Pull-apart bread is like a little party in your hands, it calls everyone to grab a piece and dig in. It’s soft and fluffy and hides tasty bits inside that just melt on your tongue. One of the most popular types is cranberry brie pull-apart bread, mixing tart cranberries with creamy brie cheese for a flavor punch that’s hard to beat.
What is Pull Apart Bread?
Pull-apart bread is a fun snack or side dish thats made by slicing a loaf almost all the way through, but leaving the base still joined. Then you stuff each slice with whatever filling you like. When it bakes, the cheese melts and the flavors seep in between the slices. You then just grab piece after piece untill it’s all gone. People like it because they get to share and it gets everyone talking.
There are tons of ways to make it: you can go savory with garlic and herbs or sweet with cinnamon and sugar. No matter what you choose, the idea is the same—break apart the bread and savor each bite together.
Benefits of Cranberry and Brie Combination
Cranberries bring a bright, tangy taste and they’re packed with vitamin C and fiber. They might even help keep your immune system strong. Brie cheese adds a rich, creamy texture and gives you protein and calcium. Together they taste amazing—tart meets creamy in every bite.
This combo is extra special for holidays or special get-togethers because the red and white colors look festive. It’s simple but it makes a statement on the table.
Ingredients Overview
Here’s what you’ll need to make cranberry brie pull-apart bread:
- Bread: A soft loaf like sourdough or challah works best so you can easily pull it apart.
- Brie cheese: A creamy, mild cheese that melts great.
- Cranberry sauce: Homemade or store-bought, it gives the tart taste.
- Unsalted butter: Melted, for brushing on top so the crust gets golden.
- Herbs (optional): Fresh rosemary or thyme to add a little extra flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Just a pinch or two to balance everything out.
Detailed Recipe for Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread (sourdough or challah recommended)
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 8 oz brie cheese
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoon fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
You can swap things out for gluten-free or vegan options if you need to.
Directions
1. Preparing the Bread:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Take your loaf and cut slices about 1 inch apart, but don’t cut all the way through. You want the bottom to stay connected so it holds together when you fill it.
2. Prepping the Cheese and Filling:
Slice the brie into small pieces. If your cranberry sauce isn’t ready, mix it up or warm it a bit so it’s easy to spread.
3. Assembling the Bread:
Gently pull the slices open. Tuck brie and a spoonful of cranberry sauce into each gap. If you’re using herbs, sprinkle them in now. Season with a little salt and pepper.
4. Baking Instructions:
Place the filled loaf in a baking pan and brush it all over with melted butter. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted. For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes—watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn.
5. Serving Suggestions:
Serve it warm right out of the oven. It’s awesome with a side salad or some chilled wine, and it works great as an appetizer or main snack.
Tips for Success
- Avoid over-baking: Keep an eye on it so the cheese stays gooey and the crust isn’t too hard.
- Butter it well: Get butter on every top and edge spot for max flavor.
- Store leftovers right: Wrap any leftovers in foil or plastic wrap, then keep at room temp. Warm it up in the oven to bring back the texture.
Variations of Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread
- Sweet variations: Mix in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or toss in dried fruit like raisins or apricots.
- Savory alternatives: Try goat cheese or sharp cheddar instead of brie for a bolder taste.
- Themed versions: Add cinnamon or nutmeg for a holiday feel, or fresh basil for a summer twist.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Gatherings
This pull-apart bread is perfect for any get-together. It’s interactive, so guests can grab their own piece, and it looks amazing on the table. Plus, the smell as it bakes makes everyone hungry even before it’s ready.
FAQs
What type of bread works best for pull-apart bread?
Loaves like sourdough, challah, or even a bakery baguette give you that soft inside and nice crust for pulling apart.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yeah, you can assemble it, wrap it up, and keep it in the fridge. Then bake it when you’re ready to serve.
How do I store leftover pull-apart bread?
Wrap it tight in foil or plastic wrap, keep at room temperature, and avoid moisture so it doesn’t get soggy.
Can I freeze this bread?
Sure—freeze it before or after baking. Just wrap it well and thaw in the fridge or bake from frozen (add a few extra minutes).
How do I reheat pull-apart bread?
Pop it in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes until it’s warmed through and the cheese is melty again.
Conclusion
Cranberry brie pull-apart bread is a crowd-pleaser with its tasty mix of tart fruit and creamy cheese. It’s easy to make and even more fun to eat. Give it a try and watch everyone fight over the last piece!
Call to Action
Made this recipe or got your own fun twist? Drop a comment below or share your pics on social media—I’d love to see how yours turned out!
cranberry brie pull apart bread
Equipment
- 1 baking dish 8x8 inch or similar
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 spoon or spatula
- 1 aluminum foil
- 1 pastry brush optional
Ingredients
- 8 ounces brie cheese A round of brie cheese.
- 16 ounces refrigerated biscuit dough One can of biscuit dough.
- ½ cup cranberry sauce Store-bought or homemade.
- ¼ cup fresh rosemary Chopped, for garnish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For greasing the baking dish.
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- 1 egg beaten egg For egg wash (optional).
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease your baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Open the can of biscuit dough and separate each biscuit. Cut each biscuit into quarters to create smaller pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the biscuit pieces with the cranberry sauce, stirring gently until evenly distributed.
- Take the brie cheese and place it in the center of your baking dish. Surround the brie with the biscuit and cranberry mixture, slightly stacking the pieces around it.
- If using, brush the tops of the biscuit pieces with the beaten egg using a pastry brush for a golden finish.
- Sprinkle salt, pepper, and chopped rosemary over the top of the bread.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Once done, let the dish cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, allowing guests to pull apart the bread to reveal the gooey cheese and cranberry filling.
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