Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cranberry and Brie holiday pull-apart bread is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer — warm, buttery bread filled with melted Brie cheese, sweet-tart cranberry sauce, and a touch of honey. It’s festive, indulgent, and beautifully gooey, with every piece bursting with flavor. I made this one Christmas Eve, and it was gone within minutes — everyone gathered around the table, pulling apart cheesy, cranberry-filled bites while sipping hot cider. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of savory and sweet, making it a must-have for your holiday menu. It looks impressive but comes together effortlessly — ideal for entertaining or cozy nights in during the holiday season.
Cranberry and Brie Holiday Pull-Apart Bread: Gooey, Golden, and Perfectly Festive
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cranberry and Brie Holiday Pull-Apart Bread is a festive, gooey, and buttery appetizer that’s perfect for sharing! Warm, melted Brie and tangy cranberry sauce are tucked into a golden, pull-apart bread loaf, making every bite a delicious mix of sweet, savory, and flaky goodness — ideal for Christmas parties or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 round sourdough loaf (about 1 lb)
- 8 oz Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or whole-berry canned)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the sourdough loaf on a cutting board. Using a sharp serrated knife, make diagonal cuts about 1 inch apart across the loaf, being careful not to cut all the way through. Repeat in the opposite direction to create a crosshatch pattern.
- Gently stuff small cubes of Brie cheese and small spoonfuls of cranberry sauce into the cuts of the bread.
- In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, honey (or maple syrup), rosemary, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this mixture evenly over the top of the bread, letting it seep into the cracks.
- If desired, sprinkle chopped nuts over the top for extra texture and flavor.
- Wrap the loaf loosely in foil and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, then open the foil and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, until the bread is crisp and the cheese is fully melted.
- Serve immediately while warm, pulling apart pieces to enjoy the gooey Brie and tart cranberry combination.
Notes
- Use camembert instead of Brie for a slightly stronger flavor.
- Add a sprinkle of orange zest for a citrusy holiday twist.
- Best served fresh, but leftovers can be reheated in the oven for 10 minutes at 350°F.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Round loaf of bread (sourdough or boule) — Sturdy enough to hold the fillings and pull apart easily.
Brie cheese — Soft, creamy, and perfectly melty; the star of this festive dish.
Cranberry sauce (homemade or canned) — Adds sweet-tart brightness that balances the rich cheese.
Butter — Melted and brushed over the bread for a golden, flavorful crust.
Honey or maple syrup — Enhances the sweetness and adds a glossy finish.
Fresh rosemary or thyme — Brings aromatic, savory contrast to the cranberries and Brie.
Salt and black pepper — Just a touch to balance the flavors.
Optional garnish: Chopped pecans, orange zest, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flair.
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the round loaf of bread on the sheet and, using a sharp serrated knife, cut the bread into a grid pattern (about 1-inch squares), making sure not to cut all the way through to the bottom.
Slice the Brie into small cubes or thin wedges. Gently stuff pieces of Brie into the bread cuts, tucking them evenly throughout. Spoon small amounts of cranberry sauce into the gaps, distributing it among the cheese.
In a small bowl, combine melted butter with chopped rosemary or thyme, salt, and pepper. Drizzle or brush this mixture evenly over the top of the bread, allowing it to seep into the cracks.
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10–12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden and crisp.
Drizzle with honey or maple syrup just before serving, and garnish with extra herbs or pecans if desired. Serve immediately — it’s best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
- large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
- Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
- Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
- Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
- knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
- Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Servings and timing
Serves 6–8 as an appetizer. Preparation takes 10 minutes, baking 25 minutes. Total time: approximately 35 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers wrapped in foil in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.
Variations and Customizations
Puff Pastry Version — Use puff pastry instead of bread for a flaky, buttery twist.
Savory Herb Version — Skip the honey and add caramelized onions for a more savory flavor.
Apple Cranberry — Add thin apple slices with the cranberry for an extra layer of sweetness.
Bacon and Brie — Add crumbled crispy bacon between the layers for a smoky touch.
Nutty Delight — Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch and nutty richness.
Fig and Brie — Swap cranberry sauce for fig jam for a more gourmet flavor.
Spiced Cranberry — Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cranberry sauce for warmth.
Garlic Butter — Mix minced garlic into the butter for a more robust, savory flavor.
Mini Pull-Apart Rolls — Use dinner rolls or slider buns for individual servings.
Balsamic Glaze — Drizzle balsamic reduction over the finished bread for sweet-tart contrast.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, Camembert or fontina melt beautifully and can be used in place of Brie.
What type of bread works best?
A round sourdough or artisan boule works best — sturdy enough to hold the fillings.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can assemble it a few hours in advance, refrigerate, then bake right before serving.
Can I use leftover cranberry sauce?
Absolutely — this recipe is a great way to repurpose holiday leftovers.
How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
Avoid overfilling with cranberry sauce and bake uncovered at the end for crispiness.
Can I make this with crescent roll dough?
Yes, arrange the dough around the cheese and cranberry filling for a pull-apart “wreath.”
How do I keep it warm for a party?
Wrap it in foil and keep in a warm oven (about 200°F/90°C) until serving.
Can I add meat?
Yes, thinly sliced prosciutto or ham pairs wonderfully with Brie and cranberry.
What herbs pair best?
Rosemary and thyme bring the most festive, aromatic touch.
Can I serve it cold?
It’s best served warm when the Brie is gooey and the bread is crisp.
Conclusion
Cranberry and Brie holiday pull-apart bread is a showstopping appetizer that combines festive flavors and cozy textures in every bite. The creamy Brie, tart cranberry sauce, and buttery herbs come together to create a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for Christmas parties, Thanksgiving gatherings, or winter dinners, it’s a warm, melty, and utterly irresistible way to kick off any holiday celebration. One pull, and you’ll see why this dish is destined to become a seasonal favorite year after year.
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