When I first tried this Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread Recipe, I knew my holiday gatherings just got a whole lot brighter! There’s something magical about the combination of ooey-gooey brie, tart cranberries, and soft, pillowy bread that pulls everyone toward the table.
Not only does this recipe taste incredible, but it also fills the house with the warm, cozy aroma of baked bread and bubbling cheese. Believe me, this dish is an instant crowd-pleaser that works equally for festive dinners and casual game nights. Plus, it’s fun to make! From rolling the dough to drizzling the cranberry brie filling, every step is an adventure worth the effort.
Whether you’re entertaining guests or indulging in a quiet treat for yourself, this recipe makes the experience unforgettable. And even though it looks fancy, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up. Let’s get started and bring this table-stealing centerpiece to life!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
There’s so much to adore about Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread, and here are just a handful of reasons why it’s a must-try:
1. Easy to Make, Yet Impressively Fancy
Despite its gourmet feel, this recipe is straightforward enough for beginner bakers. It requires just a few basic steps like rolling dough, spreading filling, and baking. Yet its fancy presentation will have your guests thinking you spent hours in the kitchen!
2. Versatile for Any Occasion
No need to save this treat solely for holidays! While it’s a star during Thanksgiving and Christmas, it’s perfect for brunches, weekend movie nights, or even as an appetizer for a dinner party. It works whenever good food is needed!
3. Endless Flavor Customization
What’s great about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can add nuts for crunch, swap out brie for another melty cheese, or even toss in some herbs to deepen the flavor. There are endless ways to make it your own!
4. Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory
The tangy cranberry sauce blends beautifully with the creamy, mild brie. Add the buttery bread, and each bite becomes a flavor-packed gift for your taste buds.
5. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal
This bread is a natural showstopper that grabs attention when placed on the table. Its golden crust and oozing cheese have everyone excited long before the first slice is served!
Cooking Time
Here’s how long you’ll need to create this masterpiece:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- ½ cup orange juice
- ½ cup sugar (for cranberry sauce)
- 8 ounces brie cheese
Variations
Give this staple recipe a personal touch with some fun add-ins or dietary adaptations!
- Swap dairy: Use dairy-free brie alternatives for a lactose-free version.
- Add crunch: Toss in chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
- Sweeten it up: Drizzle some honey for a touch of sweetness.
- Make it healthy: Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat or gluten-free flour to suit dietary preferences.
Equipment You Need
- Mixing bowl – For combining the dough.
- Rolling pin – To shape the dough into a rectangle.
- Saucepan – To cook the cranberry sauce.
- Baking dish – For neatly arranging and baking the rolls.
- Pastry brush – To coat the dough with butter before baking.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread?
Let’s talk comfort food—this Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread is warm, gooey, and packed with sweet and savory flavor!
Prepare the Dough 🥖
Start by mixing together your dry ingredients (flour, yeast, sugar, and salt) in a large bowl. Gradually add warm water and knead the mixture until the dough is smooth and stretchy. Cover the dough and leave it in a warm spot to rise for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.
Make the Cranberry Filling 🍒
While the dough rises, cook up the cranberry filling. Combine fresh cranberries, sugar, and orange juice in a saucepan, cooking them over medium heat until the berries burst and turn into a thick, fragrant sauce. Let it cool to room temperature. Break the brie into bite-sized chunks and set it aside.
Roll and Fill the Dough 🍞
Once the dough has risen, roll it into a large, thin rectangle on a floured surface. Spread a generous layer of the cranberry sauce evenly across the dough, then sprinkle with pieces of brie.
Cut and Arrange the Rolls ✂️
Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, then slice it into rounds about 1 inch thick. Arrange these pieces snugly into a greased baking dish, so they’re touching each other on all sides.
Bake to Golden Perfection 🌟
Pop the dish into a preheated oven (350°F) and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the rolls puff up and turn a beautiful golden brown. The cheese will be melted and gooey. Your kitchen will smell divine!
Cool and Serve ❄️
Allow the bread to cool slightly before serving, but don’t wait too long! This dish is best enjoyed warm, with the brie still deliciously melty.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Room temperature ingredients work best when making dough. This helps yeast rise properly.
- Don’t overcook the cranberry sauce; you want it thick but not overly sticky.
- Brush melted butter on top of the rolls before baking for a soft, golden crust.
- Arrange the rolls tightly to ensure they bake evenly and stay moist.
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread?
Serve this bread as the centerpiece of your table. Garnish it with sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme for a beautiful holiday presentation. For added flair, place a small bowl of extra cranberry sauce in the center for dipping. Pair with a glass of wine, sparkling cider, or a cozy cup of tea to elevate the experience.
Nutritional Information
Here’s what you can expect per serving (approx.):
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 12g
Make Ahead and Storage
If you want to prepare ahead, you’re in luck!
- Refrigeration: You can assemble the rolls a few hours before baking. Just cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and store in the fridge. When ready to bake, bring it to room temperature first.
- Freezing: Finished bread can be frozen for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven for 10–15 minutes.
- Shelf-life: This bread stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slices individually to enjoy that freshly baked texture.
With its delightful blend of creamy cheese, tangy cranberries, and soft bread, this Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread is destined to become a favorite at your gatherings. It’s festive, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. Time to get baking!
For more info and a visual guide, this video has it all:
Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 3 tablespoons butter melted
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- ½ cup orange juice
- ½ cup sugar for cranberry sauce
- 8 ounces brie cheese
Instructions
- Start by mixing together your dry ingredients (flour, yeast, sugar, and salt) in a large bowl. Gradually add warm water and knead the mixture until the dough is smooth and stretchy. Cover the dough and leave it in a warm spot to rise for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.
- While the dough rises, cook up the cranberry filling. Combine fresh cranberries, sugar, and orange juice in a saucepan, cooking them over medium heat until the berries burst and turn into a thick, fragrant sauce. Let it cool to room temperature. Break the brie into bite-sized chunks and set it aside.
- Once the dough has risen, roll it into a large, thin rectangle on a floured surface. Spread a generous layer of the cranberry sauce evenly across the dough, then sprinkle with pieces of brie.
- Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, then slice it into rounds about 1 inch thick. Arrange these pieces snugly into a greased baking dish, so they’re touching each other on all sides.
- Pop the dish into a preheated oven (350°F) and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the rolls puff up and turn a beautiful golden brown. The cheese will be melted and gooey. Your kitchen will smell divine!
- Allow the bread to cool slightly before serving, but don’t wait too long! This dish is best enjoyed warm, with the brie still deliciously melty.
Notes
- Room temperature ingredients work best when making dough. This helps yeast rise properly.
- Don’t overcook the cranberry sauce; you want it thick but not overly sticky.
- Brush melted butter on top of the rolls before baking for a soft, golden crust.
- Arrange the rolls tightly to ensure they bake evenly and stay moist
