Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

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Golden, buttery bread bursting with creamy Brie and sweet-tart cranberry sauce? Yes, please. This Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread is the perfect balance of savory and sweet, making it a show-stopping appetizer or holiday side dish. Whether you’re planning a festive gathering or just need a cozy snack, this warm, melty loaf brings people together bite by bite.

Each slice oozes gooey Brie with a pop of cranberry in every pull, all wrapped in crusty bread that crisps to golden perfection. It’s festive, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to prepare—perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any fall and winter gathering.

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What Kind of Bread Works Best for Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread?

A rustic sourdough or crusty French boule is ideal here. You’ll want a round, firm loaf with a dense crumb that holds its structure as you slice and stuff it. Avoid overly soft sandwich bread or anything too airy—you need a bread that can handle all the melty Brie and juicy cranberry without falling apart.

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Ingredients for the Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

Sourdough or French boule: This is the base of your pull-apart magic. Look for a round, crusty loaf with a firm structure that can be scored and stuffed.

Brie cheese: The star of the show! Creamy, rich, and gooey when melted, Brie adds luxurious texture and flavor that pairs beautifully with the tart cranberries.

Cranberry sauce: You can use leftover homemade cranberry sauce or a high-quality store-bought version. It should be slightly chunky to nestle between the bread and Brie.

Butter: Helps crisp the bread edges and adds a rich, savory balance to the sweet and creamy flavors.

Fresh thyme (optional): A sprinkle of thyme adds a woodsy aroma that compliments the cheese and cranberry perfectly.

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How To Make the Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Place your boule on the sheet and get ready to slice.

Step 2: Slice the Bread

Using a serrated bread knife, carefully cut the bread into a crosshatch pattern. Make slices about 1-inch apart in both directions without cutting all the way through the bottom. This creates pockets to fill with cheesy, cranberry goodness.

Step 3: Insert the Brie

Cut the Brie into small, thin slices or cubes. Gently stuff the cheese pieces into the cuts of the bread, tucking them deep so they melt evenly into every bite.

Step 4: Spoon in the Cranberry Sauce

Use a spoon to dollop cranberry sauce generously into the crevices alongside the Brie. Try to distribute it evenly so every section gets that tangy pop.

Step 5: Add Butter and Herbs

Melt butter and drizzle it over the entire loaf, making sure to let it seep into the bread. If you’re using thyme, sprinkle it across the top for extra flavor and a festive touch.

Step 6: Bake to Golden, Melty Perfection

Bake the bread for about 15–20 minutes, or until the Brie is melted and bubbly and the edges of the bread are golden and crisp. Serve it warm, straight from the oven—just pull, bite, and enjoy.

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Serving and Storing Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

Serve this bread straight from the oven while the cheese is perfectly gooey and the cranberry sauce is warm and fragrant. Place it in the center of your table and let guests pull apart pieces—it’s interactive, fun, and irresistibly delicious. This makes it a perfect addition to a holiday appetizer spread or a cozy night-in snack.

If you have leftovers (a big if!), wrap the bread tightly in foil and store it in the fridge. To reheat, pop it back in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but reheating brings back a lot of that original magic.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of cranberry sauce should I use?

Both homemade and store-bought cranberry sauce work well. Opt for a version that’s slightly chunky to help it stay in place between the bread pieces.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the bread up to the point before baking, then cover and refrigerate. Bake fresh when ready to serve.

Do I have to use Brie?

Brie is ideal for its creamy melt and mild flavor, but you can substitute with Camembert or even mozzarella if you prefer.

Can I add nuts for crunch?

Absolutely. Toasted pecans or walnuts can be sprinkled in with the cranberry sauce for extra texture and flavor.

What’s the best way to serve this at a party?

Place the loaf on a wooden board with a small serving spoon or tongs nearby. It’s rustic, charming, and keeps things tidy.

Can I freeze this?

Freezing is not recommended once baked, as the texture of the bread and cheese can suffer. However, you can freeze the assembled (but unbaked) loaf and bake it straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.

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Want More Appetizer Ideas?

If you loved this Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread, you’ll want to explore these flavor-packed recipes too:

• Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly for a spicy-sweet bite.
• Reese’s Cheese Ball: A Sweet and Salty Delight perfect for dessert grazing.
• Heart-Shaped Sugar Donuts if you’re in the mood for a sweet, handheld treat.
• Oreo Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls for a gooey brunch hit.
• Blueberry Swirl Yogurt Bites as a fruity, fun crowd-pleaser.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday or appetizer board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you swap in another cheese? Maybe add nuts or drizzle with honey?

I love seeing how you all make these recipes your own. Questions are welcome too—let’s bake and share together!

Want more inspiration? Browse my daily recipes on Pinterest at Life with Nina.

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