Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

If you’re looking for the perfect holiday appetizer that will have everyone raving, you’ve found it with this Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread! This delightful bread is not only warm and cheesy but also brings a burst of sweetness from the cranberry sauce. It’s a dish that brings back fond memories of cozy gatherings with family and friends, where everyone eagerly pulls apart their piece of bread, creating an atmosphere filled with laughter and joy.

This recipe shines at any occasion—be it a festive Christmas dinner, a laid-back Thanksgiving gathering, or even a simple autumn night in. The combination of gooey brie and tangy cranberry sauce makes it a standout dish that’s sure to impress your guests. Plus, it’s so easy to make that you’ll want to whip it up all season long!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy days when you still want to impress.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love tearing off pieces of this cheesy goodness!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep it ahead of time so you can relax and enjoy the festivities on the day of your gathering.
• Delicious Flavor: The rich brie paired with sweet cranberry sauce creates an irresistible flavor combination.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about this Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread is how simple and wholesome the ingredients are! You probably have most of these in your kitchen already, which makes this recipe even more appealing. Let’s gather what we need:

For the Bread

• 1 large boule
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) melted butter
• 2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves
• 2 tsp. freshly chopped rosemary
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

For the Filling

• 1 (8-oz.) wheel Brie, cut into thin strips
• 1 (15-oz.) can whole-berry cranberry sauce

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to customize it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for an unexpected kick.
• Herb Swap: Try using fresh basil or oregano instead of thyme and rosemary for a different flavor profile.
• Change the Cheese: If brie isn’t your favorite, feel free to substitute with camembert or any soft cheese you love!

How to Make Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bread bakes evenly and comes out warm and toasted.

Step 2: Prepare the Boule

Using a serrated knife, carefully crosshatch the boule by slicing every inch in both directions without cutting all the way through. This step is crucial because it allows all those delicious flavors from the cheese and cranberry sauce to seep into every crevice.

Step 3: Mix Your Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter with fresh thyme and rosemary. Season this mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Brushing this aromatic butter all over the boule adds incredible flavor!

Step 4: Stuff It Up!

Stuff each crosshatch with strips of brie and dollops of cranberry sauce. Don’t be shy—fill those gaps generously! Once stuffed, wrap your bread completely in foil to keep everything nice and cozy while baking.

Step 5: Bake Away!

Place your wrapped bread in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is melty, and the bread is warm throughout. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely heavenly!

Step 6: Serve It Up!

After baking, let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This pull-apart bread is best enjoyed warm—just pull apart those pieces and dig in!

This Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread is destined to become one of your go-to recipes for any gathering. Enjoy sharing this treat with loved ones!

Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

Creating the perfect pull-apart bread is all about attention to detail and a touch of love! Here are some tips to make your Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread even more delightful.

• Choose the right bread: A large, crusty boule works best for this recipe. Its sturdy exterior will hold up under the weight of gooey cheese and sweet cranberry sauce without falling apart.

• Don’t rush the crosshatching: Take your time when making the crosshatches in the bread. Evenly spaced cuts allow for maximum filling and ensure every bite is packed with flavor.

• Experiment with herbs: While this recipe uses thyme and rosemary, feel free to try other herbs like sage or oregano for a different twist. Each herb brings its unique aroma and flavor, enhancing the overall dish.

• Let it cool before serving: Allowing the bread to cool for about 5 minutes after baking makes it easier to pull apart. This also lets the cheese set slightly, so it doesn’t ooze out everywhere when you serve it.

• Serve warm for best results: This bread is best enjoyed warm, as the cheese will be melty and delicious. If you’re making it ahead of time, you can reheat it briefly in the oven before serving.

How to Serve Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

Serving this festive dish is an opportunity to impress your guests with a beautiful presentation! Here are some ideas to elevate your serving game.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Sprinkling some additional fresh thyme or rosemary on top adds a pop of color and reinforces those lovely herbal flavors.

• Chopped nuts: A sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft bread and creamy cheese.

Side Dishes

• Mixed greens salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cranberries, and a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pull-apart bread.

• Vegetable platter: Brighten up your spread with an assortment of fresh vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes. This adds freshness and makes for great dippers!

• Cheese board: Complement your Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread with a selection of cheeses. Soft cheeses like goat cheese or hard cheeses like cheddar can create an inviting tasting experience.

• Stuffed mushrooms: These savory bites filled with herbs, breadcrumbs, and cheese pair perfectly with the richness of your pull-apart bread and make for an elegant touch at any gathering.

Enjoy sharing this delightful appetizer during your holiday celebrations!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious appetizer with minimal fuss during the busy holiday season. Here’s how to keep it fresh and tasty!

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover pull-apart bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• If you prefer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing it in the container.

Freezing

• To freeze, first let the bread cool completely.
• Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, thaw the frozen bread overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Unwrap the bread from its coverings and place it on a baking sheet.
• Bake for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melty again.

FAQs

Got questions? We’ve got answers! Here are some common inquiries about this delightful recipe:

Can I make Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the bread up to the wrapping stage and store it in the fridge for several hours before baking. Just remember to adjust baking time if coming straight from the fridge.

What type of bread should I use for Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread?

A large boule works best for this recipe as its crust holds up well during baking. However, you could also use other types of crusty bread like sourdough or ciabatta.

Can I use different cheeses instead of Brie?

Absolutely! While Brie provides a creamy texture, feel free to experiment with other soft cheeses like Camembert or even vegan cheese alternatives if you prefer.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread as much as I do! It’s not just a treat for your palate but also a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday table. Whether you’re sharing it with family or serving it at a gathering, this recipe will surely bring joy and warmth to your celebrations. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to savor those delicious moments!