There’s something truly magical about the combination of tangy sourdough, creamy brie, and sweet-tart cranberries. I first stumbled upon this trio a few years ago while experimenting with holiday appetizers. I wanted a showstopper that felt both elegant and comforting, and honestly, this cranberry brie sourdough bread bake delivers every single time. It’s become a staple at my gatherings, often disappearing before I even get a chance to grab a second piece!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This isn’t just another bread and cheese recipe; it’s an experience. Imagine a warm, crusty sourdough loaf, its nooks and crannies filled with melted, gooey brie, studded with vibrant, slightly burst cranberries. It’s a sensory delight that hits all the right notes: savory, sweet, tangy, and utterly wholesome. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it a fantastic last-minute appetizer for unexpected guests or a sophisticated addition to your holiday spread.
This bake is perfect for:
- Holiday gatherings: The colors and flavors scream festive!
- Easy entertaining: Minimal effort, maximum impact.
- Elevated brunch: A delicious alternative to sweet pastries.
- Cozy nights in: Pure comfort food, perfect with a glass of wine.
> “I made this cranberry brie sourdough bread for Friendsgiving, and it was the first thing gone! Everyone asked for the recipe. So easy and so delicious.” – A happy party host
How This Recipe Comes Together
Creating this delectable cranberry brie sourdough bread is surprisingly straightforward. You’ll start by preparing your sourdough loaf, creating pockets for the brie and cranberries. Once filled, it bakes in the oven, allowing the cheese to melt into a luscious, bubbly state and the cranberries to soften and release their sweet-tart juices. The magic truly happens when it comes out of the oven, golden and fragrant, ready to be pulled apart and enjoyed.
What You’ll Need
Here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this delightful bread:
- 1 (1-pound) round loaf sourdough bread
- 1 (8-ounce) wheel brie cheese, rind on, cut into small pieces
- ½ cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (optional, but highly recommended)
Directions to Follow
Let’s get this deliciousness baking!
- Preheat your oven: Set it to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the bread: On a cutting board, carefully slice the sourdough loaf crosswise and lengthwise, making a 1-inch grid pattern, but without cutting all the way through the bottom crust. You want to create deep pockets.
- Stuff the bread: Gently open the cuts in the bread. Tuck the small pieces of brie into as many of the crevices as possible. Distribute the cranberries evenly among the cuts.
- Add flavor: Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the bread, making sure it seeps into the cuts. Sprinkle with fresh chopped rosemary, if using.
- Bake: Transfer the bread to your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the brie is fully melted and bubbly, and the bread crust is lightly golden.
- Serve: Carefully remove from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving warm. The cheese will be very hot!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
This cranberry brie sourdough bread is a showstopper on its own, but knowing what to serve with it can elevate the experience even further. The beauty of this recipe extends beyond just the baking; it’s about the delightful pairings you can enjoy!
Wondering about dip ideas? You’re in luck! Here are 3 perfect matches for your cranberry brie sourdough bread:
- Honey Balsamic Glaze: A simple drizzle of quality balsamic glaze (you can buy it pre-made or reduce balsamic vinegar with a touch of honey) adds a fantastic sweet-tangy counterpoint. The acidity cuts through the richness of the brie, and the sweetness enhances the cranberries. It’s a match made in heaven.
- Fig Jam or Preserve: The deep, earthy sweetness of fig jam is an absolute dream with brie and sourdough. A small dollop on each piece brings warmth and a sophisticated fruitiness that complements the cranberries without overpowering them.
- Toasted Pecans or Walnuts: While not a dip, a sprinkle of lightly toasted, chopped pecans or walnuts adds a wonderful textural crunch and a nutty depth that really rounds out the flavors. Consider serving them on the side so people can add them as they please.
Beyond these, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes for a lovely contrast if you’re serving it as part of a larger meal. And of course, a good glass of sparkling wine, a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc, or even a light-bodied Pinot Noir would be fantastic accompaniments.
How to Store & Freeze
While this bread is best enjoyed warm and fresh from the oven, sometimes you might have a little leftover (though it’s rare!).
- Storage: If you have any remaining cranberry brie sourdough bread, let it cool completely. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to 1-2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, wrap the bread loosely in foil and warm it in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.
- Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this dish after baking, as the texture of the brie and bread can change upon thawing and reheating. It’s truly best made fresh.
Helpful Cooking Tips
Achieving that perfectly gooey, flavorful result is easy with a few insider tips:
- Don’t cut too deep: When slicing the sourdough, be mindful not to cut all the way through the bottom crust. This keeps the bread intact and acts as a nice “bowl” for all the delicious fillings.
- Room temperature brie: While not strictly necessary, allowing your brie to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cutting can make it a bit easier to work with.
- Fresh vs. frozen cranberries: Both work beautifully! If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw them beforehand; they’ll bake perfectly in the oven.
- Customize your herbs: While rosemary is a classic pairing, fresh thyme or even a sprinkle of dried Italian seasoning could also be lovely.
- Watch the bake: Keep an eye on the bread during the last few minutes of baking to ensure the crust doesn’t over-brown. If it’s browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
Creative Twists
Want to put your own spin on this delightful bread? Here are a few ideas:
- Nutty addition: Add some chopped walnuts or pecans along with the cranberries for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
- Sweeten it up: Drizzle a little maple syrup or honey over the cranberries before baking for an even sweeter burst.
- Spice it: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick that beautifully contrasts the sweet and tart flavors.
- Different cheese: While brie is ideal for its creaminess, you could experiment with camembert or even a soft goat cheese in combination with the brie for a tangier profile.
- Savory spin: Omit the cranberries and add caramelized onions and crispy bacon bits for a more savory sourdough pull-apart.
Common Questions
Can I prepare this cranberry brie sourdough bread in advance?
You can assemble the bread (slice, stuff with brie and cranberries) a few hours ahead of time. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before baking as directed, possibly adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to compensate for the chill.
What kind of sourdough bread works best?
A round, crusty boule-style sourdough loaf is ideal as its sturdy crust holds up well to the fillings and baking. Avoid very soft or thinly crusted loaves, as they might become soggy.
Can I use different fruit instead of cranberries?
Absolutely! While cranberries offer that perfect sweet-tart contrast, you could certainly experiment. Diced apples (Granny Smith would be great for tartness), fresh figs, or even thinly sliced pears would also be delicious, especially when paired with a drizzle of honey.
Is the rind on the brie edible?
Yes, the rind on brie cheese is completely edible and actually contributes to its flavor and texture profile. It softens beautifully when baked. If you absolutely prefer, you can carefully trim some of it off, but it’s not necessary.
Classic Cranberry Brie Sourdough Bread
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Banneton (or bowl lined with floured towel)
- Dutch oven
- Sharp blade (lame or razor)
- Wire rack
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup active sourdough starter
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 cup filtered water
- 1.5 teaspoons fine sea salt
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries preferably unsweetened or lightly sweetened
- 4 oz Brie cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup Optional
Instructions
Prepare Your Sourdough Dough
- Combine starter, flour, water, salt, and optional sweetener in a large bowl, mix until shaggy, then rest for 30 minutes.
- Perform 4-6 sets of stretch and folds over 2-3 hours, incorporating cranberries and Brie after the second or third set.
Shape the Dough
- Gently shape the dough into a round or oval, creating surface tension while keeping inclusions inside.
Cold Proof
- Place the shaped dough seam-side up in a floured banneton or lined bowl, cover, and refrigerate for 12-18 hours.
Bake Using Method 1 (The Classic Dutch Oven Bake)
- Preheat a Dutch oven to 475°F (245°C) in your oven for at least 30 minutes.
- Carefully invert the cold-proofed dough into the hot Dutch oven.
- Score the top of the dough with a sharp blade.
- Bake covered for 20 minutes, then remove the lid and bake for another 25-35 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200-210°F (93-99°C).
Cool Completely
- Transfer the baked bread to a wire rack and cool for at least 1-2 hours before slicing.