Irresistible Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread Recipe
There is something utterly magical about combining tart cranberries with creamy brie wrapped inside tender, tangy sourdough bread, and that’s exactly what you get with this Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread Recipe. Bursting with flavor and texture, this easy-to-make bread is perfect for cozy gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply elevating your snack time. With layers that effortlessly pull apart to reveal melty cheese and juicy cranberries, it’s a show-stopper that tastes as good as it looks. Get ready to fall in love with this irresistible treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor explosion: The combination of tart cranberries and rich brie creates an unforgettable taste that’s both sweet and savory.
- Easy to share: The pull-apart style makes it perfect for communal eating during family dinners or parties.
- Impressive presentation: It looks stunning on any table, instantly elevating your bread game.
- Simple ingredients: You only need a few accessible ingredients that transform into something extraordinary.
- Great for any occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy snack, this bread fits right in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread Recipe calls for straightforward ingredients, each with a key role in flavor, texture, or depth. From the tangy sourdough base to the gooey brie and tart cranberries, every component works in harmony.
- Sourdough bread dough: Use your favorite homemade or store-bought sourdough for that signature tang and chewy crumb.
- Fresh or dried cranberries: Tart and juicy, cranberries provide bursts of brightness in every bite.
- Brie cheese: Soft and creamy, brie melts perfectly inside the bread pockets for a luscious texture.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create a golden crust when brushed over the dough.
- Honey or maple syrup (optional): A touch of sweetness to balance the tang in the cranberries and creaminess of brie.
- Fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme): Adds aromatic depth and a savory note to complement the cheese.
- Flour for dusting: Keeps dough from sticking during the assembly process.
Variations for Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread Recipe
This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize based on what’s in your pantry or your own taste preferences. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own!
- Nutty twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch and earthy flavor.
- Swap the cheese: Try goat cheese or camembert for a slightly different creamy profile.
- Vegan option: Use dairy-free cheese and vegan butter to keep it plant-based.
- Spiced cranberries: Toss cranberries with cinnamon or chili flakes for added warmth or subtle heat.
- Herb variations: Swap rosemary for sage or thyme for unique herbal notes.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
If you’re making your own sourdough dough, mix your starter, flour, water, and salt according to your favorite recipe and let it rise until doubled. If using store-bought dough, bring it to room temperature before moving on.
Step 2: Roll and Slice
Lightly dust your surface with flour and roll the dough into a large rectangle, about ½ inch thick. Slice the dough into even squares, big enough to hold a piece of brie and a few cranberries.
Step 3: Add the Filling
Place a small slice of brie and a few cranberries in the center of each square. Optionally, drizzle a little honey or sprinkle fresh herbs on top of the filling before folding.
Step 4: Assemble and Arrange
Fold each square over the filling to create small packets. Arrange these packets snugly in a greased loaf pan or circular baking dish, allowing the dough to rise again for a soft, fluffy texture.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Brush the top with melted butter for a golden crust. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes or until the bread is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread Recipe
- Use high-quality brie: The creamier the brie, the better it melts and enhances the bread.
- Don’t overfill the dough squares: Too much filling can cause leakage and affect the bread’s rise.
- Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your dough and cheese aren’t too cold to prevent tearing or cracking.
- Let it rest before baking: Allow the dough packets to rise once assembled for extra fluffiness.
- Brush with butter or oil: This helps achieve a beautiful, shiny crust that’s irresistible.
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh rosemary sprigs or a dusting of flaky sea salt on top of the baked bread add a lovely finishing touch and an extra flavor dimension.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a bowl of warming soup, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it warm in a rustic basket lined with a cozy cloth to invite sharing, or slice and arrange on a wooden charcuterie board alongside nuts and cured meats for an elegant appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then store it at room temperature for up to two days to preserve freshness.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the fully cooled bread in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm the bread in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or until the brie becomes creamy and the loaf feels fresh again.
FAQs
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries work wonderfully in this recipe—just consider soaking them in warm water or juice for a few minutes to soften.
Do I have to make my own sourdough dough?
Not at all! Store-bought sourdough dough or even a good artisan loaf can be used to simplify the process without sacrificing flavor.
Is this bread suitable for vegans?
By swapping brie for a plant-based cheese and using vegan butter, you can easily make this recipe vegan-friendly.
How can I make the bread extra fluffy?
Allowing the dough to rise twice—once before assembling and again after—will help create a light and airy texture.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance for a party?
Yes! Assemble the bread a few hours ahead, refrigerate covered, then allow it to come to room temperature and rise before baking to keep it fresh.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread Recipe is truly a delightful way to impress your friends and family with minimal effort. The harmony of flavors and the playful, shareable nature of the bread make it a standout addition to any meal or celebration. So, why wait? Whip up this irresistibly tasty bread and enjoy the warm smiles it brings to the table!
Related Posts
PrintCranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread Recipe
This Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread combines tangy sourdough bread with creamy brie and tart cranberries for a sensational sweet and savory flavor experience. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy snacks, or impressive entertaining, this pull-apart bread features soft, cheesy pockets bursting with juicy cranberries and aromatic herbs. It’s easy to make, visually stunning, and delightfully shareable.
- Prep Time: 1 hour (including dough rising time)
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf, serves 6-8
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Bread and Dough
- Sourdough bread dough, approximately 1 batch or enough to form a large rectangle about ½ inch thick
Filling
- Brie cheese, sliced into small pieces (approximately 6-8 ounces)
- Fresh or dried cranberries, about ¾ cup
- Honey or maple syrup (optional), 1-2 tablespoons
- Fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme, 1-2 tablespoons chopped
Additional Ingredients
- Butter, melted, about 2-3 tablespoons for brushing
- Flour for dusting, as needed
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: If making sourdough dough from scratch, mix your starter, flour, water, and salt according to your preferred recipe and let the dough rise until doubled in size. If using store-bought dough, bring it to room temperature before proceeding.
- Roll and Slice: Lightly dust your work surface with flour and roll out the dough into a large rectangle about ½ inch thick. Slice the dough into evenly sized squares large enough to hold a piece of brie and a few cranberries.
- Add the Filling: Place a small slice of brie in the center of each dough square along with a few cranberries. Optionally drizzle a little honey or maple syrup and sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs over the filling for added flavor.
- Assemble and Arrange: Fold each dough square over the filling to create small packets. Arrange the packets snugly in a greased loaf pan or a circular baking dish. Allow the assembled dough to rise again until puffed and soft for an extra fluffy texture.
- Bake to Perfection: Brush the top of the arranged dough packets with melted butter to help achieve a golden, shiny crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until the bread is fully cooked and the brie is melted and bubbly. Let the loaf cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use high-quality brie for creamier melt and improved flavor.
- Do not overfill the dough squares to prevent leakage and maintain good bread rise.
- Ensure dough and cheese are at room temperature to avoid tearing or cracking during assembly.
- Allow the dough packets to rest and rise again after assembly for fluffier bread.
- Brushing with butter or oil before baking creates an appealing, golden crust.
- Dried cranberries can be soaked briefly in warm water or juice to soften before use.
- Store leftovers tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to two days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat bread in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to refresh and melt brie.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of loaf)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: cranberry brie sourdough pull-apart bread, holiday bread, savory sweet bread, pull-apart bread, appetizer bread