The holidays have a way of turning the kitchen into the coziest room in the house—warm light, laughter, and the irresistible scent of something baking in the oven. Among the many dishes that define the festive season, few capture the spirit of Christmas quite like a golden loaf of Cranberry Brie Bread. This Pull Apart Sourdough Brie and Cranberry Bread brings together tangy sourdough, creamy brie, and the jewel-toned sweetness of cranberries for a show-stopping centerpiece that tastes like tradition, joy, and comfort all at once.
This recipe isn’t just about flavor—it’s about the nostalgia tied to family gatherings and shared moments around the table. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas brunch, bringing something special to a holiday party, or gifting a homemade Christmas Cheese Bread, this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite.
The very first time I made Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Sourdough Bread was during a snow-covered Christmas Eve at my grandmother’s home. The house was filled with the chatter of cousins, the soft glow of fairy lights, and the comforting crackle of a fire. I remember pulling a warm loaf from the oven—the crust glistening with melted butter, ribbons of brie melting into each crevice, and bright cranberries sizzling like little gems between the slices. The moment that bread hit the table, it vanished within minutes.
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Sourdough Brie & Cranberry Pull-Apart Bread – Festive Christmas Cheese Delight
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Description
Golden pull-apart sourdough loaf filled with melted brie and cranberries, perfect for festive Christmas gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. On a cutting board, use a serrated knife to make crisscross cuts in the sourdough loaf, leaving 1 to 1.5 cm at the base uncut.
3. Gently separate the bread sections and insert a slice of chilled brie into each gap.
4. Tuck cranberries or spoonfuls of cranberry sauce into the cracks alongside the brie.
5. Sprinkle fresh rosemary or thyme leaves between slices if using.
6. Drizzle honey or maple syrup between the bread sections for extra sweetness if desired.
7. Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter mixed with olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt.
8. Wrap the loaf loosely in foil and bake covered for 15 minutes.
9. Unwrap the foil and bake for an additional 10–12 minutes until the crust is golden and the brie is bubbling.
10. Remove from the oven, let rest for 2–3 minutes, then drizzle with honey, scatter crushed nuts, and sprinkle sea salt flakes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: bread
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
Keywords: cranberry brie bread, sourdough bread, christmas cheese bread, pull apart bread, holiday appetizer, festive bread
That year, what began as a simple experiment quickly became an unshakable tradition. Now, every holiday season, I can’t imagine Christmas morning without the scent of baked sourdough mingling with cheese and tart fruit. It embodies everything I love about December: warmth, generosity, and nostalgia baked together in one loaf. Over time, it’s become our signature Cranberry Christmas Bread Recipe, a recipe passed down and personalized by each generation, yet always bringing the same happy hum around the table.
This Christmas Cheese Bread not only tastes incredible but also tells a story of togetherness. Every slice you pull apart shares a memory, and every bite feels like a celebration of the season itself.
Why Sourdough, Brie & Cranberries Make the Season Shine
What makes this bread so magical isn’t just the holiday association—it’s the flavor harmony that naturally feels festive. Sourdough brings a distinctive tang and chewy texture that stands up beautifully against the silky smoothness of brie cheese. The cranberries, whether fresh, dried, or in sauce form, add a burst of fruity brightness that balances the richness perfectly. Together, they create a layered holiday flavor that’s both rustic and elegant.
Then there’s the visual appeal—those vibrant cranberries scattered between golden sourdough ridges look like holly berries on fresh snow. The deep ruby reds, creamy whites, and burnished golds make this loaf a natural fit on any Christmas table, standing proudly as an edible centerpiece.
And the best part? It’s wonderfully shareable. This Pull Apart Sourdough Brie and Cranberry Bread is designed for groups—simply tear off a piece, watch the cheese stretch, and enjoy it warm right from the oven. It’s easy to prepare, easier to serve, and absolutely perfect for feeding a happily hungry crowd. No matter how many fancy cheeses or desserts grace your menu, this humble yet decadent Cranberry Cheese Bread never fails to steal the spotlight. It’s comfort food dressed up in its Christmas best—proof that sometimes the simplest ingredients can bake up the most heartfelt traditions.
Ingredients, Tools & Preparation Guide
The beauty of this Cranberry Brie Bread Recipe is how effortlessly it transforms a few simple ingredients into a festive masterpiece that looks like it came straight from a bakery window. With the right bread, a creamy wheel of brie, and a touch of tart cranberry sparkle, you’ll have a loaf that’s as stunning as it is delicious.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Cranberry Brie Bread
Let’s gather everything you’ll need. To make your Pull Apart Sourdough Brie and Cranberry Bread, choose fresh, flavorful ingredients—after all, each one plays a starring role in your Christmas Cheese Bread.
- Bread Base
- 1 large round sourdough loaf (about 500–600 g)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)
- Pinch of sea salt
- Filling
- 1 wheel of brie (200–250 g)
- ½–¾ cup cranberries (fresh, dried, or sauce)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme leaves
- Toppings (optional but delightful)
- Crushed walnuts or pecans
- Drizzle of honey after baking
- Sprinkle of flaky salt
Conversion tip: 1 cup cranberries ≈ 100 g, 1 tbsp butter ≈ 14 g.
Feel free to customize—swap brie for camembert, add orange zest, or infuse butter with garlic for an aromatic twist. This recipe stays true to the classic Cranberry Christmas Bread Recipes tradition while leaving room for creativity.
Tools & Step-by-Step Preparation Method
- Sharp serrated bread knife
- Cutting board
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper or foil
- Small bowl and pastry brush
- Oven mitts
- Preheat and Prepare: Heat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line the baking tray. Set the loaf ready for slicing.
- Slice Crosswise: Cut crisscross slits 1–1.5 cm deep, leaving the base intact. This creates pull-apart pockets.
- Fill with Brie & Cranberries: Insert brie slices and cranberries in the slits, scatter herbs, and drizzle honey if desired.
- Drizzle, Wrap & Bake: Brush melted butter on top, wrap in foil, bake 15 minutes covered, then 10–12 minutes uncovered until golden and melty.
- Add Final Touches: Rest briefly, drizzle honey, sprinkle nuts or salt, and serve warm.
- Soft inside, crisp outside: Bake partially covered first.
- Cheese choice: Brie, camembert, or double-cream brie.
- Cranberry options: Fresh for tartness, dried for chew, or sauce for gloss.
- Plan ahead: Assemble early, chill, and bake when serving.
This process ensures your Pull Apart Sourdough Brie and Cranberry Bread bakes up bakery-beautiful every time, balancing softness, crunch, and festive flavor.
Serving Ideas & Holiday Pairings
You’ve pulled your golden Cranberry Brie Bread from the oven—the crust gleaming, the cheese bubbling, and the cranberries sparkling like jewels. The only task left is serving it so beautifully that it becomes the centerpiece of your holiday table.
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread for Holiday Gatherings
As an appetizer: Place it at the center of a wooden board for guests to tear and share, no knives required.
For brunch: Pair it with coffee, mimosas, or cocoa for a cozy morning. It complements eggs, smoked salmon, or fruit equally well.
As a centerpiece: Surround your Christmas Cheese Bread with rosemary, sugared cranberries, or candles. Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy finish and offer extra cranberry sauce or honey for dipping.
Each approach makes this Cranberry Christmas Bread Recipe shine as a symbol of warmth and hospitality.
Perfect Pairings for the Ultimate Cranberry Cheese Bread Experience
The tangy, creamy, and sweet flavors invite pairing creativity. Try these combinations:
| Pairing Type | Suggested Options |
|---|---|
| Cheese | Brie, Camembert |
| Jam | Cranberry, Fig |
| Beverage | Mulled wine, Sparkling cider |
| Garnish | Fresh herbs, Crushed walnuts |
Offer fig jam for richness, mulled wine for spice, and herbs for color. Wrap mini loaves in parchment and twine with holly for heartfelt edible gifts—proof that homemade presents can be simple yet unforgettable.
FAQs & Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble and refrigerate covered up to a day before. Bake just before serving to regain that freshly baked aroma.
2. Which sourdough works best?
A medium round boule with airy crumb and sturdy crust holds its shape perfectly while allowing fillings to melt throughout.
3. How to store leftovers?
Cool completely, wrap in parchment, and refrigerate up to two days. Reheat in a warm oven to revive crispness—avoid microwaving.
4. Can I use other cheeses?
Absolutely. Camembert, fontina, or gouda melt beautifully, while blue cheese creates a bolder festive twist for Cranberry Cheese Bread.
5. Does it freeze well?
Yes. Cool fully, wrap in foil, bag airtight, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight and rewarm at 180°C (350°F) for 12 minutes before serving.
Final Thoughts – Share the Warmth This Holiday Season
At its heart, this Cranberry Brie Bread embodies holiday comfort—chewy sourdough, creamy melted brie, and bright tart cranberries blending into pure seasonal bliss. Bake it to share, to gift, or simply to fill your home with aromas of celebration.
Every golden piece torn from this Pull Apart Sourdough Brie and Cranberry Bread reminds us to slow down, laugh more, and savor the joy of giving. Make it your own and let the warmth of this Cranberry Christmas Bread Recipe become part of your family tradition. Happy baking and happy holidays!
