Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

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Golden, crusty bread oozing with melty brie and sweet-tart cranberry sauce — this Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread is a showstopper that tastes just as stunning as it looks. Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy night in, each bite delivers the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and savory. The presentation alone makes it a centerpiece, but the flavor ensures there won’t be a crumb left.

What makes this dish irresistible is its comforting warmth and simplicity. It’s the kind of recipe that feels fancy but requires very little effort. Whether you’re entertaining guests or craving something festive and cheesy, this pull-apart bread will quickly become your go-to favorite for any occasion.

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

This dish is a delicious harmony of flavors and textures: the gooey richness of melted brie, the tart pop of cranberries, and the crispy edges of toasted bread. It’s visually striking, easy to assemble, and crowd-pleasing. Plus, it’s adaptable — you can make it ahead of time or customize the filling with other festive ingredients like nuts or herbs.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving in, gather your essentials. You’ll need:

• A serrated knife: Crucial for making clean, even cuts into the bread without tearing it.
• Baking sheet: Supports even heat distribution and helps crisp up the bread.
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Pastry brush (optional): For brushing butter or oil into the crevices.

Each tool plays an important role in ensuring your bread is easy to prep, bakes evenly, and has the perfect texture. Don’t skip them!

Preparation Tips

Use a crusty artisan-style loaf, like sourdough or a French boule, as it holds up best to the cutting and baking process. When slicing, don’t cut all the way through — leave the bottom intact so the bread stays whole and pulls apart easily. Use room temperature brie for easier handling and slice it into small cubes that will melt evenly. Warm your cranberry sauce slightly before adding it — this helps it seep into every delicious crevice. For extra flavor, consider adding fresh rosemary or crushed walnuts for a festive twist.

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Ingredients for this Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

• 1 round sourdough loaf or French boule (approx. 1 lb)
• 8 oz brie cheese, rind on or off based on preference
• 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for added crunch)
• Pinch of salt (if using unsalted cranberry sauce)

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Step 1: Prep the Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the loaf on a cutting board and using a sharp serrated knife, make deep crosshatch cuts across the top of the bread, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Be careful not to slice all the way through to the bottom — you want the loaf to remain intact.

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Step 2: Stuff with Brie

Cut the brie into small cubes, around 1/2 inch each. Gently stuff the cubes of brie into the crevices of the bread, spacing them out so each section has plenty of melty cheese to enjoy.

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Step 3: Add the Cranberry Sauce

Spoon the cranberry sauce into the slits and across the top of the bread, ensuring even coverage. Use the back of the spoon to press it lightly into the bread so it sinks down into the cracks. If your sauce is thick or chilled, warm it slightly to make spreading easier.

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Step 4: Brush with Butter and Add Herbs

Drizzle or brush the melted butter over the top of the stuffed bread. Sprinkle the chopped rosemary and nuts over the top if using. The butter will help the bread crisp up beautifully while adding flavor.

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Step 5: Bake

Place the loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the bread is golden and crisp, and the brie is fully melted. If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent it with foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.

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Step 6: Serve Immediately

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for just 2–3 minutes. Serve warm and pull apart pieces directly with your hands or offer small forks for scooping. It’s best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the cheese is melty and the cranberry sauce is gooey.

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Notes

The beauty of this Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread is in its flexibility. You can use either store-bought or homemade cranberry sauce depending on time and preference. Brie with rind can be used for a deeper flavor, but if you’re not a fan of the texture, rind-free brie will melt more uniformly. For those who love a savory twist, adding a touch of garlic butter or caramelized onions into the crevices enhances the flavor even further.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Cutting too deep into the bread: This can cause the loaf to fall apart and not hold the fillings well.
• Using cold brie or cranberry sauce: Cold ingredients don’t melt and distribute as nicely. Let them come to room temperature or warm slightly.
• Overbaking: Watch closely in the last few minutes to avoid drying out the bread or burning the edges.
• Skipping the butter: This step is crucial for golden, crispy edges.

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Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), wrap the bread tightly in foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for 10–15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Microwaving is not recommended as it makes the bread soggy.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 310
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 420mg
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 8g
• Protein: 10g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! Camembert, goat cheese, or even sharp white cheddar work well, though brie offers the creamiest melt.

What kind of bread works best?

A crusty sourdough or French boule works best. Avoid soft sandwich loaves as they don’t hold shape well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep it ahead by stuffing the bread and refrigerating. Bake just before serving for best results.

Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, it’s vegetarian as long as the brie you choose doesn’t contain animal rennet.

Can I add meat to it?

Absolutely. Cooked, crumbled bacon or prosciutto are fantastic additions.

What if I don’t like cranberry sauce?

Try fig jam, raspberry preserves, or apricot jelly for a different sweet-tart flavor.

Do I need to remove the rind from brie?

It’s a matter of preference. The rind is edible, but you can remove it if you prefer a smoother melt.

Can I freeze it?

It’s not recommended to freeze after baking, but you can freeze the assembled, unbaked loaf for up to a month. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra time.

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Conclusion

Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread is an irresistible blend of melty cheese, sweet-tart fruit, and golden baked bread that makes it a true crowd-pleaser. With minimal prep and maximum reward, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to — whether it’s for a holiday appetizer, a wine night treat, or a comfort-filled snack. Add your own twist and make it uniquely yours!

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