Name: Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 round or oval sourdough loaf or crusty Italian bread (1 1/2 to 1 3/4 pounds), unsliced; 5 tablespoons butter, melted; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary; 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 1 (8-ounce) wheel Brie cheese, cut lengthwise into 1-inch strips, then thinly sliced crosswise; 1/3 cup dried cranberries

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread is the ultimate holiday appetizer—warm, cheesy, sweet, and savory all in one. With layers of gooey melted Brie, tart dried cranberries, and fragrant herbs tucked inside a crusty loaf of bread, this dish is perfect for sharing. It’s an easy yet impressive recipe that will wow your guests at any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A festive appetizer that looks as good as it tastes.
Combines melty cheese, sweet cranberries, and fragrant herbs in every bite.
Easy to prepare with minimal prep time.
Perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or cozy nights at home.
Fun and interactive—guests pull pieces straight from the loaf.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 round or oval sourdough loaf or crusty Italian bread (1 1/2 to 1 3/4 pounds), unsliced
5 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 (8-ounce) wheel Brie cheese, cut lengthwise into 1-inch strips, then thinly sliced crosswise
1/3 cup dried cranberries

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with foil.
Using a serrated knife, cut the bread into diagonal 1-inch diamonds from the top, almost to the bottom but not all the way through.
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, honey, rosemary, thyme, pepper, and salt.
Gently pull apart the bread cuts and drizzle with half the butter mixture.
Stuff Brie slices and cranberries into the cuts.
Place the loaf on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with the remaining butter mixture.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the Brie is melted and the bread is golden and toasty.
Serve immediately while warm and melty.

Servings and timing

Yield: 8 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Swap dried cranberries with dried cherries or figs.
Add toasted pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
Use a flavored honey such as orange blossom or lavender.
Substitute Camembert or goat cheese for the Brie.
For a savory version, omit honey and cranberries and add garlic and Parmesan.

Storage/Reheating

Best enjoyed fresh from the oven.
If you have leftovers, wrap tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10–15 minutes until warm and gooey.
Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the bread up to the point of baking, wrap in foil, and refrigerate for a few hours. Bake just before serving.

What type of bread works best?

A sturdy round sourdough or crusty Italian loaf works best, as it holds up well to stuffing and baking.

Do I have to use Brie cheese?

No, Camembert, Fontina, or even mozzarella can be used as substitutes.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Yes, but fresh cranberries will be more tart. You may want to cook them briefly with sugar before adding.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, simply use a gluten-free round loaf of bread.

How can I keep the cheese from spilling out?

Make sure to cut deep enough slits but don’t cut through the bottom. This helps hold everything inside.

Can I add garlic?

Yes, adding minced garlic or garlic powder to the butter mixture gives a savory boost.

What can I serve this with?

It’s great on its own or alongside mulled cider, or holiday cocktails.

How do I prevent the bread from drying out?

Bake covered with foil for the first 10 minutes, then uncover to let it toast.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, kids love pulling apart the cheesy bread. You may want to omit black pepper if making it for children.

Conclusion

Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread is a show-stopping appetizer that’s both easy to make and irresistibly delicious. With its warm, gooey Brie, sweet cranberries, and aromatic herbs, it’s the perfect centerpiece for holiday gatherings or cozy nights with family and friends. Serve it fresh from the oven, and watch it disappear piece by piece.

Ezabella