Absolutely! This is one of the most popular and satisfying holiday appetizers for good reason. It’s deceptively easy but feels incredibly special.
Here is a detailed recipe to create your festive showstopper.
Festive Brie & Cranberry Pull-Apart Bread
Ingredients:
· 1 large round sourdough loaf (or a sturdy country bread loaf, about 8-9 inches in diameter)
· 1 (8 oz) wheel or wedge of Brie cheese
· 1/2 to 3/4 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or high-quality store-bought)
· 3-4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
· 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried), plus extra for garnish
· Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans
· Optional: 1 tablespoon honey for drizzling
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bread:
Preheat your oven to375°F (190°C).
Using a sharp serrated bread knife,cut a cross-hatch pattern into the top of the loaf. Make cuts about 1-inch apart, slicing deep down but not all the way through the bottom crust. You want the loaf to stay intact at the base.
2. Add the Cheese:
Cut the Brie into small slices or chunks(rind can be left on—it’s edible and delicious when melted!).
Gently pry open the cuts in the bread and tuck the pieces of Brie down into the openings.It’s okay if some sticks out.
3. Add the Cranberry Sauce:
Using a small spoon,carefully dollop the cranberry sauce into the cuts, aiming to get it next to or on top of the cheese. Don’t worry about being neat—the messier it looks now, the better it bakes.
4. Add the Butter & Herbs:
In a small bowl,mix the melted butter with the thyme leaves. Brush or spoon this herbed butter generously over the entire top of the loaf, letting it seep down into all the cracks.
5. Bake:
· For a Soft, Fully Melted Center: Wrap the entire loaf loosely in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes.
· For a Crispy Top: After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the top is golden and crispy, and the cheese is completely bubbly.
· (Alternative – No Foil Method): For a crustier result overall, bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes total. You may want to tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.
6. Serve:
Remove from the oven.Immediately drizzle with optional honey and sprinkle with optional nuts and extra thyme.
Place the loaf on a serving board or platter.Let it cool for just 5 minutes (for safety and to let the cheese set slightly), then let everyone pull apart warm, cheesy, saucy pieces with their hands or using small forks.
—
Pro-Tips for the Ultimate Showstopper:
· Bread Choice: A sturdy, crusty loaf with a tight crumb is essential. It acts as a bowl to hold all the melty goodness.
· Cranberry Sauce: A sauce with whole berries adds lovely texture. For a twist, use orange-cranberry sauce or a cranberry-fig jam.
· Make-Ahead: You can prep the loaf (cut, stuff with cheese and sauce) up to 4 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Add the butter and bake just before serving. You may need to add 5 extra minutes of baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
· Variations:
· Savory: Swap cranberry for fig jam and add thinly sliced prosciutto with the cheese.
· Herby: Add a minced garlic clove to the melted butter.
· Sweet & Salty: Sprinkle with candied pecans after baking.
Enjoy the ooey-gooey, festive deliciousness—it’s guaranteed to bring everyone to the table!