I don’t have pull-apart bread?
You can use any soft, round bread like a boule or French bread. Just slice it in a crisscross pattern. - How long will the bread last?
The bread is best eaten within 1-2 days for optimal freshness. - Can I add nuts to the bread?
Yes, adding crushed pecans or walnuts would complement the brie and cranberry filling nicely. - What can I substitute for rosemary?
Thyme or sage would be great alternatives to rosemary for the butter mixture. - Can I add more cranberry sauce?
Feel free to add more cranberry sauce to your liking, just be sure not to overfill the bread to avoid spillage. - What type of bread is best?
A soft, pull-apart bread like a brioche or Italian loaf works best. - Can I serve this with a dipping sauce?
Yes, a creamy ranch or garlic butter dipping sauce would pair wonderfully with this bread.
Conclusion
Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread is a delicious and indulgent appetizer that combines the creamy, rich flavors of Brie cheese with the sweet and tart taste of cranberry sauce, all baked inside a pull-apart loaf of bread. The bread is typically a soft, fluffy type like a baguette or brioche, cut into cubes or slices, then stuffed with a mixture of melted Brie and cranberry sauce. As it bakes, the cheese melts into the bread, creating pockets of gooey, savory goodness, while the cranberry sauce adds a burst of sweetness and vibrant color.
This dish is perfect for sharing at parties or gatherings, and it’s easy to pull apart and enjoy without the need for utensils. It’s the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and cheesy flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser at any event, especially around the holidays.
I can’t wait to see how your Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!