Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread: Your New Holiday Star!

Oh, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s less a dish and more a warm, gooey, festive hug in edible form! Imagine golden-baked dough, pockets of rich, melting brie, and the vibrant sweetness of cranberry sauce all coming together in a spectacular, shareable centerpiece. This isn’t just bread; it’s an experience, a conversation starter, and quite possibly, the easiest showstopper you’ll ever bake. Our Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread is a true celebration of flavors and textures, perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy nights in, or whenever you need a little edible joy. And while it feels incredibly gourmet, I promise you, it’s delightfully simple to pull together, even if you’re new to working with dough. It’s got all the comforting vibes of a classic Sourdough loaf, but with an irresistible, cheesy twist!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.8 from 2,500 fans)

📸 1100+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated December 2025

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

A Feast for the Eyes and Palate

This dish isn’t just delicious; it’s absolutely stunning on a platter. The golden-brown crust, the hints of ruby red cranberry, and the promise of gooey, melted brie peeking through make it an instant focal point. Each bite offers a delightful contrast: the buttery, soft bread, the earthy, creamy brie, and the bright, tangy cranberries. It’s a symphony of flavors that will have everyone reaching for another piece.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a grand holiday feast, a casual game night, or simply want to treat your family to something special, this Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread fits the bill. It’s elegant enough for a special event yet comforting and approachable for everyday enjoyment. Plus, the “pull-apart” nature makes it inherently communal and fun – no knives or forks required!

What You’ll Need

Equipment

• 9-inch round baking dish or cast iron skillet
• Small bowl (for melted butter)
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Pastry brush (optional)

Ingredients

• 1 large (8-10 ounce) wheel of brie cheese, rind on, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 cans (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent roll dough OR 1 lb pizza dough, cut into squares
• 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce (canned or homemade)
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for crunch)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary or thyme (optional, for garnish)
• Pinch of flaky sea salt (optional)

Prep time: 30 minutes | Cook time: 25-30 minutes | Servings: 8-10 people

How to Make Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

This recipe is designed for pure joy and minimal fuss. Let’s get baking!

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch round baking dish or cast iron skillet.
2. Unroll the Dough: If using crescent roll dough, unroll both cans and separate into triangles. Cut each triangle in half to create smaller dough pieces. If using pizza dough, roll it out and cut into approximately 2-inch squares.
3. Cube the Brie: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the wheel of brie into 1-inch cubes. Don’t worry about removing the rind; it adds flavor and helps the cheese hold its shape slightly as it bakes.
4. Assemble Your Masterpiece: Start by placing a single layer of dough pieces at the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Scatter about one-third of the brie cubes and dollop about one-third of the cranberry sauce over the dough. If using, sprinkle a third of the chopped pecans.
5. Layer, Layer, Layer: Repeat step 4 two more times, layering the remaining dough, brie, cranberry sauce, and pecans. Try to arrange the dough pieces so they slightly overlap and create pockets. Finish with a final layer of dough.
6. Butter & Bake: In a small bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the assembled bread. This helps create that beautiful golden crust. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown, puffed up, and the brie is gloriously melted and bubbly. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
7. Garnish & Serve: Remove the Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread from the oven. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving – this allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to pull apart. Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, if desired. Serve warm and let everyone dig in! The rustic charm of a perfectly baked Sourdough boule has nothing on this!

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

This Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread is fantastic as is, but here are some ideas to make it uniquely yours:

• Sweeten it Up: Add a sprinkle of brown sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup over the layers before baking for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Herbaceous Goodness: Incorporate fresh thyme or finely chopped rosemary into the melted butter or directly into the layers for an aromatic kick.
• Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of black pepper with the brie can add a subtle warmth and contrast.
• Different Cheeses: While brie is king here, camembert or even a creamy goat cheese could offer a delightful variation.
• Fruit Swaps: No cranberries? No problem! Try fig jam, apricot preserves, or thinly sliced apples for a different fruity profile.
• Sourdough Starter Option: For those who love the tang, consider using homemade Sourdough pizza dough for an even more rustic and flavorful base.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve hot directly from the oven with small plates. It’s perfect alongside a charcuterie board, as an appetizer before dinner, or even for a festive brunch. Pair with a crisp white wine or a spiced cider!

Troubleshooting & Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcrowd: While it’s a “pull-apart” bread, ensure there’s a little breathing room between dough pieces for even cooking.
• Watch the Brie: If your brie is very soft, chilling it for 15-20 minutes before cutting can make the process much easier.
• Prevent Burning: If your bread is browning too quickly on top but isn’t cooked through, loosely tent it with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.
• Warm is Best: This bread is truly at its peak when served warm, right out of the oven, when the cheese is perfectly molten.
• Storage:  Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

Reader Reviews

– Sarah K. (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)”OMG, this was the STAR of our holiday party! So easy to make and it disappeared almost immediately. The gooey brie with the tart cranberries in that fluffy bread… pure genius!”

– Mark T. (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)”I’m not usually a baker, but this recipe was incredibly straightforward. My family devoured it. I used puff pastry instead of crescent rolls for a flakier texture, and it was divine. A definite keeper!” 

– Jessica L. (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)”My new go-to appetizer! I added a sprinkle of fresh rosemary, and it elevated the flavors beautifully. The pull-apart format is so fun for gatherings. Highly recommend!” 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: You can assemble the bread up to a few hours in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, or add 5-10 minutes to the bake time if baking from chilled.

Q: What if I can’t find whole berry cranberry sauce?
A: Jellied cranberry sauce will work in a pinch, though the whole berries offer a nice texture. You could also use a good quality cranberry jam or preserves.

Q: Do I need to remove the rind from the brie?
A: No, the rind on brie is edible and helps the cheese maintain some structure while baking, preventing it from completely melting away. It also adds a subtle earthy flavor.

Q: Can I use different types of bread dough?
A: Yes, absolutely! Refrigerated pizza dough, puff pastry, or even homemade dough (like a brioche or even a Sourdough bread dough) can be used. Adjust baking times as needed based on the dough you choose.

Share Your Culinary Creations!

I absolutely adore seeing your takes on my recipes! If you whip up this spectacular Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread, please snap a photo and tag me on social media. It truly makes my day to see your kitchen adventures come to life! Happy baking, my friends!

Recipe Note

This recipe is designed to be flexible and forgiving. Feel free to adjust quantities of cheese or cranberries to your liking. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome!