Irresistible Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull Apart Bread

The first time I made this pull apart bread, it was for a snowy weekend at my parents’ house. The roads were quiet, the kids were bundled up making tiny snowmen in the backyard, and I was tucked inside with a round of sourdough waiting on the counter.

My mom had just pulled a jar of her homemade cranberry sauce from the pantry, and a wheel of brie had been hiding in the fridge since Christmas Eve. The combination felt too perfect to ignore.

As the brie softened into gooey puddles and the tart cranberry sauce seeped into the cuts, the kitchen filled with a holiday warmth that had nothing to do with the heater humming in the background. The parsley added just enough brightness, and the garlic butter gave the whole thing a savory backbone.

That loaf didn’t last long on the table. By the time I set it down, family hands were already tugging apart the cheesy, cranberry-filled pieces. It became less of a dish and more of an experience—sharing bites, laughing about the mess, and savoring every little gooey strand of cheese.

Short Description

Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull Apart Bread is a festive, cheesy, and shareable appetizer made with sourdough, brie cheese, cranberry sauce, garlic butter, and fresh herbs—perfect for holidays, gatherings, or a cozy night in.

Key Ingredients

• 1 round sourdough bread loaf
• 8 oz brie cheese, cut into pieces
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup butter, melted
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Tools Needed

• Sharp bread knife
• Small mixing bowl
• Pastry brush or spoon
• Baking sheet
• Aluminum foil

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Position the rack in the center for even heat circulation.

Step 2: Score the Bread
Using a sharp knife, cut the sourdough loaf in a grid pattern. Make sure not to slice all the way through—the bottom crust should stay intact so the loaf holds together.

Step 3: Prepare Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until fully combined.

Step 4: Add the Filling
Drizzle the garlic butter into the cuts, letting it soak down into the bread. Gently stuff brie pieces and spoonfuls of cranberry sauce into the pockets. Try to distribute them evenly for balanced flavor in every pull.

Step 5: Add Fresh Parsley
Sprinkle chopped parsley generously over the loaf for a burst of freshness and color.

Step 6: Bake the Bread
Wrap the loaf in foil and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes. Then unwrap and bake another 10 minutes until the brie is melted, the cranberry sauce is bubbling, and the crust is golden.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Let the bread cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This makes it easier to pull apart without losing all that melted cheese.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive Flavor Combo: Tart cranberry pairs beautifully with creamy brie and savory garlic butter.

Simple Yet Impressive: Only a handful of ingredients, but it looks and tastes gourmet.

Perfect for Sharing: Pull apart bread turns snacking into a fun, communal experience.

Versatile: Great for holidays, potlucks, or casual nights in.

Comfort Food with a Twist: A balance of rich, cheesy indulgence and bright, tangy fruit.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Cutting too deep into the bread: This can cause the loaf to fall apart. Solution: Stop slicing about ½ inch before the bottom crust.

Uneven filling distribution: Some bites may end up dry. Solution: Alternate stuffing brie and cranberry in each pocket for balance.

Cheese not melting fully: Brie straight from the fridge may take longer. Solution: Let the cheese sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before baking.

Bread drying out: Overbaking makes the loaf tough. Solution: Stick to 15 minutes covered, then 10 minutes uncovered.

Overloading with butter: Too much butter makes the loaf greasy. Solution: Use just enough to lightly coat each slice.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve as a centerpiece appetizer at holiday dinners.

Pair with sparkling wine, crisp cider, or a light white wine.

Enjoy alongside roasted meats, charcuterie, or fresh salads.

Present family-style so everyone can pull their own piece, or slice neatly for buffet spreads.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers wrapped tightly in foil in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Reheat in a 325°F oven for 10–12 minutes until warmed through. Avoid the microwave—it makes the bread soggy.

Freeze by wrapping in foil and placing in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different bread instead of sourdough?
Yes, but choose a sturdy loaf like Italian or French bread so it holds its shape.

2. What can I use instead of cranberry sauce?
Try fig jam, raspberry preserves, or apricot spread for a similar sweet-tart balance.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the loaf, wrap in foil, and refrigerate for up to 6 hours before baking.

4. Do I have to use brie?
No, camembert or even mozzarella can work, but brie gives the creamiest melt.

5. How do I keep the cheese from oozing out?
Tuck the brie deep into the cuts and don’t overstuff one pocket. Spread it evenly.

Tips & Tricks

Use a serrated knife for scoring—it gives cleaner cuts.

Warm your cranberry sauce slightly before stuffing; it spreads easier.

Add a sprinkle of crushed walnuts or pecans before baking for crunch.

For extra aroma, mix a little fresh rosemary into the parsley topping.

Serve the loaf on parchment paper to catch any gooey drips.

Recipe Variations

Savory Mushroom Brie Pull Apart: Replace cranberry sauce with 1 cup sautéed mushrooms and onions. Stuff with brie and bake as directed. Earthy and rich.

Apple Cheddar Pull Apart: Swap brie for sharp white cheddar and cranberry for thin apple slices. Add a drizzle of honey before baking for sweet-savory goodness.

Pesto Brie Pull Apart: Use ½ cup basil pesto instead of cranberry sauce. The herbaceous, garlicky flavor pairs beautifully with melty brie.

Spicy Jalapeño Cranberry Version: Mix 2 tbsp chopped pickled jalapeños into the cranberry sauce before stuffing for a sweet-heat twist.

Mediterranean Twist: Replace cranberry with sun-dried tomato spread and add crumbled feta along with brie. Sprinkle with oregano before baking.

Final Thoughts

Making this pull apart bread feels more like an occasion than a recipe. It transforms simple ingredients into something festive and irresistible. Each time I prepare it, the anticipation builds as the aroma of garlic butter and warm bread fills the air. When that first cheesy, cranberry-filled piece is pulled free, it always sparks smiles around the table.

This bread is simple enough for weeknights yet elegant enough for special celebrations. If you want a dish that delivers on flavor, presentation, and pure enjoyment, this one never disappoints. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself bringing it back for holidays, parties, and even cozy nights at home.