Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread Bites are a fun and tasty treat that bring together soft, gooey cheese and sweet, tangy cranberries in every bite. The bread is fluffy and perfect for pulling apart, making it such a delightful snack or appetizer. These bites have a little bit of everything—melty brie, zesty cranberries, and a warm bread base that just invites you to share and enjoy.
I love making these for gatherings because they always get people chatting and reaching for more. One little tip I have is to warm the brie just enough so it melts beautifully without losing its creamy texture. It’s so satisfying to pull these bites apart and watch the cheese stretch—plus, the cranberries add a nice pop of color and flavor that surprises everyone.
These bites are great when paired with a cup of tea or alongside a charcuterie board. I often find myself snacking on them during the holidays or any time I want something cozy and a bit special. Honestly, they’re one of those easy recipes that feel fancy but come together quickly, which is always a win in my book!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: A round crusty loaf works best because it holds the ingredients well. If you can’t find pull-apart bread, use sourdough or a rustic boule. Just make sure it’s fresh to get soft, fluffy bites.
Brie Cheese: Brie gives creaminess and melt. If you don’t have Brie, Camembert or a mild cream cheese can work, but the flavor and texture will differ slightly.
Dried Cranberries: These add a nice tangy sweetness. You can swap with dried cherries or raisins if you prefer, but cranberries give the best balance with the cheese.
Walnuts: Toasted walnuts add crunch and a warm nutty flavor. Pecans or almonds make good alternatives, toasted lightly to bring out their taste.
Honey & Butter: The honey adds sweetness and the butter keeps the bread moist. Maple syrup can replace honey, and olive oil or margarine can be used instead of butter if needed.
How Do You Score and Stuff the Bread Without It Falling Apart?
Scoring the bread properly is key. Use a sharp knife and cut deep enough for the fillings but don’t slice all the way through. The loaf should stay together so it’s easy to pull apart after baking.
- Cut in a grid about 1 to 1.5 inches apart both horizontally and vertically.
- Pull the pieces apart gently—don’t force it—to create space for the cheese and toppings.
- Insert cheese pieces evenly so every bite has gooey melting cheese.
- Sprinkle dried fruit and nuts lightly so they don’t fall off but melt into the bread during baking.
Wrapping in foil ensures the bread steams and the cheese melts well without drying out. Removing the foil near the end gives the top a golden finish. The result is soft, cheesy, flavorful bites that hold together but pull apart easily.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Sharp knife – I recommend a serrated or paring knife to score the bread easily without tearing it.
- Baking sheet – a rimmed sheet keeps everything contained and is easy to handle in the oven.
- Aluminum foil – helps trap heat and moisture, ensuring the bread stays soft and the cheese melts perfectly.
- Small mixing bowl – for mixing the honey and melted butter before drizzling over the bread.
- Cooking spoon or brush – to help spread or drizzle the honey-butter mixture evenly over the loaf.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap cranberries with dried cherries or apricots for a different fruit flavor profile that pairs nicely with the cheese.
- Add some cooked bacon bits or prosciutto for a savory twist and extra saltiness.
- Use different nuts like pecans or almonds for varied crunch and flavor.
- Drizzle some balsamic glaze on top after baking for a sweet and tangy finish.
Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Bread Bites:
- 1 round loaf of pull-apart bread or a round crusty bread loaf (about 6-8 inches in diameter)
- 8 oz Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small pieces
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (toasted for extra flavor)
- 3 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to bake, so plan around 35 minutes in total. It’s a quick and easy treat to make, perfect for sharing warm right out of the oven.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Bread:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm up. Take your bread loaf and, using a sharp knife, carefully score it. Cut in a grid pattern about 1 to 1.5 inches apart, slicing almost all the way through but keeping the loaf whole so it can hold the fillings inside.
2. Add Cheese, Cranberries, and Walnuts:
Gently pull apart the bread cubes a little to make room. Insert pieces of Brie cheese evenly into the cuts for gooey pockets of flavor. Sprinkle dried cranberries and toasted walnuts all over and between the bread pieces to add sweet and crunchy surprises in every bite.
3. Drizzle Honey Butter and Bake:
Mix melted butter and honey together in a small bowl. Drizzle this mixture generously over the top of your bread to add sweetness and keep it moist as it bakes. Wrap the whole loaf loosely with aluminum foil, place it on a baking sheet, and bake for 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes, unwrap the foil and bake for another 10 minutes. This lets the cheese melt fully and the top turn golden and bubbly.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove your bread bites from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. If you like, garnish with fresh rosemary for an extra pop of aroma and color. Serve warm so everyone can pull apart and delight in the melty, sweet, nutty goodness!
Can I Use Frozen Bread for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh bread to get soft, pull-apart bites. If you only have frozen bread, thaw it completely at room temperature and avoid reheating it before assembling.
Can I Substitute the Brie Cheese?
Yes! Camembert is a great substitute with a similar creamy texture. You can also use cream cheese, but it won’t melt quite the same way as Brie.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warm and the cheese softens again to keep that melty texture.
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the bread bites up to the baking step, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if baking straight from the fridge.
