Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread Recipe with you—it’s one of those magical dishes that instantly feels festive and comforting all at once. Imagine a golden sourdough loaf baked until perfectly crispy on the outside, packed with melty brie, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans, all caramelized with a touch of brown sugar and butter. Every pull offers a delicious combination of flavors and textures that will have you coming back for more, making it an absolute showstopper at gatherings or cozy nights in.

This recipe works wonderfully during the holidays but honestly, I’ve found myself making it just because I wanted a little something special on a weekend brunch. It’s super easy to pull together, yet feels indulgent enough to impress guests without standing over the stove all day. Trust me, once you try this Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread Recipe, it will become your go-to when you want to wow people with minimal fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread Recipe plays a key role in balancing flavor and texture. When you shop, look for quality pecans and a creamy brie wheel since those are the stars alongside the sourdough bread’s rustic texture.

• Round sourdough bread: Choose a fresh, sturdy loaf with a thick crust that’ll hold all the goodies without falling apart.
• Butter: Unsalted preferably, because it lets you control the saltiness in the dish.
• Raw pecans: Chopped nuts add crunch and a nice nutty flavor; toasting them lightly before adds extra oomph.
• Brown sugar: This gives a subtle caramelized sweetness that complements the tart cranberries beautifully.
• Brie wheel: Go for a creamy, rind-on brie, cubed so it melts perfectly throughout the bread.
• Dried cranberries: Their tartness brightens each bite, balancing the richness of the brie and butter.

Variations

I love tweaking this Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread Recipe depending on the occasion or what’s in my pantry. Feel free to make it your own—there’s plenty of room to play with flavors!

• Use fresh cranberries instead of dried: I tried this once during winter and loved the burst of juicy tartness. Just toss them with a bit of sugar first to mellow the sharpness.
• Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds: Depending on what nuts you like or have on hand, these swaps still give that satisfying crunch.
• Make it dairy-free: Use vegan butter and a plant-based cheese alternative for a similar gooey experience.
• Add herbs: A sprinkle of fresh rosemary or thyme mixed into the butter elevates the flavor with a savory touch.

How to Make Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Bread for Pull-Apart Goodness

Start by slicing your sourdough loaf in a grid pattern—cutting it into roughly 1-inch sections both horizontally and vertically, but don’t slice all the way through the bottom crust. This method helps the bread hold together while creating lots of tiny compartments ready to be filled with all those delicious ingredients. Take your time here; the cuts don’t have to be perfect, just consistent enough to make pulling apart easy and fun.

Step 2: Make Your Butter Mixture

Softened butter is key here—melt it slightly or let it sit out until it’s spreadable, then mix in the brown sugar until well combined. This sweet buttery mixture is what will baste the bread and help toast the nuts, cranberries, and brie cubes beautifully. If you’re adding herbs, mix them into your butter now for that extra flavor layer.

Step 3: Stuff and Assemble

Gently pull the cut sections apart just enough to carefully stuff each little pocket with a mix of brie cubes, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans. Use a spoon to drizzle some of the butter and brown sugar mixture over the bread, making sure every nook and cranny is infused with goodness. Don’t rush this part—stuffing well is the secret to getting that melty, gooey, crunchy bite every time.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Melty

Pop the stuffed loaf into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the brie is melted and the top is golden brown. Keep an eye on it near the end so it doesn’t over-bake—you want the bread crisp yet the cheese perfectly gooey inside. I like to cover it loosely with foil if the bread starts browning too fast before the cheese fully melts.

How to Serve Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top mine with some fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs because it adds a lovely aroma and a pop of green that contrasts nicely with the golden bread. Sometimes I sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt just before serving—it really makes the flavors pop and balances the sweetness of the cranberries.

Side Dishes

This Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread Recipe pairs perfectly with a simple green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette or a bowl of warm butternut squash soup. I love serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a charcuterie board for a full, inviting spread that’s great for entertaining.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve arranged the pull-apart bread on a wooden board surrounded by fresh cranberries and sprigs of pine or rosemary to make it extra festive. Another fun idea is to serve it right from the cast-iron skillet, keeping it warm and rustic-looking—guests love that cozy presentation and it makes pulling pieces off feel communal and special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house), wrap the bread tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 2 days, and the flavors actually deepen overnight—just expect the crust to soften a bit.

Freezing

I’ve frozen stuffed sourdough loaves before by wrapping them tightly in foil and plastic wrap, and then thawing overnight in the fridge. Freezing works best before baking—this way you can bake fresh whenever you want and enjoy that just-made warmth and melty brie experience.

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, I like to pop the bread in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to revive the crisp crust and melt the brie again. Avoid using the microwave because it can make the bread chewy and the crust soggy, which takes away from the magic.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it brings people together, whether it’s at holiday brunches or casual get-togethers. I love how simple ingredients come together to create something so comforting and elegant at the same time. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this as much as I do—it’s truly one of those recipes that’s easy to fall in love with and even easier to share with friends.

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