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There’s something truly magical about a warm, cheesy pull-apart bread—especially one that combines the creamy, rich taste of Brie with the tart-sweet pop of cranberry sauce! This Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread is the ultimate appetizer for any holiday gathering, game night, or cozy winter night in. It’s irresistibly gooey, beautifully festive, and oh-so-easy to make. Plus, with just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a stunning dish that looks as impressive as it tastes.
Whether you’re a pull-apart bread aficionado or trying it for the first time, this recipe will win over your taste buds in just one bite! Let’s dive into why this recipe is sure to be a new favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread
1. Easy to Make, Impressive to Serve
With minimal prep and simple ingredients, you’ll have a dish that feels restaurant-worthy and adds a festive flair to any table.
2. The Perfect Combination of Sweet, Savory, and Creamy
The buttery, herbaceous taste of rosemary, the tart-sweet cranberry, and the melty, rich Brie make this bread burst with flavor in every bite.
3. A Crowd-Pleaser for Any Occasion
From holiday dinners to potlucks or family movie nights, this pull-apart bread is perfect for sharing. Plus, the pull-apart style makes it fun for guests to dig in!
4. Versatile and Customizable
Have a different jam, cheese, or herb preference? This recipe is incredibly flexible. Swap in your favorite flavors to make it uniquely yours!
What Does Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread Taste Like?
Imagine sinking your teeth into the crispy, buttery exterior of sourdough, only to reach gooey pockets of melted Brie, accented by tangy-sweet cranberry sauce and earthy rosemary. Each bite is a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and sweet, with the rosemary adding a subtle warmth. The cranberry sauce lends a seasonal, festive flavor that’s especially delightful during fall and winter.
Ingredients for Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread
Here’s what you’ll need to create this beautiful, crowd-pleasing dish:
- 1 large round sourdough bread loaf – The tangy sourdough flavor pairs perfectly with the Brie and cranberry.
- 8 oz Brie cheese, sliced – Brie melts beautifully, adding a rich, creamy texture to each piece.
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought) – Opt for a chunky cranberry sauce for the best texture.
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped – Rosemary adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the cheese and cranberry.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted – This helps create a golden-brown, crispy exterior and adds extra richness.
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (optional) – Adds a hint of saltiness that enhances all the flavors.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- A cutting board and sharp bread knife
- Aluminum foil for baking
- Pastry brush for butter application (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread
Follow these steps to create a stunning pull-apart bread in no time:
Step 1: Prep Your Bread
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sourdough loaf on a cutting board, and use a sharp bread knife to make crosswise cuts in the bread, creating a grid pattern. Be careful not to cut all the way through—leave the base intact so the loaf stays whole.
Step 2: Add the Cheese
Gently insert the Brie slices into the cuts in the bread. Try to distribute the cheese evenly for a gooey, melty texture throughout the loaf.
Step 3: Add the Cranberry Sauce
Spoon cranberry sauce into the cuts, spreading it out so it’s nestled among the Brie slices. The sauce will add bursts of tart-sweetness with every pull.
Step 4: Top with Rosemary and Butter
Sprinkle the chopped rosemary over the bread, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Then, drizzle the melted butter over the top, letting it seep into the cuts and infuse the bread with flavor.
Step 5: Wrap and Bake
Wrap the loaf loosely in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Crisp It Up
Unwrap the bread, remove the foil, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. This step makes the exterior of the bread crispy and golden.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once out of the oven, garnish with a sprinkle of sea salt if desired. Serve the bread warm and let everyone enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness!
What to Serve with Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread
This bread is a delicious appetizer on its own but pairs well with a variety of sides and drinks:
- Wine – A glass of Chardonnay or a sparkling white wine complements the creamy Brie.
- Fruit and Nut Platter – Fresh grapes, apples, and walnuts make a great accompaniment.
- Soup – Serve alongside a bowl of butternut squash or tomato soup for a cozy meal.
Tips for Making the Best Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread
- Choose a Round Sourdough Loaf – This shape holds together best when pulling apart.
- Go for Fresh Cranberry Sauce – If possible, use a homemade cranberry sauce with whole berries. It adds more texture and flavor.
- Add Garlic for Extra Depth – If you’re a garlic lover, mince a clove of garlic and mix it with the melted butter.
- Try Other Herbs – Fresh thyme or sage can be used in place of rosemary for a different flavor profile.
Storage Instructions
If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly in aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the bread soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! Prepare the bread as directed up to the point of baking, then wrap it in foil and refrigerate for up to 6 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely. Camembert, mozzarella, or Gouda can be used as delicious alternatives, although Brie’s creaminess works particularly well here.
How Can I Make This Gluten-Free?
Simply substitute the sourdough with a gluten-free round loaf. Many grocery stores carry gluten-free options that would work well.
Is There a Substitute for Cranberry Sauce?
If cranberry isn’t your favorite, try using a fig jam, apricot preserve, or a savory chutney. Each will bring its own unique flavor to the dish.
Wrap-Up: A Festive and Flavorful Pull-Apart Bread
This Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread is the ultimate blend of holiday flavors and comfort food. It’s festive enough to serve at holiday gatherings yet simple enough to whip up anytime. The combination of sourdough, Brie, and cranberry creates a truly indulgent treat that’s hard to resist. So, the next time you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s both easy and elegant, give this pull-apart bread a try—you won’t be disappointed!
More Recipes to Enjoy
If you loved this pull-apart bread, try these other irresistible dishes:
- Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme – A sophisticated tart that brings together sweet cranberries and savory pancetta with creamy Brie.
- Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl – A festive appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings, with warm Brie nestled in a bread bowl.
- Puff Pastry Brie Bites – Bite-sized appetizers that wrap Brie in golden puff pastry—ideal for parties!
If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out in the comments below or share your creations on Pinterest. I’d love to see your holiday spread!
PrintCranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A deliciously gooey and festive pull-apart bread that combines creamy Brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and fresh rosemary with a rustic sourdough loaf. This easy-to-make appetizer is perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy nights, or any special occasion. Each bite is loaded with warm, melty cheese and bursts of cranberry sweetness, creating an irresistible dish that’s made for sharing!
Ingredients
- 1 large round sourdough bread loaf
- 8 oz Brie cheese, sliced
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the sourdough loaf on a cutting board. Use a bread knife to make crosswise cuts into the bread, creating a grid pattern. Be careful not to cut all the way through, leaving the base intact.
- Insert Brie cheese slices into the cuts in the bread, distributing evenly.
- Spoon cranberry sauce into the cuts, spreading it for even coverage.
- Sprinkle chopped rosemary over the top of the bread.
- Drizzle melted butter over the entire loaf, allowing it to seep into the cuts.
- Wrap the bread in aluminum foil and bake for 15-20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of sea salt, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For Extra Flavor: Add a minced garlic clove to the melted butter before drizzling.
- Herb Alternatives: Try fresh thyme or sage if you prefer a different herb profile.
- Storage: Wrap any leftovers in foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.
- Make Ahead: Prep the bread up to the baking step, wrap it, and refrigerate for up to 6 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 loaf
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 270 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg