Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

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Golden, crusty bread meets gooey, melted Brie and tangy cranberry sauce in this show-stopping Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or just looking for a cozy treat to share, this warm appetizer is always the first thing to disappear from the table.

The magic happens as the creamy Brie melts between the cracks of the bread while the cranberry topping adds a burst of sweetness and a splash of color. It’s simple to prepare yet looks impressively gourmet—perfect for holidays or any time you want to wow your guests with minimal effort.

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Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

This pull-apart bread is everything you want in a party appetizer: warm, cheesy, slightly sweet, and undeniably addictive. It’s a great way to repurpose leftover cranberry sauce and makes an excellent centerpiece on your holiday table. Plus, it requires just a handful of ingredients and comes together in under 30 minutes.

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What Kind of Bread Works Best for Pull-Apart Style?

The best bread to use is a round, crusty sourdough or artisan-style loaf. It should be firm enough to hold its shape when sliced but soft enough to allow the cheese to melt deeply into the crevices. Avoid pre-sliced bread, as it won’t give you the same beautiful pull-apart texture. If you can find a boule-shaped loaf, that’s ideal.

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Ingredients for the Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, yet each ingredient plays a key role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture:

• Sourdough Boule: The sturdy structure of sourdough holds up beautifully and offers the best pull-apart experience.
• Brie Cheese: Creamy, rich, and mild—Brie melts beautifully and complements the tangy cranberry flavor.
• Cranberry Sauce: Adds that perfect sweet-tart contrast. Homemade or store-bought both work well.
• Butter: Melted and brushed on the bread for a golden finish and a touch of indulgence.
• Fresh Thyme or Rosemary: Optional, but it gives a herby freshness and an aromatic touch.
• Salt: A tiny pinch enhances all the flavors without overpowering.

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How To Make the Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a round sourdough loaf on a cutting board. Using a sharp serrated knife, make deep crisscross cuts across the top, being careful not to slice all the way through.

Step 2: Stuff the Brie

Cut the Brie into thin slices or cubes. Gently separate the bread sections and tuck pieces of Brie evenly into the cuts.

Step 3: Add Cranberry Sauce

Spoon cranberry sauce generously over the top and into the crevices. Let it drip slightly for a rustic, mouthwatering look.

Step 4: Brush with Butter

Melt butter and brush it over the top of the loaf. This helps crisp up the bread edges while adding a rich flavor.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the bread on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a cast iron skillet. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh thyme or rosemary and a pinch of salt. Serve warm and enjoy pulling apart each cheesy, cranberry-filled piece!

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How to Serve and Store This Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

This irresistible appetizer serves about 6 to 8 people, making it ideal for holiday gatherings or casual parties. It’s best enjoyed straight out of the oven when the Brie is melty and the bread edges are delightfully crisp. If you have leftovers (though that’s rare!), wrap them tightly in foil and reheat in the oven at 300°F until warmed through—it revives beautifully.

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheating in the microwave is possible, but the oven keeps that crisp texture alive.

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What to Serve With Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread?

H3: Sparkling Apple Cider or Wine

The sweet and tangy notes pair perfectly with the creamy Brie and tart cranberries.

H3: A Fresh Green Salad

Add a bright, crisp salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness.

H3: Roasted Turkey or Chicken

A great side for your main holiday proteins, especially with similar flavor profiles.

H3: Charcuterie Board

Serve alongside cured meats, nuts, and fruits for an elegant appetizer spread.

H3: Butternut Squash Soup

A warm bowl of soup complements the cheesy bread for a comforting fall or winter meal.

H3: Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Their earthy bite goes well with the sweetness of the cranberry.

H3: Cranberry Mule or Mulled Wine

Make it festive with a themed drink that ties into the cranberry flavor.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different cheese instead of Brie?
Absolutely! Camembert is a great alternative, or try mozzarella for a more stretchy cheese pull. Just make sure it melts well.

2. Is homemade cranberry sauce necessary?
Not at all. Store-bought works just fine and saves time. If you have leftover homemade cranberry sauce, it adds an extra touch of freshness.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the loaf up to the point before baking, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake it just before serving.

4. What kind of bread is best for this recipe?
A round sourdough or artisan loaf is perfect. It’s sturdy enough to hold all the fillings without getting soggy.

5. How do I keep the bread from drying out when baking?
Cover the bread with foil for the first part of baking to keep it soft, then remove the foil to allow it to crisp up at the end.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer or holiday board so you can come back to it any time. Find more Life With Livia recipes here on Pinterest.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with homemade cranberry sauce or keep it simple? Did you try a twist with nuts or different herbs?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other bake smarter.

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Conclusion

This Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread brings the ultimate combo of flavors and textures in one beautiful dish. Whether you’re planning a holiday dinner or simply want to impress guests with a cozy, melty, and shareable bite, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to disappear fast—so maybe make two!

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