Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread Bites are little pockets of happiness that bring together melty brie, tart cranberries, and soft, buttery bread. These bite-sized treats have a lovely mix of creamy cheese and sweet-tart fruit, all wrapped in fluffy bread that’s perfect for sharing.
I love making these for get-togethers because they’re so easy to pop in your mouth and just melt away your worries. The combination of warm brie and slightly tangy cranberries feels like a big cozy hug, especially when paired with a hot cup of tea or your favorite holiday drink. Plus, pulling the bread apart with your fingers makes it all the more fun to eat!
My favorite way to enjoy these bites is fresh out of the oven when the cheese is still gooey and the cranberries have softened just enough to add a little surprise with every bite. They’re great for holiday parties, brunches, or even as a special snack when you want something simple but a little extra. I always end up making a double batch because everyone asks for more!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: A crusty round loaf, like sourdough or artisan bread, gives great texture and holds up well during baking. If you don’t have these, a good French bread or even a sturdy sandwich loaf can work. Just avoid soft breads that get mushy.
Brie Cheese: The star of the dish! Brie melts beautifully and adds creaminess. If you can’t find Brie, Camembert or a mild, creamy cheese like Havarti works well.
Cranberries: Both fresh and dried cranberries give tartness balancing the cheese. If dried, soak them briefly to soften. You can swap with other dried fruits like cherries or apricots if you prefer a different sweetness.
Butter & Honey: These add moisture, richness, and a touch of sweetness that bring the flavors together. You can use olive oil instead of butter for a slightly different taste.
Fresh Thyme & Garlic: Thyme adds a nice herbal note, while garlic gives subtle depth. If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried works but use less. Garlic powder can also be a quick substitute.
How Do You Make Sure the Brie Melts Perfectly Without Overcooking the Bread?
Melting Brie just right while keeping the bread golden and not too hard can be tricky. Here’s how I do it:
- Cut the bread into cubes but don’t slice fully through the bottom to keep the shape intact and easier to pull apart.
- Brush the butter mixture between and on top of the bread cubes so the moisture helps the cheese melt evenly and the bread crisps up without drying out.
- Place cheese cubes deep inside the bread cuts so they melt from inside out, getting gooey and creamy.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes—warm enough to melt the Brie gently without burning the bread.
- Keep an eye on the bread’s color: when you see a nice golden and slightly crispy top, it’s ready.
Following these steps, you get soft, melty cheese surrounded by warm, tasty bread that’s fun to pull apart and share. It’s all about gentle heat and good butter coverage for the best results!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Round baking pan or baking sheet – I like a round pan to keep it together, but a baking sheet works too for more spread-out bites.
- Large knife – to cut the bread into cubes without squishing it.
- Small mixing bowl – for combining the melted butter, honey, and garlic.
- Brush or spoon – to spread the butter mixture over the bread evenly.
- Oven – to bake and melt all the cheese and flavors together.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap cranberries with chopped dried cherries or apricots for different fruit flavors.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch and nutty flavor.
- Use a different cheese like Gruyère or fontina if you want a richer or more substantial melt.
- Mix in herbs like rosemary or basil for a fresh, different herbal note.
Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large round loaf of crusty bread (like sourdough or artisan bread)
- 8 oz Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small cubes
- 3/4 cup fresh or dried cranberries (if dried, soak briefly in warm water)
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
- Cranberry sauce for serving (optional)
Time Estimate
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake, so you’ll have delicious pull-apart bites ready in roughly 30 minutes total. Great for a quick appetizer or snack that feels fancy without the fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a round baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This will help your bread bites bake evenly and not stick.
2. Cube the Bread:
Cut your loaf of bread into 1.5-inch cubes. If you want a pull-apart bread, be careful not to slice all the way through the bottom—this keeps the loaf connected. For separate bites, feel free to cut all the way through.
3. Make the Butter Mixture and Brush:
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, honey, and minced garlic. Use a brush or spoon to spread this delicious blend over the bread cubes, making sure to get the mixture deep between the pieces for full flavor and moisture.
4. Add Brie and Cranberries:
Push cubes of Brie gently into the crevices between bread pieces. Then scatter cranberries evenly over and inside the bread. If you’re using thyme leaves, sprinkle those on top now for a fresh, herbal kick.
5. Bake the Bread Bites:
Arrange your bread cubes in the prepared pan or directly on a baking sheet, leaving space if separated. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the Brie is gooey and melted and the bread tops are golden and slightly crispy.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Take the bread bites out of the oven and add fresh thyme sprigs on top if you like. Serve warm, optionally alongside some cranberry sauce for extra tartness. Pull the bites apart with your fingers and enjoy the melty cheese and tart cranberry goodness!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture before adding to the bread. This helps prevent the bread from getting soggy.
Can I Prepare This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the bread bites up to step 5, then cover and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to bring back that melted cheese and crispy bread.
Can I Substitute Brie with Another Cheese?
Yes! Creamy cheeses like Camembert, Havarti, or even mozzarella can work well. Choose a cheese that melts nicely to keep that gooey texture.
