This Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed with Brie & Cranberry is the kind of appetizer that makes people stop mid-conversation and stare in awe. Imagine warm, crusty sourdough bread baked to golden perfection, with gooey brie melting into every crevice and tart cranberry sauce adding a burst of sweetness. The finishing touch? A drizzle of fragrant garlic herb butter that seeps through the loaf, making each bite rich, aromatic, and utterly irresistible. I first made this during the holidays, and it became an instant favorite—the perfect mix of festive flavors and cozy comfort. Whether served as a party centerpiece, a side dish, or an indulgent snack, this pull-apart bread hits every note: savory, creamy, and just a little sweet.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love how simple yet impressive this recipe is. It takes minimal effort but looks like something straight out of a restaurant kitchen. The combination of buttery garlic, creamy brie, and tangy cranberry creates the ultimate flavor harmony—decadent but perfectly balanced. Plus, it’s baked and served in one loaf, making it easy for guests to tear apart and enjoy.
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Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed with Brie & Cranberry
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive and indulgent pull-apart sourdough loaf stuffed with creamy Brie cheese, tangy cranberry sauce, and drizzled with garlic herb butter. Perfect as a holiday appetizer or cozy winter snack that’s guaranteed to impress guests.
Ingredients
- 1 round sourdough loaf (about 1 lb)
- 6 oz Brie cheese, sliced
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the sourdough loaf on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut diagonal slits across the top of the bread about 1 inch apart, being careful not to cut all the way through. Rotate the loaf and repeat the cuts in the opposite direction to create a crosshatch pattern.
- Gently stuff Brie slices into the bread crevices, followed by small spoonfuls of cranberry sauce.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter with minced garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Brush or drizzle the garlic herb butter generously over the entire loaf, making sure it seeps into the cracks.
- Wrap the loaf loosely in foil and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes covered, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the top is golden and crisp.
- Serve warm, pulling apart pieces to enjoy the gooey Brie and sweet-tart cranberry filling.
Notes
- Use triple-cream Brie for an extra rich texture.
- Substitute cranberry sauce with fig jam or apricot preserves for a twist.
- Best served immediately while warm and melty.
- To reheat, wrap in foil and warm at 325°F for 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Sourdough bread – Choose a round or oval loaf with a sturdy crust and soft interior. Its tangy flavor complements the rich brie beautifully.
Brie cheese – The star of the dish, bringing luxurious creaminess that melts perfectly between the bread pieces.
Cranberry sauce – Use whole-berry cranberry sauce for the best texture and a touch of tart sweetness.
Butter – Melted butter infused with herbs and garlic coats the bread, adding flavor and moisture.
Garlic – Freshly minced garlic gives the bread that irresistible aroma and depth of flavor.
Fresh herbs – A blend of thyme, rosemary, and parsley adds a fragrant, savory touch.
Olive oil – Helps the butter mixture spread evenly through the bread.
Salt and black pepper – Simple seasonings that enhance the richness and bring everything together.
Sea salt flakes (optional) – Sprinkle on top before baking for a satisfying crunch and flavor burst.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Using a sharp serrated knife, cut the sourdough loaf in a crisscross pattern, about 1 inch apart, without slicing all the way through—leave the base intact so it holds together.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter with olive oil over low heat. Add minced garlic and chopped herbs, cooking gently for about 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper.
Carefully separate the bread cubes slightly and tuck thin slices of brie into the cuts. Spoon small dollops of cranberry sauce into the gaps as well, ensuring even distribution.
Using a pastry brush or spoon, drizzle the warm garlic herb butter over the loaf, making sure it seeps into every crevice. Wrap the loaf loosely in foil and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 15 minutes, then open the foil and bake for another 10–12 minutes, until the brie is melted and the top is golden and crisp.
Serve immediately while warm and gooey. Guests can pull apart pieces with their hands for the ultimate sharing experience.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Serrated bread knife
- Baking sheet
- Saucepan or small skillet
- Pastry brush
- Aluminum foil
- Cutting board
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6–8 people as an appetizer or side dish. The prep time is around 10 minutes, and bake time is about 25 minutes, making it a 35-minute recipe that’s perfect for entertaining.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers wrapped in foil in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to revive the crisp texture and melt the cheese again. Avoid microwaving—it softens the bread instead of crisping it.
Variations and Customizations
Caramelized Onion & Brie
Swap cranberry for caramelized onions for a savory-sweet, deeply rich variation.
Fig & Rosemary Brie Bread
Use fig jam instead of cranberry sauce and add a sprinkle of rosemary for a Mediterranean flair.
Spicy Cranberry Twist
Mix a pinch of chili flakes into the cranberry sauce for a subtle kick.
Garlic Butter Camembert Version
Replace brie with camembert for a slightly stronger, earthier cheese flavor.
Bacon & Brie Pull-Apart
Add crisp bacon bits between the bread layers for smoky indulgence.
Nutty Crunch Finish
Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the top before baking for added texture.
Balsamic Drizzle
After baking, drizzle balsamic glaze over the loaf for a sweet-tart finishing touch.
FAQs
What type of bread works best?
A round or oval sourdough loaf with a sturdy crust works best for slicing and stuffing.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, camembert, mozzarella, or fontina are excellent alternatives.
Can I use canned cranberry sauce?
Absolutely, just ensure it’s the whole-berry kind for better texture.
How do I keep the bread from drying out?
Wrap it loosely in foil while baking to trap steam, then uncover near the end for crisping.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Assemble it a few hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
Can I add garlic butter after baking?
Yes, but it’s best applied before baking so the flavors infuse into the bread.
How do I prevent the brie from leaking out?
Keep the slices snugly tucked into the bread cuts so they melt inward.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes—use vegan butter, plant-based brie, and cranberry sauce without gelatin.
How do I serve this at a party?
Place it on a wooden board with small tongs or allow guests to pull pieces apart by hand.
What can I serve it with?
It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, salads, or a glass of wine for a cozy starter.
Conclusion
Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed with Brie & Cranberry is the ultimate pull-apart appetizer—golden, gooey, and bursting with flavor. The tangy cranberry balances the creamy brie, while the garlicky herb butter takes it over the top. It’s festive, comforting, and irresistibly shareable, perfect for holiday tables or intimate gatherings. Once you make it, don’t be surprised if it becomes your signature party dish—simple, stunning, and absolutely unforgettable.
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