Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread Recipe

If you’re craving something that’s both cozy and bursting with flavor, you’re going to adore this Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread Recipe. I absolutely love how the sweet-tart cranberries mingle with the creamy, melted brie, all nestled inside buttery pecan-studded sourdough bread. Whether you’re whipping this up for a holiday get-together or a casual weekend snack, it’s a real crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it over and over again!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a pantry full of fancy ingredients for this Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread Recipe, which is part of what makes it such a winner. Each component plays a specific role—from the tangy sourdough bread to the buttery pecan crumble—and I’ve got a few tips to make sure you get the best results.

• Sourdough Bread: I prefer a round loaf with a sturdy crust to hold all the fillings without falling apart.
• Butter: Unsalted butter works best here for controlling the saltiness; plus, it blends perfectly with the pecans and brown sugar.
• Raw Pecans: Chopping them yourself gives such a fresh crunch—you can also lightly toast them for extra flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle caramel sweetness that complements the tart cranberries amazingly well.
• Brie: A whole 16-ounce wheel is just right—cubed so it melts uniformly inside the bread.
• Dried Cranberries: Tart and chewy, these balance the creaminess of the cheese and sweetness of the sugar beautifully.

Variations

The Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread Recipe is super flexible, and I love mixing it up depending on the season or mood. It’s fun to personalize it to fit what you have on hand, or even to cater to your guests’ tastes.

• Herbed Version: I once tossed in some fresh rosemary and thyme with the butter for a savory twist that took it to the next level!
• Nut-Free: Swap pecans for pumpkin seeds or omit nuts entirely, and it still packs plenty of flavor.
• Fruit Swap: Try dried cherries or apricots instead of cranberries for a different kind of fruity zing.
• Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne or some sliced jalapeños in the butter gives it a surprising heat that my friends went crazy for.

How to Make Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Score the Bread

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab your round sourdough loaf and use a sharp serrated knife to slice the bread horizontally and vertically, creating about 1-inch cubes. Be careful not to cut all the way through the bread—think of it like making a grid pattern that will let you pull apart the pieces easily after baking. It’s a little tricky at first, but slow and steady wins here. I usually rotate the loaf as I go to keep the cuts even.

Step 2: Make the Pecan Butter Crumble

In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of butter, the chopped pecans, and brown sugar. Use your hands to really work the butter into the pecans until it forms a crumbly mixture. I discovered this trick because just stirring with a spoon didn’t spread the butter evenly—mixing by hand gives it that perfect, buttery crumble texture. Set this aside for now.

Step 3: Insert Butter and Fillings

Take the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and slice it thinly. Gently push these slices between the bread cuts—this helps keep the bread moist and flavorful as it bakes. Next, stuff the cubed brie into all the crevices formed by your scoring. Scatter the dried cranberries and pecan crumble evenly throughout the loaf, making sure every corner gets a bit of that sweet-savory goodness.

Step 4: Bake and Enjoy

Place your stuffed loaf on a baking sheet and pop it in the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the brie is delightfully melted and gooey. You’ll want to serve this fresh from the oven—trust me, it’s best enjoyed warm while the cheese is oozing perfectly between the bite-sized pieces. Watching everyone tear into it is honestly one of my favorite kitchen moments!

How to Serve Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little fresh rosemary or thyme on top after baking—not only does it add a pop of green, but also an herbaceous aroma that pairs wonderfully with the brie. A drizzle of honey right before serving is another favorite of mine when I want to add a touch more sweetness to balance the tangy cranberries.

Side Dishes

This pull-apart bread pairs incredibly well with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or a bowl of warm soup—think butternut squash or tomato basil. For a festive spread, I’ve also served it alongside roasted veggies and a charcuterie board to keep the cheese theme going strong.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve arranged this bread on a large wooden platter surrounded by fresh cranberries and pecan halves, making it look extra inviting. You can also tie a rustic ribbon around the loaf for gifting or place little name tags next to each bread with suggested wine pairings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cranberry brie pull apart bread can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. I usually cover it loosely with foil to help preserve the crust’s texture without drying out the inside.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen this pull-apart bread before baking by prepping everything, wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freezing for up to one month. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. This is a great trick for holiday prep when you want to save time.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop slices into a toaster oven or under the broiler for a couple of minutes until the brie is warmed through and gooey again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the bread’s crust from getting rubbery or soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen whenever I want something both comforting and impressive without putting in tons of effort. I love how it brings people together—there’s something so warm and inviting about tearing into a loaf like this shared around the table. I hope you’ll give it a try and find that same joy with your family or friends. Happy baking, and here’s to many cozy gatherings ahead!

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