Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

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Every holiday season, there’s one appetizer I keep coming back to — Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread. It’s rich, buttery, gooey, tart, and just the right amount of sweet. The first time I made it, I barely had time to set it on the table before it was completely devoured. There’s just something irresistible about the golden crust of a warm loaf, packed with melty brie and tart cranberry sauce oozing into every crevice.

This recipe is one of my go-tos not just because it’s delicious, but because it looks impressive while actually being incredibly simple to pull off. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, a holiday potluck, or even just a cozy winter night with wine, this pull-apart bread brings people together in the most satisfying way.

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

• It’s a showstopper appetizer that looks as good as it tastes.
• Made with only a handful of ingredients but packed with flavor.
• Ideal for entertaining—minimal prep, maximum impact.
• Perfect balance of savory brie and sweet-tart cranberry.
• Easily adaptable to suit other flavors or dietary needs.

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What Kind of Bread Should I Use?

You’ll want a round, crusty loaf like sourdough or a French boule. The crust gives the bread structure so it can hold the brie and cranberry without collapsing, while the inside stays fluffy and absorbs all that melted goodness. Just make sure it’s unsliced so you can cut your own crosshatch pattern.

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Options for Substitutions

If brie isn’t your thing, try camembert or even a creamy goat cheese. For the cranberry sauce, you can use a homemade version, canned whole-berry sauce, or even swap it out for fig jam or raspberry preserves if you’re feeling adventurous. Gluten-free loaf? Go for it — just pick one that’s dense enough to hold up to the fillings. You can even sprinkle some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top for added texture.

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Ingredients for This Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

Crusty Round Loaf (Sourdough or French Boule)
The foundation of this recipe. You need a round loaf with a sturdy crust to hold all the melted cheese and cranberry sauce without falling apart.

Brie Cheese
Creamy, rich, and melts beautifully. It seeps into the bread crevices, adding luxurious texture and flavor.

Cranberry Sauce
Whole-berry cranberry sauce adds a sweet-tart punch. It pairs perfectly with the richness of the brie.

Butter (unsalted)
Melted and brushed onto the bread for a golden crust and extra flavor.

Fresh Rosemary (optional)
Adds a fragrant, woodsy note that balances the sweet and creamy ingredients.

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Step 1: Prep the Bread

Place your loaf on a cutting board and, using a sharp serrated knife, slice it in a crosshatch pattern — about 1-inch slices both horizontally and vertically — but be careful not to cut all the way through. The goal is to keep the bottom of the loaf intact so it holds together.

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Step 2: Stuff the Brie

Cut the brie into small cubes. Tuck the cubes deep into the crevices of the sliced bread, spacing them evenly so each bite has gooey cheese throughout.

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Step 3: Add the Cranberry Sauce

Using a spoon, drop dollops of cranberry sauce into the bread gaps, over and around the brie. Try to distribute it evenly for that beautiful sweet-savory flavor in every pull-apart piece.

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Step 4: Butter and Season

Melt the butter and brush it generously over the top of the loaf. Let it drip down into the slices. If you’re using rosemary, sprinkle a little on top now to infuse the loaf with herbal aroma.

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Step 5: Bake the Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the entire loaf loosely in foil and bake for about 15–20 minutes. Then, open the foil and bake uncovered for another 5–10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and the bread edges are golden and crisp.

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Step 6: Serve Immediately

Once it’s out of the oven, transfer to a serving board. Serve it warm and gooey — guests can pull pieces straight from the loaf, no slicing needed. It’s finger food at its finest.

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How Long to Prepare Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

Preparation Time: 10–15 minutes
It doesn’t take long to prep this stunning appetizer. Cutting the bread, cubing the brie, and spooning in the cranberry sauce can all be done in under 15 minutes.

Cooking Time: 20–30 minutes
Once prepped, the bread bakes in two stages: first wrapped in foil to melt the cheese, then uncovered for a golden, crisp finish. Total oven time is around 25 minutes.

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Tips for Perfect Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

• Use chilled brie when cubing—it’s less sticky and easier to handle.
• Don’t slice all the way through the bread; keep the bottom intact.
• Distribute the cheese and cranberry sauce as evenly as possible.
• Wrap loosely in foil for baking to trap heat while allowing some air circulation.
• Serve immediately while the cheese is melted and stretchy.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcutting the Bread: If you slice too deep, the loaf might fall apart.
• Using a Soft Loaf: Breads like brioche or sandwich loaves are too soft and can’t hold the fillings.
• Not Wrapping Properly: Foil should be loose enough to allow steam but tight enough to prevent drying.
• Skimping on Butter: Butter gives flavor and helps toast the edges.
• Overbaking Uncovered: Keep a close eye at the end to avoid burning the top.

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What to Serve With Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread?

1. Sparkling Wine or Champagne

The acidity and bubbles balance the richness of the brie and sweetness of the cranberries.

2. Mixed Greens Salad

A light arugula or spinach salad with a vinaigrette is the perfect fresh contrast.

3. Roasted Nuts

Pecans or walnuts can complement the nutty undertones of brie.

4. Charcuterie Board

Serve as part of a larger spread with prosciutto, salami, and fresh fruits.

5. Butternut Squash Soup

A cozy bowl of soup and a chunk of this bread make a heartwarming combo.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: If you have leftovers (though it’s rare!), wrap the loaf tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating: To reheat, place the loaf back in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10–15 minutes, covered in foil to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving — it makes the bread soggy and rubbery.

Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of the cheese and bread can degrade after thawing.

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Estimated Nutrition

This is a rough estimate per serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 280–320
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Sugar: 6g
• Protein: 10g
• Sodium: 380mg
• Fiber: 1g

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of cranberry sauce should I use?

Whole-berry cranberry sauce is best for texture and balance, but homemade or canned both work well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prep everything and store it wrapped in the fridge for up to 6 hours. Bake just before serving.

Can I use a different cheese?

Absolutely. Camembert, goat cheese, or even fontina work well as melty alternatives.

How do I serve this without making a mess?

Set the loaf on a large serving board with napkins or small plates nearby. Let guests pull pieces gently.

Is this vegetarian?

Yes! Just make sure your brie and cranberry sauce are vegetarian-friendly (some cheese uses animal rennet).

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Conclusion

Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread is a festive, flavor-packed appetizer that’s as easy as it is elegant. It’s perfect for entertaining during the holidays or bringing a little gourmet flair to any gathering. With its contrast of creamy cheese, tart cranberry, and crusty bread, every bite is a celebration of comfort and joy. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something cozy, this bread is guaranteed to impress.

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