Hey friends — if you’re looking for a recipe that turns heads, warms hearts, and fills your kitchen with that cozy holiday spirit, this Festive Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread Tree is exactly the kind of magic you need. Think of it as a crunchy, gooey, festive centerpiece that doubles as an appetizer, side, or crowd-pleasing snack. It’s got the melty richness of cheese, the tart pop of cranberries, and the charm of a holiday tree — all without needing a chef’s hat.
If your calendar is already packed with holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or cozy dinner nights — but you still want something impressive and stress-free — this recipe will be your go-to. Let’s bake some joy.
Why You’ll Love This Festive Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread Tree
- 🎄 Holiday-worthy presentation: It looks like holiday décor on a plate — fun for family dinners, friends’ brunches, or festive get-togethers.
- 🧀 Cheese + tart fruit = perfection: Creamy brie meets tart cranberries for a flavor combo that balances richness and brightness.
- 🍞 Comfort food that’s shareable: Pull it apart, share it around — ideal for gatherings when everyone wants to dig in together.
- ⏱️ Simple and quick-ish: With minimal prep and easy assembly, you can have this ready in under an hour (not counting baking time).
Ingredients
- 2 large round loaves of bread (sourdough or artisan boule works great)
- 8 oz (about 225 g) of brie (cut into thin wedges or slices)
- ¾ cup of dried or fresh cranberries (if using fresh, pat dry first)
- 2–3 tablespoons butter, melted (optional — for brushing the crust)
- 1–2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional — for a subtle sweet balance)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (rosemary or thyme — optional)
- Olive oil (optional — a light drizzle before serving)
Optional extras: chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to heighten flavors.
How to Make the Festive Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread Tree 🍞
- Preheat & prepare: Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or lightly grease it.
- Slice the loaves: Using a serrated knife, slice each round loaf diagonally, making a zigzag pattern across the top — about 1-inch apart. Be careful not to cut all the way through. The idea is to create layers you can gently pull apart later.
- Fill with brie and cranberries: Between each cut, gently open the layers and insert a slice of brie and a few cranberries. Alternate so each pocket gets a little of both. If you want more flavor contrast, slide in a few walnut pieces or pecans too.
- Optional sweet touch: Drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup over the top — just a light coating to add warmth and a hint of sweetness.
- Brush and wrap: Brush the outside crust with melted butter (or a bit of olive oil) for a golden finish. Then wrap each loaf loosely in aluminum foil.
- Bake: Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Then open the foil, pop back in for another 10–15 minutes — until the brie is melted and the crust is golden-brown.
- Serve warm: Remove from oven, unwrap, sprinkle fresh herbs if you like, and serve immediately. Pull apart sections to share. Drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil or another touch of honey right before serving if you like.
My Holiday Kitchen Story 🍷
The very first time I made this, I was hosting a small holiday book club at my place. I wanted something fun, festive, but not over-the-top. As soon as the bread came out of the oven, my kitchen smelled like a cozy chalet — warm bread, melted cheese, and cranberries. Everyone reached for pieces eagerly. One friend even said it reminded her of a holiday fairy tale (minus the snow, of course). After that night, it became a must-do whenever I had guests over during December.
This bread tree isn’t just a recipe — it’s a little holiday memory waiting to happen.
Tips & Tricks
- Choose the right loaf: A sturdy round loaf (like sourdough or boule) works best. Soft loaves might fall apart when you slice.
- Chill brie first: Slightly chilled brie slices slide into the bread more cleanly than room-temp — less mess, neater layers.
- Don’t overfill: A few cranberries and a thin wedge of brie per slice are plenty. Overfilling can make the loaf collapse.
- Warm before serving: If the bread cools down, pop it back in the oven for 5 minutes to refresh the melty cheese.
- Leftovers? Wrap leftovers tightly and store in the fridge. To reheat, warm foil-wrapped loaf in a 325 °F oven for ~10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can assemble the bread tree ahead (without baking), wrap it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. Bake just before serving for the best melt and crust.
Can I use other cheeses?
Yes — creamy cheeses like fontina, gouda, or havarti work fine. Keep in mind flavor changes: the tart-sweet balance from cranberry + brie is part of the charm.
Are dried cranberries okay?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries give a slightly different texture (chewier), but still tasty. If you like extra moisture, consider soaking them briefly in warm water and patting dry before inserting.
Is this bread tree vegetarian-friendly?
Yes — as long as your brie (or substitute cheese) uses vegetarian rennet, it’s friendly for a vegetarian diet.
I love how this Festive Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread Tree turns a simple loaf into a conversation-starter, a cozy treat, and a sharing moment. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday party, a cozy winter dinner, or a casual friends’ night, it’s bound to bring smiles — and maybe a little mess, but a delicious, cheese-pulling mess worth every crumb.
If you enjoy this kind of festive baking, you might also want to try my holiday rosemary-garlic focaccia or warm spiced apple cider muffins — both pair beautifully with warm bread and cozy gatherings.
Here’s to sharing warmth, flavor, and a bit of holiday magic — one pull-apart piece at a time.
Love,
