Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

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Golden, buttery bread stuffed with melty brie and sweet-tart cranberry sauce—Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread is the kind of show-stopping appetizer that disappears in minutes. With its crispy edges, gooey cheese pockets, and jewel-like cranberry topping, this dish brings serious holiday vibes but is easy enough for any festive gathering.

Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving feast, a Christmas party, or just want to serve something special at a weekend brunch, this pull-apart bread hits all the right notes. It’s warm, comforting, and packed with flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser that doubles as an eye-catching centerpiece.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

This recipe is a true blend of textures and flavors. You get the crusty crunch of a baked loaf, the creamy, slightly tangy flavor of brie cheese, and the sweet brightness of cranberry sauce in every single bite. It’s also surprisingly simple to put together and bakes in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those last-minute appetizer ideas or party food plans.

What Kind of Bread Works Best?

A round, crusty sourdough or artisan boule works best for this pull-apart bread. You want a loaf with enough structure to hold the fillings without becoming soggy. Pre-sliced sandwich bread won’t cut it here—look for something hearty and rustic from the bakery section for best results.

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Ingredients for the Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

Choosing the right ingredients makes all the difference in this recipe. Each one plays a crucial role in flavor and texture:

• Sourdough or Artisan Boule: The sturdy base of the dish. Its dense crust and chewy interior provide the perfect texture.
• Brie Cheese: Offers rich, creamy pockets of melted cheese that contrast beautifully with the tartness of the cranberries.
• Cranberry Sauce: Whether homemade or store-bought, it adds a bright, sweet-tangy kick. Whole berry sauce works best.
• Butter: Brushed on the loaf to encourage golden, crispy edges during baking.
• Fresh Rosemary (optional): A few sprigs give a savory herbal note that complements the sweet cranberries and creamy cheese.

How To Make the Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

Step 1: Prep the Loaf

Use a serrated knife to slice the bread in a crosshatch pattern, being careful not to cut all the way through. You want to create deep pockets while keeping the base of the bread intact.

Step 2: Fill with Brie

Cut your brie into small cubes. Gently stuff the cubes into the bread crevices, evenly distributing them so each pull-apart piece gets a gooey bite.

Step 3: Add Cranberry Sauce

Using a spoon, drizzle cranberry sauce over the bread, letting it seep into the cracks. Press a little into the crevices if needed so it’s well distributed.

Step 4: Butter It Up

Melt the butter and brush it generously over the entire loaf, especially on the exposed bread parts. This helps it turn golden and crispy in the oven.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake the bread at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melty and the top is golden brown. Serve warm!

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How to Serve and Store Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

This recipe feeds around 6 to 8 people as an appetizer or side dish. It’s best served hot out of the oven when the cheese is still gooey and the bread is crisp. Place it on a serving board or dish and let your guests pull apart pieces themselves—no utensils needed!

To store leftovers (if you somehow have any!), wrap the bread tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F until warm and the cheese is remelted. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread rubbery.

What to Serve With Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread?

Fresh Green Salad

A crisp salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cheese and cranberry.

Roasted Turkey or Chicken

Pair it as a savory side during holiday meals—it fits perfectly with your Thanksgiving or Christmas spread.

Sparkling Beverages

Cranberry brie bread loves bubbles! Try it with sparkling cider, Prosecco, or cranberry spritzers.

Creamy Soups

Serve it alongside butternut squash soup or creamy tomato bisque for a cozy lunch or dinner.

Charcuterie Board

Include it as a centerpiece on your holiday charcuterie board with nuts, fruits, and cured meats.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! While brie is ideal for its creaminess, camembert or even mozzarella can be used in a pinch. Just make sure it’s a good melter.

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the bread (stuff with brie and cranberry) and store it in the fridge, covered, for a few hours before baking. Brush with butter just before putting it in the oven.

What’s the best cranberry sauce to use?
Homemade whole berry cranberry sauce gives the best texture and flavor, but you can use high-quality store-bought versions as well. Avoid the jellied kind.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze the assembled (but unbaked) loaf for up to a month. Wrap it well in foil, and bake straight from frozen, adding 5-10 extra minutes.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just use a gluten-free artisan loaf and double-check that your cranberry sauce and cheese are gluten-free.

Need more ideas for holiday appetizers? Check out our Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball or try this Easy Baked Brie with Honey and Almonds!

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