Follow Me On Social Media!
Pull-Apart Bread with Cranberry & Brie
As a chef, I often immerse myself in memories of family gatherings, where every dish tells a story. One of my fondest memories revolves around the aroma of freshly baked bread mixed with the sweetness of cranberries and the creaminess of Brie. During the holidays, my family would gather in the kitchen, laughter echoing off the walls, while this Pull-Apart Bread with Cranberry & Brie became the centerpiece of our table. The warm, gooey cheese and tart cranberries created a delicious blend of flavors, making everyone feel at home. Cooking this recipe feels like sharing a piece of my heart, as I remember those moments filled with joy and togetherness.
Why Make This Recipe
Imagine a dish that brings everyone together. Pull-Apart Bread with Cranberry & Brie does just that! The gooey, cheesy goodness combined with tart cranberries creates an irresistible treat. It is not just a recipe; it is an experience that warms the heart and lifts the spirits. You can serve it at gatherings, family dinners, or simply indulge in it as a comforting snack.
This recipe offers convenience because it is simple to prepare and requires minimal ingredients. Moreover, the flavors blend beautifully, making it a versatile choice. You can enjoy it as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a main course. Each pull of the bread fills your mouth with creamy Brie and sweet cranberries, giving you a taste of heaven. Plus, it only takes one loaf to create a memorable experience.
The beauty of Pull-Apart Bread with Cranberry & Brie is its adaptability. While it holds traditional flavors, you can easily customize it to fit seasonal themes or personal tastes. You might even find yourself experimenting with different ingredients after making it a couple of times. Therefore, this dish will not only feed you but also ignite your creativity in the kitchen.
How to Make Pull-Apart Bread with Cranberry & Brie
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Cranberries, fresh
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Rosemary, fresh, chopped
- 1/2 tsp Pepper
- 1 tsp Salt
- 8 oz Brie cheese, cut into small pieces
- 4 tbsp Butter, unsalted, melted
- 1 loaf crusty bread (such as artisan or sourdough) (About 1 pound)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix together the cranberries, minced garlic, rosemary, pepper, and salt.
- Cut the bread into a checkerboard pattern, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Place the brie pieces and cranberry mixture into the cuts of the bread.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the bread.
- Wrap the bread in aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Unwrap the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.
- Serve warm.
How to Serve Pull-Apart Bread with Cranberry & Brie
Serving Pull-Apart Bread with Cranberry & Brie is easy and fun! First, you want to present it warm right from the oven. The aroma will fill your kitchen and make everyone excited to dig in. Place the bread on a large wooden board or a beautiful platter to make it eye-catching.
For a casual gathering, simply pull apart the pieces directly from the loaf. Encourage your guests to pull off their favorite sections and enjoy the buttery, cheesy goodness. On special occasions, feel free to garnish it with additional rosemary or a sprinkle of thyme for an elegant touch.
Pair this warm bread with a light salad or a bowl of soup for a comforting meal. Alternatively, serve it as an appetizer alongside a selection of cheeses and crackers. The sweet and savory flavors work beautifully with both white and red wines, which enhances the tasting experience.
How to Store Pull-Apart Bread with Cranberry & Brie
If you have leftover Pull-Apart Bread with Cranberry & Brie, you can store it easily! First, let it cool completely before storing. Wrap the cooled bread tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Alternatively, you can place it in an airtight container. The bread usually lasts for about 2-3 days at room temperature.
If you wish to keep it longer, consider freezing it. To freeze, wrap the bread securely in aluminum foil, and then place it in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw the bread in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. To warm it up, preheat the oven and bake it for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Tips to Make Pull-Apart Bread with Cranberry & Brie
-
Choose Fresh Ingredients: Always select fresh cranberries for the best flavor. You can also substitute with dried cranberries if that’s all you have, but fresh provides a lovely tartness that balances the richness of the Brie.
-
Let the Cheese Soften: For easier mixing, let the Brie sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using. This allows it to become creamy and spreadable, enhancing the texture of your bread.
-
Don’t Rush the Cutting: When cutting the bread, take your time to make even cuts. This evenly distributes the cheese and cranberry mixture, ensuring each pull has a pleasant balance of flavors.
-
Experiment with Herbs: While rosemary adds a great flavor, feel free to experiment with other herbs. Thyme or sage could offer a unique twist, giving your bread an aromatic quality that complements the cheese.
-
Mind the Oven Temperature: Oven temperatures can vary slightly. If you find that your bread gets too browned on top before the cheese melts, cover it lightly with foil during the last baking stage to prevent burning.
-
Add Extra Flavor: For added depth, try sprinkling a bit of brown sugar or honey over the cranberries before baking. It adds a hint of sweetness that can elevate the overall taste.
-
Serve with Dips: Consider adding a dipping sauce, like a balsamic reduction or honey mustard, alongside this Pull-Apart Bread with Cranberry & Brie. It can enhance your guests’ experience and provide different flavor options.
-
Keep it Warm: If you prepare this bread ahead of time, wrap it up tightly and keep it warm in a towel or in a low oven. The coziness ensures that the cheese stays melted and inviting when you serve it.
Variation
-
Cheesy Garlic Bread: Instead of cranberries, swap them out for roasted garlic and mix in some herbs like parsley or basil. It creates a creamy and savory twist that is still irresistible!
-
Spiced Apple Version: For a fall-inspired flavor, mix chopped apples with cinnamon into the cheese. The sweetness of the apples pairs well with the Brie, and you get a delightful, spiced aroma.
-
Nutty Addition: Include some chopped walnuts or pecans alongside the cranberries. This adds a crunchy texture and rich flavor, making each bite even more satisfying.
-
Holiday Cranberry & Orange: For a festive twist, mix fresh cranberries with orange zest and a bit of orange juice. This brightens up the flavors and makes it perfect for holiday gatherings.
-
Gluten-Free Alternative: Use gluten-free bread as a base. It still allows you to enjoy this scrumptious dish without compromising on flavor or texture.
-
Chocolatey Delight: For a dessert version, incorporate dark chocolate chunks instead of cheese and cranberries. This variation transforms it into a sweet treat, perfect for any chocolate lover.
FAQs of Pull-Apart Bread with Cranberry & Brie
Can I make Pull-Apart Bread with Cranberry & Brie ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the bread mixture and store it in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep it fresh. This way, you can pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve it.
How do I store leftover Pull-Apart Bread?
To store leftover Pull-Apart Bread, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to keep it fresh. You can keep it at room temperature for up to two days or store it in the fridge for up to three days.
Can I freeze Pull-Apart Bread with Cranberry & Brie?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooled bread securely in aluminum foil and place it in a freezer bag. You can store it in the freezer for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
What can I serve with Pull-Apart Bread with Cranberry & Brie?
This bread pairs wonderfully with a light salad or soup. You can also enjoy it as an appetizer with some cheeses and dips. The sweet and savory notes will complement various dishes.
What should I do if my bread is getting too brown?
If your bread starts to get too brown on top before the cheese melts, cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the last few minutes of baking. This will help prevent over-browning while letting the cheese melt perfectly.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Definitely! While Brie adds a creamy richness, you can experiment with other soft cheeses like Camembert or goat cheese. Each cheese will bring its unique flavor to the dish, making it a fun variation.
Pull-Apart Bread with Cranberry & Brie
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm and gooey Pull-Apart Bread filled with tart cranberries and creamy Brie cheese, perfect for gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup Cranberries, fresh
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Rosemary, fresh, chopped
- 1/2 tsp Pepper
- 1 tsp Salt
- 8 oz Brie cheese, cut into small pieces
- 4 tbsp Butter, unsalted, melted
- 1 loaf crusty bread (such as artisan or sourdough) (About 1 pound)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix together the cranberries, minced garlic, rosemary, pepper, and salt.
- Cut the bread into a checkerboard pattern, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Place the brie pieces and cranberry mixture into the cuts of the bread.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the bread.
- Wrap the bread in aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Unwrap the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.
- Serve warm.
Notes
For added flavor, consider mixing in herbs or a touch of brown sugar with the cranberries before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: pull-apart bread, cranberry Brie, holiday recipe, cheesy bread, appetizer
