Rustic Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread Recipe

Zesty Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread Recipe

Warm, golden sourdough pull-apart bread studded with cranberry brie creates a stunning centerpiece for any gathering.

Melted cheese stretches between soft bread layers, promising pure indulgence.

Sweet and tangy cranberries dance alongside rich, creamy brie in this irresistible appetizer.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of flavors that will spark conversation at your table.

The rustic sourdough base provides a delightful texture that complements the gooey cheese and bright fruit.

Guests will be reaching for slice after slice of this crowd-pleasing bread.

This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a memorable culinary experience that celebrates comfort and elegance.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

Total Time: 35-40 minutes

Calories: 264 kcal

Servings: 7

Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread Ingredients

For Bread Base:
  • Sourdough Loaf: Hearty and tangy foundation that provides a delightful textural canvas for the filling, choose a fresh, crusty loaf with good air pockets for maximum flavor absorption.
For Cheese and Filling:
  • Brie Cheese: Creamy, rich cheese that melts beautifully, select a ripe wheel with a soft, spreadable consistency for ultimate gooeyness.
  • Cranberry Sauce: Tart and sweet element that adds vibrant flavor contrast, opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought sauce with whole berry texture.
For Herb Butter Enhancement:
  • Unsalted Butter: Rich base for herb infusion, use room temperature butter for smooth blending.
  • Rosemary: Aromatic herb that brings woodsy, pine-like notes, choose fresh sprigs for most intense flavor.
  • Thyme: Delicate herb with earthy undertones, fresh leaves provide more potent taste than dried.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds subtle savory depth, select high-quality, finely ground powder for even distribution.

What You’ll Use For Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread

  • Baking Sheet: Essential for supporting the bread during baking and catching any drips.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes clean-up easy.
  • Serrated Knife: Perfect for creating precise crosshatch cuts without crushing the bread.
  • Small Bowl: Needed for mixing herb butter ingredients.
  • Aluminum Foil: Used for covering and protecting the bread while baking.
  • Measuring Spoons: Help accurately measure herbs and seasonings.

How To Make Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread

  • Bread Canvas Preparation

Grab your sourdough loaf and place it gently on a lined baking sheet. With a sharp knife, create a delicate crosshatch pattern, carefully cutting squares without slicing through the bottom.

  • Cheese and Cranberry Infusion

Tenderly separate the bread squares and nestle creamy Brie slices into the cuts. Drizzle vibrant cranberry sauce into the nooks and crannies, ensuring a delightful burst of flavor in every bite.

  • Herbal Butter Magic

Combine melted butter with fragrant rosemary, thyme, and a whisper of garlic. Gently cascade this aromatic mixture over the bread, allowing it to seep deeply into the crevices.

  • Oven Transformation

Wrap the bread loosely in foil and slide into a preheated oven at 350F. After 15 minutes, unveil the bread and continue baking until it turns golden and the cheese bubbles with irresistible promise.

  • Celebration of Flavor

Sprinkle additional herbs if desired, then invite friends to tear into this warm, gooey masterpiece. Each pull reveals a symphony of melted cheese, tangy cranberry, and herb-infused bread.

Tips To Try With Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread

  • Cheese Selection Magic: Choose a soft, creamy Brie with a rich, buttery flavor. Room temperature Brie melts more evenly and creates those irresistible gooey pockets throughout the bread.
  • Sourdough Perfection Trick: Use a day-old sourdough loaf for better structural integrity. Fresh bread can become too soft when cut and stuffed, making it challenging to maintain its shape during baking.
  • Herb Infusion Hack: Toast herbs briefly in a dry pan before mixing with butter to intensify their aromatic oils and deepen the flavor profile. Fresh herbs will provide a more vibrant taste compared to dried alternatives.
  • Dietary Twist Options: For gluten-free friends, swap sourdough with a gluten-free artisan bread. Dairy-free guests can replace Brie with vegan cheese alternatives or roasted vegetable spread for similar textural excitement.

Fun Ways To Serve Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread

  • Holiday Party Centerpiece: Dramatically place this stunning pull-apart bread in the middle of your gathering, inviting friends and family to dive into its irresistible cheesy layers.
  • Appetizer Showstopper: Serve alongside charcuterie boards or as a standalone starter that creates instant conversation and delights guests with its interactive eating experience.
  • Wine Pairing Magic: Match with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir to complement the rich brie and tangy cranberry flavors, elevating the entire tasting experience.
  • Game Night Crowd-Pleaser: Break out this bread during movie marathons or sports watching parties, providing a communal and fun finger-food that keeps everyone munching and happy.

Storage Tips For Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread

  • Fridge Fresh Tactics: Store leftover bread in an airtight container, keeping it chilled for up to 3 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying.
  • Quick Reheat Method: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or place in a 350F oven for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts and bread regains its crispy texture.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the bread's crosshatch pattern and cheese stuffing up to 4 hours before baking. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for maximum freshness.
  • Smart Ingredient Storage: Keep unopened cranberry sauce in the pantry for months. Once opened, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Store Brie cheese in the refrigerator's warmest section, wrapped in wax paper to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
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Rustic Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread Recipe

Rustic Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread Recipe


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4.5 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Festive cranberry brie sourdough pull-apart bread delights guests with its rustic charm and irresistible flavor combination. Warm gatherings become memorable when sharing this elegant, cheesy bread that invites connection and celebration.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 round sourdough loaf (1 lb / 450 g)
  • 8 oz (225 g) brie cheese, sliced
  • ½ cup (120 g) cranberry sauce
  • 2 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or ½ tsp dried rosemary)
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Loaf Preparation: Position sourdough on parchment-lined baking sheet and meticulously create a crosshatch pattern using a serrated knife, slicing 1-inch squares without cutting through the bottom crust.
  2. Cheese and Sauce Infusion: Gently separate bread segments, strategically nestling Brie slices into each cut and evenly dispersing cranberry sauce throughout the intricate network of openings.
  3. Herbal Butter Enrichment: Whisk melted butter with rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder, then generously cascade this aromatic mixture over the loaf, ensuring deep penetration into bread’s architectural crevices.
  4. Initial Baking Phase: Wrap the seasoned loaf loosely in aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and develop a foundational warmth.
  5. Final Crisping Stage: Remove foil and continue baking 10-15 minutes until exterior transforms into a golden, crisp landscape and Brie reaches a molten, bubbling crescendo.
  6. Serving Presentation: Extract from oven, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve immediately while bread radiates warmth, inviting guests to indulge in its decadent, cheese-laden segments.

Notes

  • Precision in Cutting: Maintain a steady hand when slicing the sourdough to create a perfect crosshatch pattern, ensuring cuts are consistent but don’t slice through the bottom crust.
  • Cheese Distribution Technique: Gently wedge Brie slices into each cut, allowing them to melt evenly and create a luxurious cheese pull with every torn piece.
  • Butter Infusion Tip: Warm the herb-infused butter slightly before drizzling to help it penetrate deeper into the bread’s crevices, maximizing flavor absorption.
  • Alternative Diet Adaptation: Swap dairy Brie with vegan cheese alternatives and use plant-based butter for gluten-free or dairy-free versions while maintaining the dish’s core flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 264
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 335 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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