Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread Recipe
If you’re looking to wow your friends or family with a show-stopping appetizer that feels both cozy and elegant, the Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tearing into a crusty sourdough loaf bursting with creamy melted Brie, tangy-sweet cranberry sauce, and fragrant rosemary, all perfectly melded together. This irresistible dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a harmony of textures and flavors that will have everyone reaching for more. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual get-together, this recipe never fails to impress and delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients each play a special part in creating the perfect Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread Recipe. Fresh rosemary adds a piney aroma, tart cranberry sauce lends a burst of fruity brightness, and creamy Brie offers that melty richness that pulls everything together beautifully.
- 1 round sourdough bread loaf: A crusty exterior and chewy interior make it ideal for pull-apart bread.
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought): Adds a sweet and tangy note that balances the richness of the cheese.
- 8 oz Brie cheese, cut into small pieces: Melts beautifully for creamy pockets of indulgence.
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped: Brings a fragrant, herbal depth to the dish.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Keeps the bread moist and adds a golden finish.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- Optional: additional rosemary for garnish: Perfect for a fresh, pretty touch when serving.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures the bread doesn’t stick and makes for easy clean-up. Having everything ready upfront helps make the baking process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Score the Sourdough Loaf
Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the sourdough bread in a crosshatch pattern. Make sure your cuts are deep enough to get through the crust and into the soft interior but avoid slicing all the way through the bottom to keep the loaf intact. This technique creates perfect pockets for the fillings to nestle in.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the cranberry sauce, Brie pieces, and chopped rosemary. Season lightly with salt and pepper. This mixture is the heart of the Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread Recipe, blending creamy, tangy, and herbal notes into one spectacular filling.
Step 4: Stuff the Bread
Place the scored loaf on the prepared baking sheet. Gently pull apart each crosshatch cut and spoon the cranberry-Brie mixture into every crevice. Take your time to evenly distribute the filling, ensuring every bite has the perfect balance of flavors.
Step 5: Add Butter
Drizzle the melted butter all over the top and sides of the bread to help it brown beautifully while keeping the loaf tender inside. The butter also adds a luscious richness that complements the Brie cheese perfectly.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Pop the bread into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the bread has a gorgeous golden-brown crust. The aroma during baking is absolutely heavenly and will fill your kitchen with festive warmth.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove your masterpiece from the oven. Sprinkle with additional fresh rosemary if you like for a burst of color and fragrance. Serve warm so everyone can enjoy those irresistible gooey cheese pulls!
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkling of fresh rosemary or even a few whole fresh cranberries adds a lovely pop of color and aroma, making this pull-apart bread even more inviting. A light drizzle of honey can also enhance the sweet-savory contrast.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with light salads such as arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a crisp apple slaw. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a smooth butternut squash soup to complement the rich and tangy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve the Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread Recipe as a centerpiece on a festive platter surrounded by assorted nuts and fresh herbs. Alternatively, tear the bread into smaller chunks for individual servings at a party or package as a gift to share the joy with loved ones.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For best texture, try to enjoy the bread while the Brie is still luscious and soft.
Freezing
You can freeze the pull-apart bread before baking. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready, thaw it completely in the fridge before baking as usual.
Reheating
To reheat, place the bread on a baking sheet and warm it in a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is soft and melty again. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust crisp and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?
While sourdough is ideal due to its sturdy crust and chewy interior, you can experiment with other round breads like a country white loaf or artisan multigrain. Just make sure the bread is firm enough to hold all the fillings without falling apart.
Is it better to use homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce?
Either works wonderfully! Homemade cranberry sauce gives you control over sweetness and texture, but high-quality store-bought cranberry sauce can save time and still taste delicious in the Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread Recipe.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can stuff the bread and keep it wrapped in the fridge overnight. Then, bake it fresh right before your gathering. This makes entertaining stress-free and maintains that fresh-out-of-the-oven allure.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I add heat?
This recipe is mild and comforting by nature, but if you love a little kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling or drizzle a little spicy honey on top once baked.
Are there any vegan substitutes for the Brie cheese?
Yes! For a vegan version, use a plant-based creamy cheese alternative that melts well, such as cashew-based Brie-style cheese. Just remember that the flavor and texture will be a bit different but still tasty and enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try the Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread Recipe because it’s the kind of dish that turns everyday moments into celebrations. It’s simple, yet full of flavor, and perfect for sharing with everyone you love. Once you taste that joyful blend of melting Brie and bright cranberry within the rustic sourdough, you’ll be hooked and eager to make it again and again.
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Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 8 servings 1x
Description
This Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread is a deliciously festive appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in. A crusty sourdough loaf is sliced in a crosshatch pattern and filled with creamy Brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and fragrant rosemary, then baked until golden and melty. The buttery topping adds richness, making each pull-apart piece a delightful mix of savory, sweet, and herbal flavors.
Ingredients
Bread and Filling
- 1 round sourdough bread loaf
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 8 oz Brie cheese, cut into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: additional rosemary for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Score the Bread: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the sourdough loaf in a crosshatch pattern with deep cuts, being careful not to slice all the way through the loaf so it holds together.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cranberry sauce, Brie cheese pieces, and chopped rosemary. Season the mixture lightly with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Stuff the Bread: Place the scored bread on the prepared baking sheet. Gently pull apart the cuts and spoon the cranberry-Brie mixture into each crevice, ensuring an even distribution.
- Add Butter: Drizzle the melted unsalted butter evenly over the top and sides of the bread to help it brown beautifully and add richness.
- Bake: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the Brie has melted and the bread is golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and, if desired, garnish with additional fresh rosemary. Serve warm for the best melty, flavorful experience.
Notes
- You can use either homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce depending on your preference and convenience.
- For a stronger rosemary flavor, add extra fresh rosemary into the filling or sprinkle on top before serving.
- Make sure not to cut all the way through the bread to keep it intact for pulling apart.
- This recipe is perfect for serving as an appetizer or alongside soups and salads.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to maintain the crispiness of the bread and melty cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
