Imagine a golden, crusty sourdough boule—its deep crevices bubbling with melted Brie cheese, pockets of tart cranberry sauce, and a fragrant drizzle of garlic herb butter. This Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed with Brie & Cranberry is the epitome of festive indulgence. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, planning a cozy date night, or looking for a stunning appetizer that’s easy yet impressive, this pull-apart bread is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

It’s warm, gooey, savory, and just sweet enough to keep everyone reaching for another piece. Best of all? It takes minimal prep and only a handful of ingredients.

Who This Recipe Is Perfect For

This recipe is ideal for:

• Entertainers looking for a stunning and shareable appetizer

• Cheese lovers who enjoy rich, melty bites

• Holiday hosts who want a fast, festive, and flavorful starter

• Anyone who loves the timeless pairing of Brie and cranberry

This stuffed sourdough is your answer when you want something impressive but stress-free. It’s elegant enough for a holiday table and comforting enough for a weeknight indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Herb Stuffed Sourdough

• Quick & Easy: Just 15 minutes of prep

• Pull-Apart Perfection: No knives or forks needed

• Perfect Flavor Balance: Creamy Brie + tart cranberry + herby garlic butter

• Visually Stunning: A showstopper for any table

• Customizable: Add nuts, swap cheeses, or change the herbs

Ingredients You’ll Need

Core Ingredients:

• 1 round sourdough boule (8–10 inches) – The perfect vessel for stuffing, with a chewy crust and fluffy interior

• 8 oz Brie cheese – Creamy, rich, and melts like a dream

• ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce – Offers a sweet, tart contrast to the rich cheese

Herb Butter:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted – The base for the fragrant drizzle

• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Brings that warm, aromatic kick

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped – For brightness and color

• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried) – Earthy and subtle

Optional:

• Pinch of sea salt – To enhance flavor and add texture

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Serrated knife

• Small mixing bowl

• Pastry brush (optional but helpful)

• Baking sheet

• Parchment paper

• Aluminum foil

• Spoon or small tongs for filling

• Oven mitts for safe handling

How to Make Garlic Herb Stuffed Sourdough with Brie & Cranberry

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Score the Bread

Place the sourdough boule on a cutting board. Use a serrated knife to slice the loaf in a criss-cross pattern—lengthwise and crosswise—without cutting all the way through. Stop just before you hit the bottom crust. This creates deep pockets for all the good stuff.

Pro Tip: Use a ruler or guide if you want clean, even cuts for a uniform pull-apart effect.

Step 3: Mix the Herb Butter

In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and thyme.

Step 4: Stuff the Loaf

Carefully open the bread pockets with your fingers. Nestle slices of Brie deep into the cuts so the cheese melts directly into the bread. Use a spoon to drop small dollops of cranberry sauce throughout. Distribute evenly for the best bite every time.

Optional Add-in: Add a few toasted chopped pecans or walnuts in the pockets for crunch.

Step 5: Drizzle with Herb Butter

Pour or brush the garlic herb butter generously over the entire loaf, making sure it seeps into all the crevices. If you like a hint of salt, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top.

Step 6: Bake

Place the stuffed loaf on your prepared baking sheet. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes to warm everything through.

Remove the foil and bake for another 10–12 minutes, or until the top is golden, the cheese is melted, and the bread is lightly crisped.

Step 7: Serve

Transfer to a serving platter. Serve warm and let guests pull apart pieces by hand for the ultimate communal bite.

Tips & Tricks for Success

• Use room-temp Brie: It’s easier to slice and melts faster.

• Choose whole berry cranberry sauce: It holds up better than the jellied kind.

• Prep in advance: Assemble ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake fresh when guests arrive.

• Use a shallow dish: If your bread is extra gooey, bake in a shallow dish to contain the melty goodness.

• Don’t overstuff: Brie expands when it melts, so fill generously but not excessively.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

While this bread is best fresh, you can enjoy leftovers too:

• Store: Wrap tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

• Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes, loosely covered, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving—it makes the bread chewy instead of crisp.

Tip: If the bread dries out in the fridge, spritz with a little water before reheating in the oven.

Pairing Suggestions

Drinks:

• Sparkling wine or Prosecco – Cuts through the richness with bubbles

• Dry rosé – Matches the berry tones in the cranberry

• Mulled wine or cider – Perfect for holiday coziness

• Light red like Pinot Noir – Balances the creamy Brie

Serve Alongside:

• Charcuterie board with meats, nuts, and fresh fruit

• Roasted vegetable platter

• Green salad with citrus vinaigrette

• Winter soups like butternut squash or tomato basil

Variations & Substitutions

• Swap the cheese: Try Camembert, goat cheese, or Fontina for a different vibe.

• Go savory: Replace cranberry with caramelized onions or sun-dried tomatoes.

• Add spice: A pinch of red chili flakes in the herb butter adds a kick.

• Make it sweet: Use fig jam and Brie for a sweet-salty twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes. A rustic artisan loaf or crusty Italian round will work well, but avoid soft sandwich bread—it won’t hold the fillings.

What’s the best way to keep the bread warm during a party?

Wrap it in foil and place it in a low oven (200°F) until ready to serve. You can also keep it on a warming tray.

Can I use pre-sliced Brie?

Absolutely, but make sure the slices are small enough to tuck into the bread pockets.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use a dairy-free butter alternative and a creamy plant-based cheese that melts well.

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

There’s something magical about tearing into a warm loaf of bread and discovering gooey cheese, bursts of cranberry, and the savory depth of garlic and herbs. This Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed with Brie & Cranberry is a festive masterpiece with minimal effort. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, or any gathering where food is love.

If you try this recipe, don’t forget to share it with friends or tag your photos online. And for more irresistible appetizers, seasonal ideas, and tips to elevate your home cooking, subscribe to the blog so you never miss a bite.

Happy baking and happy sharing! 🧄🍞🧀💫