Name: Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed with Brie & Cranberry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large round sourdough loaf; 8 oz (225g) Brie cheese, sliced; ½ cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade); 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped; 1 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe takes the classic flavors of garlic and herbs and combines them with the richness of Brie and the sweetness of cranberry sauce, all nestled inside a warm, crusty sourdough loaf. The best part? It’s a pull-apart bread, meaning each bite is an explosion of gooey, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. The crispy, golden edges of the bread provide the perfect contrast to the melted Brie, making it a delightful dish that’s as fun to eat as it is to make. Perfect for any occasion, this bread is guaranteed to be a hit!

Ingredients

1 large round sourdough loaf
8 oz (225g) Brie cheese, sliced
½ cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to catch any drips.

2. Prepare the Bread

Using a serrated knife, slice the sourdough loaf in a crosshatch pattern (like a checkerboard), cutting almost to the base but not all the way through. This creates pockets to hold the Brie and cranberry sauce.

3. Make the Garlic Herb Butter

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined, creating a fragrant garlic herb butter mixture.

4. Stuff the Loaf

Gently open the crevices of the bread and tuck slices of Brie into the cuts. Spoon the cranberry sauce into the pockets, ensuring an even distribution. Drizzle the garlic herb butter generously over the loaf, letting it seep into all the gaps and crevices.

5. Bake the Bread

Place the stuffed loaf on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve immediately while it’s warm, and enjoy the gooey, flavorful goodness with each pull-apart bite.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8-10
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations to Try

Add Nuts: For added texture and flavor, sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans into the bread before baking.
Use Other Cheese: While Brie is delicious, you can also try this with goat cheese, camembert, or even sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Herb Blend: Experiment with other herbs like sage or oregano to change up the flavor of the garlic herb butter.
Spicy Twist: Add a few chili flakes to the garlic herb butter for a bit of heat to balance out the sweetness of the cranberry sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The bread will still be delicious, though best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating: To reheat, place the bread in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes, or until the bread is warm and the cheese has softened.

FAQs

Can I use any type of bread for this recipe?

While sourdough is ideal for its flavor and texture, you can also use other types of bread, like French bread or a rustic country loaf.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the bread, stuff it, and refrigerate it for up to a few hours before baking. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before placing it in the oven.

Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?

Yes! Homemade cranberry sauce works wonderfully in this recipe and will add a personal touch to the dish.

Can I freeze this bread?

Yes, you can freeze the stuffed bread before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free sourdough loaf or any gluten-free bread of your choice to make this dish gluten-free.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use any soft cheese that melts well, such as camembert or goat cheese, for a different flavor.

Can I skip the garlic and herbs?

Yes, if you prefer a simpler version, you can omit the garlic and herbs, but the added flavors really make this dish special.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian and perfect for those looking for a festive, meat-free dish.

Can I serve this as an appetizer?

Absolutely! This stuffed sourdough bread makes an excellent appetizer or snack for holiday parties, family gatherings, or casual dinners.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?

While fresh cranberries would need to be cooked down and sweetened before use, cranberry sauce is generally easier and more convenient for this recipe.

Conclusion

This Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread stuffed with Brie and Cranberry is the perfect dish for any occasion, especially during the holiday season. The combination of warm, gooey cheese, sweet cranberry sauce, and fragrant garlic herb butter makes each bite irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, celebrating with friends, or simply treating yourself, this pull-apart bread is sure to be the star of the table!