Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread Recipe

If you’re searching for a cozy, indulgent snack that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, this Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread Recipe is going to become your new favorite. I’ve always loved how the gooey brie mingles perfectly with the sweet-tart cranberries and crunchy pecans, all wrapped up in a warm, buttery sourdough loaf. Trust me, once you’ve tried this, you’ll wonder why you haven’t pulled apart bread like this before!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread Recipe lies in its simple ingredients that balance each other so beautifully. When shopping, look for a crusty, round sourdough loaf because it holds up well to all that butter and cheese without falling apart.

• Sourdough Bread: Opt for a fresh, round loaf with a firm crust that won’t crumble when sliced.
• Butter: Real, unsalted butter works best to control the saltiness and add richness.
• Raw Pecans: Chopped pecans bring a lovely crunch and earthy depth; toasting them lightly amps up the flavor even more.
• Brown Sugar: Just enough to add warmth and balance the tartness of the cranberries.
• Brie Cheese: Using a whole wheel makes stuffing the bread easier; you’ll get those ooey-gooey pockets of melty goodness.
• Dried Cranberries: Their chewiness and fruity zing contrast perfectly with the creamy brie and buttery bread.

Variations

I love making this Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread Recipe my own by swapping out a few ingredients here and there based on the season or what I have in my pantry. The great thing is, it’s very forgiving!

• Nut Swaps: Once, I used walnuts instead of pecans and got a slightly earthier flavor that my family adored.
• Fresh Fruit Twist: Try adding thin slices of fresh apple or pear for a juicy crunch and sweetness.
• Herb Boost: Toss in some fresh rosemary or thyme with the butter for a savory-herbaceous touch.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based butter and a dairy-free cheese alternative for a vegan-friendly version — still delightful!

How to Make Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Slice Your Bread

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Now, take the round sourdough loaf and slice it both horizontally and vertically into roughly 1-inch cubes — but here’s the trick: don’t cut all the way through the bottom! You want the cubes to stay attached at the base so the loaf stays whole, ready for pulling apart later. I used to cut too deeply and ended up with loose chunks, so keep that in mind.

Step 2: Make Your Butter-Pecan Crumble

Mix 2 tablespoons of softened butter with the chopped pecans and brown sugar in a small bowl. Use your hands (the best kitchen tool!) to really press the butter into the pecans until you get a crumbly, sticky texture. This mixture adds that gorgeous caramelized crunch once baked.

Step 3: Add Butter Slices to the Bread

Take the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, slice them thinly, and gently insert the slices into the cuts you made in the bread. This helps the loaf stay moist and extra flavorful as it bakes — a little buttery magic that truly elevates the bread.

Step 4: Stuff the Loaf with Brie, Cranberries, and Pecans

Now for the fun part! Stuff cubes of brie cheese into all those crevices between the bread cubes — don’t be shy, get it nestled in well. Add the dried cranberries and top with the butter-pecan crumble you prepared. Pile it on for that perfect sweet-and-savory balance that makes this Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread Recipe so irresistible.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Place your stuffed loaf on a baking sheet and pop it into your preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until you see the brie melting into gooey pockets and the top getting a beautiful golden hue. You’ll know it’s done when the aroma fills your kitchen and the top looks invitingly bubbly. Serve immediately for the best melty, pull-apart experience.

How to Serve Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little fresh thyme or rosemary over the top right after baking—it gives a fresh, herbal contrast that brightens the rich flavors. Sometimes I even add a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness that makes the cranberries pop even more.

Side Dishes

This pull apart bread pairs wonderfully with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a heartier spread, I love serving it alongside warm soup like butternut squash or tomato basil—it’s like a cozy meal in every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged this bread on a wooden board surrounded by fresh herbs, whole cranberries, and extra cheese wedges to encourage guests to build their own bites. Another fun idea is to wrap it in parchment paper with a festive ribbon for gifting—it’s always a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. I’ve found it keeps well for up to two days, though the texture changes slightly as the bread softens.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers too! Wrap them well in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently in the oven to refresh the melty cheese and crisp up the bread a bit.

Reheating

To reheat, I like popping individual portions in a toaster oven at 325°F for about 5-7 minutes, just until the brie softens again. Avoid using the microwave—it tends to make the bread chewy and the cheese oily, which none of us want.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread Recipe turns out every single time—it’s like a warm hug in bread form. When I first tried it, I was amazed at how effortless it was to make something so visually impressive and delicious. Whether you’re hosting friends, cooking for family, or just treating yourself, this recipe consistently delivers on flavor and fun. Don’t wait—give it a try and watch everyone go crazy for those gooey, nutty, fruity pockets of joy!

Print