Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed with Brie and Cranberry Sauce

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Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed with Brie and Cranberry Sauce

Few dishes capture the spirit of cozy gatherings and festive comfort quite like Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed with Brie and Cranberry Sauce. Crispy on the outside, warm and gooey inside, this pull-apart loaf combines savory garlic butter, melty Brie, and tangy cranberry sauce for the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Perfect for holiday tables, dinner parties, or cozy nights by the fire, this recipe turns a simple loaf of bread into a show-stopping centerpiece bursting with flavor and texture.

Ingredients

  • 1 large round sourdough bread loaf
  • 1 cup fresh cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 8 oz Brie cheese, cut into slices
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • (Optional) Additional herbs for garnish, such as parsley or rosemary sprigs

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Mix until all ingredients are well blended and aromatic. This fragrant butter will seep into every crevice of the bread, infusing it with flavor.

Step 3: Slice the Sourdough Loaf

Place the sourdough loaf on a cutting board. Using a sharp serrated knife, cut deep diagonal slices into the loaf about 1 inch apart, being careful not to cut all the way through—you want the loaf to stay intact at the bottom.
Rotate the loaf 90 degrees and cut diagonal slices in the opposite direction, creating a crosshatch pattern of deep cubes.

This step is key to making perfect pull-apart bread—each section will hold gooey Brie and sweet cranberry sauce.

Step 4: Spread the Garlic Herb Butter

Use a spoon or butter knife to spread the garlic herb butter between each cut in the bread. Make sure to get it deep into the crevices so that every piece is flavored.

For an extra boost of aroma, brush some of the butter over the top crust as well.

Step 5: Add Brie and Cranberry Sauce

Insert Brie slices into the cuts of the bread, spacing them evenly throughout. The cheese should nestle between the bread cubes so it melts beautifully as it bakes.
Next, spoon small dollops of cranberry sauce into the gaps—alternating with the cheese for a balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Step 6: Wrap and Bake

Loosely wrap the prepared loaf in foil, sealing it to prevent over-browning while allowing the cheese to melt evenly.
Place on the baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes.

After 20 minutes, carefully open the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5–7 minutes to crisp the edges and give the top that irresistible golden finish.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with extra fresh herbs for color and fragrance.

To serve, place the loaf on a platter and let everyone pull apart the pieces—each one filled with melty Brie, tangy cranberry, and garlicky herbs.

Serving Suggestions

  • Perfect as a holiday appetizer, party snack, or side dish.
  • Serve alongside a charcuterie board or bowl of soup for a comforting meal.
  • Pair with white wine, sparkling cider, or mulled wine for a festive touch.
  • For extra decadence, drizzle with a little honey before serving—it complements the Brie and cranberry perfectly.

Tips for Success

  • Use room-temperature Brie: Cold Brie can be difficult to slice and won’t melt as evenly.
  • Don’t skip the garlic butter: It’s the flavor foundation—rich, aromatic, and irresistible.
  • Homemade cranberry sauce tip: Simmer 1 cup fresh cranberries with ½ cup sugar, ¼ cup orange juice, and a pinch of cinnamon until thickened (about 10 minutes).
  • Make ahead: Assemble the bread up to 4 hours before baking. Wrap tightly in foil and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
  • Reheating: Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes—avoid microwaving, as it softens the crust.

Flavor Variations

  • Savory twist: Replace cranberry sauce with caramelized onions or fig jam for a rich, earthy flavor.
  • Cheese swap: Try Camembert, goat cheese, or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
  • Add crunch: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans into the cuts before baking.
  • Sweet option: Use brie, honey, and apples or pears for a dessert-style pull-apart bread.

Storage Instructions

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers wrapped in foil for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until cheese is gooey again.
  • Freeze: Not recommended once baked, as the texture may soften, but you can freeze the assembled loaf (unbaked) and bake directly from frozen—just add 10 minutes to the bake time.

A Bread That Brings People Together

This Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed with Brie and Cranberry Sauce is more than just food—it’s an experience. Each piece combines creamy cheese, tart cranberry, and fragrant herbs wrapped in golden, crusty bread. It’s festive, comforting, and made for sharing—just like the best moments around the table.

Whether you’re serving it for the holidays or a simple family night, this bread promises one thing: everyone will come back for seconds.

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