Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread Recipe

Name: Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 1 1 1/2- to 1 3/4- pound round or oval sourdough loaf or crusty Italian bread, unsliced; 5 Tablespoons butter, melted; 2 Tablespoons honey; 1 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary; 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 1 (8-ounce) wheel Brie cheese, cut lengthwise in 1-inch strips, then thinly sliced crosswise; 1/3 cup dried cranberries

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe yields 8 servings. Ingredient amounts scale automatically, but cooking times remain the same.

1 sourdough or crusty Italian loaf (1 1/2 to 1 3/4 pounds), unsliced
5 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 wheel Brie cheese (8 ounces), cut into 1-inch strips, then sliced thinly
1/3 cup dried cranberries

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350F (175C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
Using a serrated knife, make diagonal cuts in the bread, forming 1-inch diamonds. Be careful not to slice all the way through.
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, honey, rosemary, thyme, black pepper, and salt until combined.
Gently open the bread at the cuts and drizzle half of the butter mixture evenly inside.
Stuff the Brie slices and dried cranberries into the openings as you go, ensuring each cut gets a bit of both.
Place the stuffed loaf on the prepared baking sheet and pour the remaining butter mixture over the top.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the Brie has melted and the bread is golden and toasty.
Serve immediately while warm and gooey.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 355
Total Fat: 17g (21%)
Saturated Fat: 10g (49%)
Cholesterol: 47mg (16%)
Sodium: 621mg (27%)
Total Carbohydrates: 41g (15%)
Dietary Fiber: 2g (6%)
Sugars: 12g
Protein: 12g (25%)
Vitamin C: 0mg (0%)
Calcium: 87mg (7%)
Iron: 3mg (14%)
Potassium: 122mg (3%)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Nutrient information may vary depending on ingredients.

Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread Recipe

The Story Behind Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread

The Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread, a festive and flavorful appetizer, has its roots in modern American cuisine, where inventive twists on traditional bread have become popular in holiday entertaining. Combining the tartness of cranberries with the creamy, rich texture of Brie cheese, this dish exemplifies the fusion of sweet and savory that contemporary American bakers love. The concept of pull-apart bread itself can be traced back to European tear-and-share breads, which were originally designed for communal dining, allowing multiple people to enjoy freshly baked bread from the same loaf without the need for utensils.

Regional Variations and Local Twists

While the basic recipe is widely known in the United States, regional variations exist. In the Midwest and Northeast, where cranberries are native, dried or fresh cranberries are often added, and herbs like rosemary and thyme are used to complement the cheese. On the West Coast, bakers might experiment with artisan sourdough loaves, or incorporate local nuts like pecans or walnuts for additional texture. Some Southern versions even drizzle a touch of bourbon-infused honey over the top to give it a distinct regional flair.

How It Stands Out from Similar Dishes

Pull-apart breads are popular worldwide, but the combination of Brie and cranberries gives this variation a unique identity. Unlike garlic or cheddar pull-apart breads that focus on savory richness, the cranberry Brie version balances sweetness, creaminess, and herbaceous notes. The diamond-shaped cuts in the loaf not only create an attractive presentation but also ensure that each bite is perfectly layered with cheese and fruit, setting it apart from simpler stuffed breads or cheesy casseroles.

Typical Occasions and Serving Suggestions

Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread is most commonly served as an appetizer at holiday gatherings, festive brunches, and family celebrations. Its shareable nature makes it ideal for parties, where guests can pull apart pieces directly from the loaf. While traditionally enjoyed warm, some variations allow it to be served at room temperature for picnics or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with sparkling wine, white wine, or even a cup of spiced tea during colder months.

Interesting Facts and Culinary Insights

The use of Brie cheese, a soft French cheese, adds a luxurious creaminess that melts perfectly into the bread, making each pull-apart piece indulgent.
Cranberries were originally used by Native Americans for food, dye, and medicine, long before becoming a holiday staple in sweet and savory dishes.
The pull-apart method allows for even distribution of flavors without flattening the bread, preserving its texture and making it visually appealing.
This recipe is versatile: you can swap cranberries for other dried fruits such as apricots or figs, or add a sprinkle of nuts to introduce crunch.
Despite its gourmet appearance, the dish is simple to prepare, making it a favorite for home bakers seeking impressive results without complicated techniques.

FAQ about Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread Recipe

Leftover Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 days. If you need to store it for a longer period, you can refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, wrap it in foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Yes, you can prepare the bread ahead of time by assembling it and then covering it tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you're ready to bake, remove the bread from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking as directed.

While Brie is the traditional choice for its creamy texture, you can substitute it with other soft cheeses like Camembert or even goat cheese if preferred. Keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly, but it will still be delicious.

Yes, you can freeze this bread. After assembling it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 1-2 months in the freezer. To bake from frozen, remove the bread from the freezer, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and then bake according to the recipe's instructions.

Yes, if you prefer a less sweet bread, you can reduce the amount of honey. Alternatively, you could try using maple syrup for a different flavor. Just keep in mind that adjusting the sweetness may change the overall balance of flavors.

Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread pairs well with a variety of dips like balsamic vinegar and olive oil, or even a savory herb butter. It's also delicious served alongside a salad, as a snack with wine, or as part of a holiday appetizer spread.

Yes, if you're not a fan of sourdough or crusty Italian bread, you can substitute with other types of bread such as a French baguette, ciabatta, or even a soft dinner roll. Just make sure to pick a bread that can hold the ingredients well without becoming too soggy.

To make this recipe vegan, you can use a plant-based Brie alternative and replace the butter with vegan butter. For the honey, substitute it with maple syrup or agave nectar for a completely plant-based option.

Comments

TimidRibs2116

04/21/2025 03:29:12 AM

Made it with homemade sourdough. Incredible. Gone within 10min!

Jose Adams

12/15/2024 04:24:45 PM

Seriously impressed — this is amazing.

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