Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread
If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that will impress your guests and warm their hearts, look no further than Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread. This delightful bread is like a cozy hug on a plate, blending the creamy goodness of brie cheese with the sweetness of cranberry sauce. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or even just a cozy night in. Trust me, once you pull apart that golden crust and see the gooey cheese oozing out, everyone will be clamoring for more!
This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s incredibly easy to make and always brings smiles to faces. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or Christmas, this pull-apart bread is sure to become a favorite at any table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you can create an impressive dish without fuss.
- Crowd-pleaser: The combination of brie and cranberry is simply irresistible—everyone loves it!
- Perfect for sharing: This pull-apart style makes it fun and interactive; great for gatherings.
- Versatile serving options: Enjoy it as an appetizer or pair it with soup or salad for a delightful meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread is part of the fun! These simple, wholesome ingredients come together beautifully to create something truly special.
For the Bread
- 1 large boule
- 1/2 c. (1 stick) melted butter
- 2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tsp. freshly chopped rosemary
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
For the Filling
- 1 (8-oz.) wheel Brie, cut into thin strips
- 1 (15-oz.) can whole-berry cranberry sauce
Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these fun variations:
- Add some crunch: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
- Use different cheeses: Try swapping brie for camembert or goat cheese if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Mix up the herbs: Experiment with different herbs like sage or oregano for a new flavor profile.
- Make it sweet: Drizzle honey over the top before serving for a sweet finishing touch!
How to Make Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your bread will bake evenly and develop that perfect golden color.
Step 2: Prepare the Boule
Using a serrated knife, carefully crosshatch the boule. Slice every inch in both directions, being careful not to cut all the way through the bottom. This step creates pockets for all that delicious filling!
Step 3: Mix Your Butter and Herbs
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, fresh thyme, and rosemary. Season this mixture with salt and pepper. Brushing this fragrant herb butter onto your bread enhances its flavor and makes each bite absolutely divine.
Step 4: Stuff with Cheese and Cranberries
Now comes the fun part! Stuff each crosshatch with strips of brie and spoonfuls of cranberry sauce. Don’t be shy—pack it in there! Finally, wrap your filled boule completely in foil to keep all those flavors locked in while baking.
Step 5: Bake It Up!
Place the wrapped bread on a baking sheet and bake until the cheese is melty and the bread is warm and toasty—about 20 minutes should do it! Let it cool for about five minutes before serving; this allows everything to set just right.
Enjoy pulling apart pieces of this delightful Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread with friends and family—it’s sure to be a hit!
Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread
Creating the perfect Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread doesn’t have to be daunting. With a few simple tips, you can impress your guests and enjoy every delicious bite!
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Choose the Right Bread: Opt for a sturdy, round boule that can hold up to the stuffing and pulling apart. A softer bread may crumble under the pressure, leading to a messy presentation.
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Don’t Rush the Butter Mixture: Allow the melted butter to cool slightly before adding herbs and seasoning. This prevents the herbs from wilting too quickly and ensures their flavors infuse beautifully into the bread.
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Be Generous with Stuffing: Don’t shy away from filling each crosshatch with plenty of Brie and cranberry sauce. The more filling, the merrier! A generous amount makes for a more flavorful experience.
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Cover During Baking: Wrapping your bread in foil while baking helps retain moisture, resulting in a soft interior and perfectly melted cheese. Just remember to uncover it for the last few minutes if you want a golden finish!
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Let It Rest: Allowing your pull-apart bread to cool for about 5 minutes after baking will help set the cheese, making it easier to pull apart while still being warm and gooey.
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread
This delightful dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it an excellent centerpiece for any gathering. Here are some ways to present your Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread for maximum impact.
Garnishes
- Fresh Herbs: Sprinkling chopped fresh thyme or rosemary on top adds a pop of color and amplifies those lovely herbal notes.
- Pomegranate Seeds: These bright red gems add a burst of color and a hint of tartness that complements the sweetness of the cranberry sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, walnuts, and a balsamic vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pull-apart bread.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or carrots drizzled with olive oil bring earthiness to your spread.
- Cheese Platter: Pairing this dish with a cheese board featuring mild cheeses like gouda or sharp cheddar allows guests to indulge in various flavors alongside your star appetizer.
- Chutney or Relish: Offering a side of apple or pear chutney brings additional fruity flavors that complement both the cranberry sauce and brie wonderfully.
With these serving suggestions, your Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread will shine at any holiday gathering! Enjoy creating delicious memories around this scrumptious appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
This Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy this delicious appetizer without the last-minute rush. You can easily prepare it in advance and store it for future gatherings or cozy nights at home!
Storing Leftovers
- Wrap leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For best results, consume leftovers within this time frame to maintain flavor and texture.
Freezing
- If you want to freeze your pull-apart bread, wrap it securely in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Label the wrap with the date so you can keep track of freshness.
Reheating
- To reheat from frozen, let the bread thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove any foil and rewrap loosely in aluminum foil; bake for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and cheese is melty.
FAQs
Here are some common questions I often hear about making Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread:
Can I make Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it up to a day in advance. Just cover it well and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
What can I substitute for Brie in Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread?
If you’re looking for alternatives, creamy goat cheese or a soft vegan cheese can work beautifully in this recipe while keeping that delightful texture.
How do I ensure my Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread turns out perfectly?
Make sure not to cut all the way through the bottom of the boule when crosshatching. This will help keep your ingredients inside while baking!
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned sauce?
Yes! If you prefer using fresh cranberries, cook them down with a bit of sugar and water until they burst. This will create a lovely sauce that works wonderfully with the brie.
Final Thoughts
I hope you find joy in making this delectable Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread! It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or just a cozy night at home. The combination of warm, cheesy brie and sweet cranberry sauce is simply irresistible. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family—they’ll thank you for it!
Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread is a delightful appetizer that combines the creamy richness of brie cheese with the sweet tang of cranberry sauce, all nestled in a warm, golden crust. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in, this dish is not only visually stunning but also incredibly easy to make. With its interactive pull-apart style, guests will love tearing off pieces and indulging in this irresistible treat. Whether served as an appetizer or paired with soups and salads, this pull-apart bread is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any table.
Ingredients
- 1 large boule
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- 2 teaspoons freshly chopped rosemary
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 (8-oz.) wheel brie cheese, cut into thin strips
- 1 (15-oz.) can whole-berry cranberry sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Using a serrated knife, carefully crosshatch the boule without cutting all the way through.
- In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Brush this mixture onto the bread.
- Stuff each crosshatch with brie strips and spoonfuls of cranberry sauce.
- Wrap the stuffed boule in foil and bake on a baking sheet for about 20 minutes until cheese is melty.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (70g)
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
