Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread: A Delicious Holiday Appetizer Recipe

Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread is a delightful dish that perfectly marries the tartness of cranberries with the creamy richness of Brie cheese, creating a flavor explosion that is simply irresistible. This recipe has its roots in festive gatherings, where the warm, gooey cheese and sweet-tart cranberry sauce bring people together around the table. I love serving this dish during the holidays, as it not only looks stunning but also invites everyone to dig in and share. The combination of soft, buttery bread and the luscious filling makes each pull apart a moment of pure joy. It’s no wonder that Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread has become a favorite for both casual get-togethers and elegant celebrations alike. Whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress!

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of crusty bread (like French or Italian)
• 8 oz Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
• 1 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen, thawed)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Bread

1. **Preheat the Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your bread bakes evenly and gets that perfect golden crust. 2. **Prepare the Bread**: Take your loaf of crusty bread and place it on a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the bread into a grid pattern. Make cuts about 1 inch apart, but be sure not to cut all the way through the bottom. You want the loaf to stay intact at the base, creating a pull-apart effect. 3. **Cube the Brie**: While the bread is resting, take your Brie cheese and cut it into small cubes. Aim for about 1-inch pieces. The creamy texture of the Brie will melt beautifully and create a gooey filling.

Making the Cranberry Mixture

4. **Prepare the Cranberries**: If you’re using fresh cranberries, rinse them under cold water and remove any stems or blemished berries. If you’re using frozen cranberries, make sure they are fully thawed and drained. 5. **Mix the Ingredients**: In a medium bowl, combine the fresh cranberries, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir everything together until the cranberries are well coated in the sugary mixture. The sweetness of the brown sugar will balance the tartness of the cranberries, creating a delightful flavor.

Assembling the Bread

6. **Stuff the Bread**: Now it’s time to assemble your pull-apart bread! Gently pull apart the slices of the bread to create openings. Start by placing a few cubes of Brie cheese into the cuts of the bread. Follow this by adding a spoonful of the cranberry mixture into the same openings. Repeat this process until you’ve filled all the cuts with both Brie and cranberries. Don’t be shy; pack it in there! 7. **Drizzle with Butter**: Once the bread is fully stuffed, take any remaining melted butter and drizzle it over the top of the loaf. This will help create a crispy, golden crust as it bakes.

Baking the Bread

8. **Wrap the Bread**: To keep the bread moist while it bakes, wrap the entire loaf in aluminum foil. This will trap the steam and help the cheese melt perfectly. 9. **Bake**: Place the wrapped bread on a baking sheet and pop it into the preheated oven. Bake for about 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. 10. **Check for Doneness**: To ensure that the bread is done, you can gently pull apart a section to see if the cheese is melted and gooey. If it’s not quite there yet, give it a few more minutes in the oven.

Serving the Bread

11. **Let it Cool**: Once the bread is out of the oven, let it cool for about 5 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and will prevent any burns from the hot cheese. 12. **Garnish**: If you’d like, sprinkle some fresh rosemary or thyme over the top for a pop of color and added flavor. The herbs will complement the sweetness of the cranberries and the richness of the Brie beautifully. 13. **Pull Apart and Enjoy**: Now comes the best part! Serve the bread warm, and encourage your guests to pull apart the pieces. The combination of melted Brie and tart cranberries is simply irresistible.

Tips for Success

14. **Choosing the Right Bread**: A crusty bread works best for this recipe. It holds up well to the stuffing and creates a nice texture when baked. Avoid soft sandwich bread, as it may become too soggy. 15. **Experiment with Flavors**: Feel free to get creative! You can add chopped nuts

Conclusion:

In summary, this Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to impress their guests or simply indulge in a deliciously gooey treat. The combination of warm, melty brie and tart cranberries nestled within soft, buttery bread creates a flavor explosion that is both comforting and festive. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer at a holiday gathering or enjoying it as a cozy snack on a chilly evening, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. For serving suggestions, consider pairing this delightful bread with a side of homemade cranberry sauce or a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of sweetness. You can also experiment with variations by adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch, or swapping out the cranberries for other fruits like figs or apples to suit your taste. The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to give this Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread a try and share your experience with friends and family. I would love to hear how it turned out for you and any creative twists you added to the recipe. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a dish that is not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious. Happy baking! Print