Mediterranean Cranberry Brie Cheddar Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread

This Mediterranean-style pull-apart bread is the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and herby flavors. A crusty sourdough loaf is stuffed with creamy brie, sharp cheddar, and cranberry sauce, then drizzled with buttery rosemary-thyme goodness. When baked, it becomes irresistibly gooey and aromatic—ideal for holidays, dinner parties, or cozy nights in. It’s quick to prepare but looks and tastes like something straight from a gourmet bakery.

Total Time: 30–35 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Serves: 6–8

Ingredients

1 large round sourdough loaf

4–8 oz brie cheese, cut into small cubes

1 cup shredded white sharp cheddar cheese

1 stick (8 Tbsp) salted butter, softened

14 oz can whole berry cranberry sauce

1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped

1 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped

Salt, to taste

Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

Prepare the Bread
Place the sourdough loaf on a cutting board. Using a sharp serrated knife, cut the bread in a crisscross pattern—about 1 inch apart in both directions—without slicing all the way through. You want the loaf to stay intact at the bottom.

Make the Herb Butter
In a small bowl, mix softened butter with chopped rosemary, thyme, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the herbs are evenly distributed.

Add the Cheese
Gently pull apart the bread sections and stuff the cubes of brie and shredded cheddar into the gaps. Try to get cheese into every crevice for even melting.

Add Cranberry Sauce
Spoon small dollops of cranberry sauce between the bread cuts, distributing it throughout. Don’t overfill—just enough to add pops of sweetness.

Add the Butter Mixture
Brush or drizzle the herbed butter evenly over the top of the loaf, letting it seep into the cuts.

Bake the Bread
Wrap the loaf loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then, uncover and bake another 8–10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.

Serve Warm
Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Serve it whole so guests can pull apart sections by hand.

Tips

Brie Prep: If you prefer a smoother texture, remove the rind from the brie before cubing. Keeping it on adds a more complex, earthy flavor.

Cheese Choices: Mix cheeses for extra depth. Fontina, Gruyère, or Havarti work beautifully with brie and cheddar.

Cranberry Sauce Tip: If using canned sauce, stir it first to loosen the texture. You can also blend it slightly for a smoother spread.

Crispy Finish: To make the crust extra crispy, brush a little olive oil on the top before baking uncovered.

Serving Idea: Pair with a small bowl of warm honey, fig jam, or balsamic glaze for dipping.

Variations

Savory Mediterranean Twist:
Skip the cranberry sauce and instead use a mix of sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta crumbles with herbs for a salty Mediterranean flavor.

Nutty Crunch Version:
Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans between the bread layers before baking for texture and a nutty balance to the cheese.

Garlic Lovers’ Version:
Add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the butter-herb mixture for an extra aromatic boost.

Sweet & Spicy Version:
Mix a little hot honey or chili flakes with the cranberry sauce to give it a subtle kick.

Make It Mini:
Use smaller sourdough rolls for individual pull-apart servings—great for parties or appetizers.

Q&A

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the loaf (without baking), wrap it tightly in foil, and refrigerate for up to 6 hours. Bake it just before serving.

Q: Can I use a different bread?
Absolutely. A crusty boule, ciabatta, or rustic Italian loaf works well, but avoid soft sandwich bread—it won’t hold up to the fillings.

Q: What can I serve this with?
It pairs perfectly with roasted chicken, a holiday ham, or a Mediterranean salad. It also stands alone as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Q: Can I make it vegan?
Yes. Use vegan brie or cashew cheese, dairy-free butter, and cranberry sauce without gelatin.

Nutrition

(Per Serving, Approx. 1/8 Loaf)

Calories: 340

Fat: 22g

Saturated Fat: 13g

Carbohydrates: 26g

Sugar: 7g

Protein: 10g

Fiber: 2g

Sodium: 390mg

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Cranberry Brie Cheddar Pull-Apart Bread is the perfect mix of cozy, festive, and sophisticated. The combination of tangy cranberry, creamy melted cheese, and fragrant herbs makes it both comforting and elegant. Serve it warm straight from the oven and watch it disappear—every pull reveals a gooey, flavorful bite that feels like a little celebration.