Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread Bites are a fun and tasty little treat that combine soft, buttery bread with gooey melted brie and a sweet burst of cranberry. These bite-sized pieces are perfect for sharing and have this wonderful mix of creamy cheese and fruity tang that just makes your taste buds happy.
I love making this recipe when friends come over because it feels like such a special snack, but it’s also super easy to put together. One of my favorite things is how the bread pulls apart easily, making it fun to eat right off the plate without needing a fork. Plus, the warm brie oozing out with every pull is just so comforting.
These bites are great to serve at parties or even just for a cozy night in with a glass of wine. I sometimes sprinkle a little extra fresh rosemary on top for a hint of herbal freshness, but they’re delicious just as they are. They always disappear fast, so if you try making them, be ready for everyone to want seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Use a crusty round loaf like sourdough or Italian bread. The crust holds the bites together while the inside stays soft. If you can’t find a round loaf, any crusty bread you can cut like this will work.
Brie Cheese: Brie melts beautifully and adds creaminess. If you’re avoiding dairy, try a vegan melting cheese or camembert as a mild, smooth substitute.
Cranberries: Fresh or frozen cranberries work well for the compote. If fresh cranberries aren’t available, frozen are a fine option. You can also swap for raspberry jam or a cranberry sauce if pressed for time.
Thyme: Fresh thyme adds a subtle earthiness that pairs lovely with the cheese and cranberry. If you don’t have thyme, rosemary or sage can work too, but use sparingly as they’re stronger herbs.
How Do I Cut The Bread Without It Falling Apart?
Cutting the bread correctly is key for this pull-apart recipe. Here’s what works best:
- Place the loaf on a cutting board and use a sharp serrated knife.
- Cut deep squares about 1 to 1.5 inches wide but stop before you reach the bottom crust to keep the loaf intact.
- Go slowly and use a gentle sawing motion to avoid squishing the bread.
- The goal is to create cubes you can easily pull apart after baking without the whole loaf falling apart before baking.
Taking a little extra care here means the cheese and cranberry stay inside the bread pockets for melty, gooey bites. It’s part of what makes this recipe fun to eat!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Sharp serrated knife – I recommend this so you can cut the bread into even, neat squares without crushing it.
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper – makes cleanup easier and helps the bread bake evenly.
- Small saucepan – perfect for cooking the cranberry compote until thick and jam-like.
- Pastry brush – helps you spread melted butter evenly over the bread for a golden crust.
- Optional: serving platter or board – to display your delicious pull-apart bread bites with style.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap cranberries for a fruit jam like raspberry or apricot for a different sweet-tart flavor.
- Add cooked bacon or prosciutto bits inside the bread pockets for a savory twist.
- Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top before baking for crunch and added richness.
- Use herbs like rosemary or sage instead of thyme for a different aromatic profile.
Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large round loaf of crusty bread (such as sourdough or Italian bread)
- 8 oz brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small cubes
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tbsp orange juice (optional, for cranberry sauce)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
- Optional: honey or balsamic glaze for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and roughly 20 minutes to bake. Adding about 10 minutes to cook the cranberry compote gives you a total of around 40 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a quick, festive appetizer that’s full of warm, delicious flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Bread:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Take your round loaf and gently cut it into a grid of 1- to 1.5-inch squares. Be careful not to slice all the way through the bottom crust—the loaf should stay intact to hold all the yummy fillings.
2. Make the Cranberry Compote:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, and orange juice if you’re using it. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture becomes thick and jam-like. Set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the rest.
3. Add Brie and Butter:
Carefully tuck little cubes of brie into some of the cuts in the bread, spread evenly across the loaf. Place the bread on the prepared baking sheet. Then, use a brush to gently spread the melted butter all over the top and inside the cuts. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top to add a lovely herbal flavor.
4. Bake and Finish:
Bake the bread bites in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden and toasty. Once out of the oven, spoon the warm cranberry compote over the top, letting it drizzle into the crevices. Garnish with additional thyme sprigs, and if you like, add a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze for a sweet touch.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve these warm to your guests and encourage them to pull apart the bread bites. Each piece is a perfect combination of melty brie, tart cranberry, and buttery bread that’s so satisfying and festive!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries for the Compote?
Yes! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh. Just thaw them slightly before cooking, or rinse them quickly under cold water to remove any frost. This helps them cook evenly and burst into a delicious compote.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the cranberry compote and cut the bread with brie tucked inside a few hours before baking. Keep the bread covered loosely with plastic wrap in the fridge. Bake fresh just before serving to ensure the cheese melts perfectly and the bread stays crisp.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through to keep the bread from getting soggy and the brie melty again.
Can I Use Different Cheese Instead of Brie?
Absolutely! Camembert or a mild, creamy goat cheese are great alternatives that melt well. If you want a stronger flavor, a sharp cheddar could work, but it won’t give quite the same gooey texture as brie.