Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread

Introduction

This Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread is a festive and indulgent treat that quickly became a family favorite. The combination of gooey, melted Brie cheese and sweet, tart cranberry sauce tucked inside a hearty sourdough loaf creates the perfect balance of flavors. The addition of garlic and fresh herbs adds layers of savory depth, making each bite absolutely irresistible. I served this as an appetizer during a holiday gathering, and it was a huge hit! Everyone was pulling at the bread, savoring each gooey, cheesy pull. Whether you’re hosting a festive party or just treating yourself, this pull-apart bread is sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 1 large round loaf of sourdough bread
• 8 oz Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the bread from sticking.
2. Prepare the Bread:
   Place the sourdough loaf on the prepared baking sheet. Using a serrated knife, carefully cut the bread in a crosshatch pattern, making 1-inch slices. Be sure not to cut all the way through the bread—leave the bottom intact, so the bread holds together.
3. Add the Cheese and Cranberry Sauce:
   Gently stuff each cut section of the bread with Brie cubes, making sure each slice gets a generous portion. Follow up with small spoonfuls of cranberry sauce, distributing it evenly throughout the cuts.
4. Make the Butter Mixture:
   In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with fresh thyme leaves and garlic powder. Drizzle this flavorful mixture generously over the bread, allowing the butter to seep into the cuts, ensuring every bite has that delicious, savory-herb flavor.
5. Bake the Bread:
   Cover the bread with aluminum foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted inside the bread. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to get the top golden and crispy.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   Once the bread is done baking, remove it from the oven. If desired, sprinkle fresh rosemary or thyme on top for added flavor and decoration. Serve the bread warm, and enjoy the cheesy, cranberry-filled goodness!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 8 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250 kcal

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Baking Time: 20-30 minutes
• Total Time: 30-40 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve warm: This bread is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, while the cheese is still gooey and the bread is crispy.
• Perfect for appetizers: This is a great choice for any party or gathering, offering a fun and interactive experience as guests pull the bread apart.
• Pair with drinks: It goes wonderfully with wine or a festive punch. A glass of crisp white wine complements the creamy Brie and tart cranberry flavors perfectly.

Additional Tips

1. Be careful when cutting the bread: Make sure to not cut all the way through, leaving the bottom of the loaf intact. This ensures the bread holds together and forms pull-apart sections.
2. Use fresh herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary adds an aromatic touch that enhances the flavor of this bread. You can substitute dried herbs if fresh ones are not available.
3. Use homemade cranberry sauce: If you have the time, homemade cranberry sauce adds a personal, tangy touch to the recipe.
4. Experiment with different cheeses: While Brie is classic, you can mix it up with other soft cheeses like Camembert or goat cheese for a unique twist.
5. Keep an eye on the bread while baking: The crust can become golden quickly, so keep the foil on for the first 15-20 minutes to ensure the cheese melts inside without the bread getting too dark.

Recipe Variations

• Add nuts: For a bit of crunch, add some chopped pecans or walnuts between the layers of cheese and cranberry sauce.
• Swap the cranberry sauce for figs: Figs can be used in place of cranberry sauce for a more mellow, sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with Brie.
• Add bacon: Crispy bacon crumbles between the cheese and cranberry sauce will add a smoky, savory flavor to the bread.
• Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the butter mixture for a little heat.

Serving Suggestions

• Holiday appetizer: This is a great appetizer for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve parties.
• Pair with a salad: Serve this bread alongside a fresh salad with balsamic vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the cheese.
• Serve with meats: This bread makes a great accompaniment to roasted meats, such as turkey or lamb, adding a delightful contrast to their savory flavors.
• Snack time: Cut into smaller pieces and serve as an afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: To freeze, wrap the prepared and baked pull-apart bread in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to warm through.
• Storage: Store leftover bread wrapped in plastic at room temperature for up to 2 days. If the bread starts to get stale, you can reheat it in the oven to refresh it.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce?
Yes, store-bought cranberry sauce works perfectly fine in this recipe. However, homemade cranberry sauce will offer a more robust, fresh flavor.

2. Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, you can substitute sourdough with another crusty bread like French bread or baguette. The key is to use a sturdy loaf that will hold up to the stuffing.

3. Can I prepare this bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bread and stuff it with the cheese and cranberry sauce ahead of time. Wrap it tightly in plastic and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as instructed.

4. How do I prevent the bread from getting too soggy?
Be sure not to overload the bread with cranberry sauce, as it can become too soggy. Use just enough to create pockets of flavor between the slices.

5. Can I add more herbs for flavor?
Absolutely! If you prefer stronger herb flavors, you can increase the amount of thyme or rosemary, or even add a few more spices like oregano or basil.

6. How can I make the bread crispy all over?
Bake the bread covered with foil for the first part of cooking to ensure the cheese melts inside. For a crispy top, uncover the bread during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.

7. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free sourdough loaf to make this recipe gluten-free. Just ensure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the filling.

8. Can I serve this as a main dish?
This bread is more of an appetizer or side dish, but it could be served as a light main dish, especially when paired with a fresh salad or soup.

9. Can I make this bread in advance and freeze it?
Yes, you can assemble and bake the bread ahead of time, then freeze it. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F until warm and crispy.

10. Can I make this bread without cheese?
If you prefer a non-dairy version, you can substitute the Brie with a plant-based cheese alternative that melts well.

Conclusion

Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread is a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for the holiday season or any special occasion. The combination of rich Brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and a savory garlic-thyme butter mixture makes every pull from this bread irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, attending a potluck, or enjoying a cozy evening at home, this pull-apart bread will be the star of the show. With a few easy steps and minimal prep time, you’ll have a show-stopping appetizer that’s sure to delight everyone at the table.

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