Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread Bites are a perfect little treat that’s both cheesy and fruity. These bite-sized pieces of soft bread are filled with creamy brie and sweet-tart cranberries, making every bite a delicious surprise. The bread pulls apart easily, so it’s fun to eat and share with friends or family.
I love making these for holiday gatherings or cozy weekends because they are quick to prepare and always impress. The combination of warm, melty brie with the juicy cranberries is something I find myself craving over and over. If I’m being honest, I sometimes sneak a few bites before guests arrive because it simply smells too good to resist!
My favorite way to serve these bread bites is straight from the oven, while they’re still warm and gooey. They go great with a cup of tea or wine, and they’re always a hit when I bring them to potlucks or parties. These bites are easy to share and perfect for when you want a flavorful snack without a lot of fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Artisan Bread: Choose a sturdy bread like sourdough or French bread. It holds up well when baked and gets beautifully crispy outside yet stays soft inside. If you can’t find artisan bread, a good crusty baguette works too.
Brie Cheese: Brie adds creaminess and mild flavor. Make sure to remove the rind for easier melting. If you prefer, Camembert is a great alternative with a similar texture and taste.
Cranberries: Dried cranberries provide tart sweetness, balancing the rich cheese. Fresh cranberries can be used but may need a quick sauté with a bit of sugar to soften their tartness.
Fresh Thyme: Thyme adds an earthy herb flavor that complements both brie and cranberries. If unavailable, you can substitute with rosemary or sage for a different but still tasty touch.
How Do You Arrange the Bread and Cheese to Get Perfect Pull-Apart Bites?
The key is layering so every chunk has some cheese and cranberries. Here’s how I do it:
- Cut bread into even cubes, about 1.5 inches – not too small or they’ll dry out.
- Place bread cubes in the bundt pan, tucking pieces of brie and cranberries between them as you go.
- Sprinkle thyme leaves evenly to spread flavor throughout.
- Drizzle the butter-honey-garlic mixture on top so the bread bakes golden and flavorful.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; the cubes need to melt together but also brown nicely.
Following this layering method ensures that each bite pulls apart easily with a perfect balance of creamy cheese, fruity cranberries, and soft bread.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Bundt pan – I like it because it helps the bread hold its shape and makes a pretty presentation.
- Sharp knife – useful for cutting the bread into cubes without crushing it.
- Mixing bowls – for combining the butter, honey, garlic, and herbs easily.
- Basting brush or spoon – to evenly drizzle the butter mixture over the bread.
- Parchment paper or spray – for lining the pan and preventing sticking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap dried cranberries for fresh ones, or add a handful of chopped dried apricots for extra sweetness and color.
- Add cooked, crumbled bacon or pancetta for a salty, savory twist.
- Use a different cheese like sharp cheddar or gouda if you prefer a stronger or smoky flavor.
- Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg with the butter for a warm, spicy aroma during baking.
Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of artisan bread (such as sourdough or French bread), cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 8 oz brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small pieces
- ½ cup dried cranberries (or fresh if preferred)
- ¼ cup fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. Allow an extra 5 minutes for resting before serving. So in total, plan for around 35-40 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing Your Pan and Bread:
First, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your bundt pan or line it with parchment paper to make removing the bread easier later. Next, take your artisan bread and cut it into roughly 1.5-inch cubes, being gentle to keep them sturdy for holding the fillings.
2. Mixing the Flavorful Butter Drizzle:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well so all the flavors blend together beautifully.
3. Assembling the Bread Bites:
Start placing the bread cubes into the bundt pan. Between the cubes, tuck pieces of brie cheese and sprinkle dried cranberries evenly throughout. Add fresh thyme leaves here and there as you layer everything; this will spread the lovely herb flavor all around.
4. Finishing and Baking:
Once your bundt pan is filled, drizzle the butter-honey mixture evenly over the top, making sure all the bread bites get some buttery goodness. Place the pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips, then bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. The bread should turn golden brown, and the brie will melt into gooey pockets.
5. Cooling and Serving:
Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Carefully take the bread out of the bundt pan, sprinkle additional fresh thyme leaves on top for an extra pop of color and freshness. Serve warm, and enjoy pulling apart the bites packed with melty brie, tart cranberries, and fragrant herbs!
Can I Use Frozen Bread for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh bread for this recipe to get the ideal texture. If you only have frozen bread, thaw it completely at room temperature and pat it dry to avoid sogginess before cutting into cubes.
Can I Substitute Brie With Another Cheese?
Absolutely! Creamy cheeses like Camembert or mozzarella work well. For a sharper flavor, you can try aged cheddar or gouda, but keep in mind the texture and melting qualities will vary slightly.
How Should I Store Leftover Bread Bites?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to regain crispiness and melt the cheese again.
Can I Prepare This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can assemble the bread, cheese, cranberries, and herbs in the bundt pan ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 6 hours before baking. This makes it a great make-ahead appetizer!
