There’s nothing like gathering the family around the table for a cozy dinner. Hi, I’m Jane, your friendly neighborhood kitchen whiz, and today I want to share one of my absolute go-to recipes for such occasions. This Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread is sure to become a favorite in your household as it has in mine. Each time I make it, memories of laughter and chatter from family gatherings flood back, proving yet again that this dish is more than just food; it’s a little piece of home.
If you’re like me, you adore recipes that bring everyone together and fill the room with joy and contentment. When I first stumbled upon this recipe, I was attracted by its simplicity. It’s perfect for those days when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen but still wish to serve something spectacular and heart-warming. Trust me; once you try this, you’ll be making it again and again.
It’s a great dish for sharing, and one that’s genuinely fun to eat. The act of tearing apart a piece of bread marbled with creamy Brie and tangy cranberries is a satisfying experience. Oh, and the warm, inviting aroma as it bakes—simply heavenly! The beauty of this bread lies in its effortless preparation and its ability to make a moment special with its exciting mix of flavors and textures.
Recently, I made this delight for a family reunion, and it was the showstopper of the evening. You should’ve seen the joy on everyone’s faces as they pulled apart the cheesy, gooey bread. Even those who usually aren’t fans of cranberry admitted to going back for seconds! Even better, the pull-apart concept means no dishes to prep for individual servings, keeping cleanup to a minimum. After all, who doesn’t love a little less work in the kitchen?
You don’t have to take my word for it, though. Grab those ingredients, get your oven pre-heated, and see for yourself. Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe, shall we? You’re in for a treat!
How to Make Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread
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Ingredients
- 1 large round bread loaf
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons thyme, fresh leaves
- 2 teaspoons rosemary, fresh and chopped
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 (8-ounce) wheel of Brie cheese, sliced thin
- 1 (15-ounce) can of whole-berry cranberry sauce
Directions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures that by the time the bread is ready to hit the oven, you’ll get perfect results.
- Take the large round loaf and carefully make cuts in a crosshatch pattern, avoiding slicing all the way to the bottom.
- Mix together the melted butter with the thyme and rosemary. Using a brush, thoroughly coat between the bread cuts with this mixture. It infuses delightful flavors into the bread.
- Now, insert the Brie slices into the cut spaces evenly, ensuring each piece will get a bit of cheese.
- Spoon the cranberry sauce generously into the gaps, spreading it so that every bite has that tangy zing.
- Season the top with some kosher salt and cracked black pepper, adjusting to taste.
- Bake the loaf for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cheese is wonderfully melted and the loaf reaches a fine, golden brown.
- After taking it out of the oven, give it a moment to cool, about 5 minutes should do, before inviting everyone to dig in. Enjoy the gooey goodness!
Storing Suggestions
If you have any leftovers, simply wrap the bread in aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. It can last up to two days. For reheating, pop it back into a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, until warmed through.
Cooking Tips
To up the flavor ante, try adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. You can also swap in a different cheese such as Camembert if you want a milder flavor. Experimenting with different types of bread is another way to personalize the recipe further.
Serving Suggestions
This pull-apart bread pairs perfectly with a light, crisp salad composed of greens, walnuts, and a honey balsamic vinaigrette. Or consider serving it alongside a warm bowl of butternut squash soup—both options are sure to be crowd-pleasers.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have a can of whole-berry cranberry sauce, feel free to use fresh cranberries cooked down with some sugar as a substitute. For the herbs, dried thyme and rosemary will work in a pinch, though fresh is always best for vibrant flavors.
Seasonal Variations
For an autumn-inspired twist, add some diced apples or pears into the mix before baking. In the spring, try substituting the cranberries with fresh strawberries for a sweeter taste, perhaps adding some basil for an extra layer of flavor.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy, which may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance. For such situations, you can use lactose-free Brie or another dairy-free cheese alternative. Also, verify that all ingredients, especially the bread, are gluten-free if those allergies are a concern.
FAQs
What type of bread works best for this recipe?
The key is to choose a dense, sturdy bread that can hold up to the toppings and cheese. A sourdough or boule works excellently. Avoid overly soft breads as they might become too soggy once baked.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the bread with all the ingredients except for the baking. Wrap it in foil and refrigerate. Remove from fridge about 20 minutes leading up to baking to bring it to room temperature, which ensures even cooking.
Is it possible to use a different cheese?
Absolutely! Camembert is a suitable alternative for those who prefer a less strong flavor, and for a more robust taste, try using a creamy blue cheese. Experiment with your preferred cheese!
How do I prevent the bread from being too dry?
Make sure the butter is spread generously between the cuts as it helps keep the bread moist during baking. Also, ensure that there is a good amount of cheese and cranberry sauce distributed evenly throughout.
What can I serve alongside this dish to make a more complete meal?
Serving this bread with a fresh salad or a warming soup creates a delightful meal. Consider something like a mixed green salad with nuts or a seasonal vegetable soup for a balanced dinner.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
To reheat, wrap the leftover bread in foil and place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. The foil helps keep the bread moist and prevents it from drying out.
Best Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread
Ingredients
- 1 large round bread loaf
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 teaspoons thyme fresh leaves
- 2 teaspoons rosemary fresh and chopped
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- 1 8-ounce Brie cheese sliced thin
- 1 15-ounce can of whole-berry cranberry sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Start by cutting the bread loaf into a grid pattern, making sure not to cut all the way through the bottom.
- Brush the melted butter between the cuts, adding thyme and rosemary as you go.
- Insert the Brie slices into the bread, spreading them evenly throughout.
- Spoon the cranberry sauce generously into the spaces between the sections.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper on top, adjusting to your taste.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melting and the bread is golden brown.
- Allow it to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy the gooey goodness!
