Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed with Brie & Cranberry is a festive, pull-apart appetizer that’s perfect for gatherings and special occasions. A crusty sourdough loaf is sliced and filled with creamy Brie cheese, sweet-tart cranberry sauce, and aromatic herbs, then baked to melty perfection with buttery garlic. The result is a rich, savory-sweet dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Elegant Yet Easy: A show-stopping centerpiece that comes together with minimal effort.
Perfect Flavor Balance: The creamy Brie and tangy cranberry sauce complement the savory garlic and herbs perfectly.
Ideal for Sharing: Pull-apart style makes it great for parties and holiday entertaining.
Customizable: Swap herbs or cheeses to suit your taste.
Irresistibly Melty and Crispy: Gooey melted Brie and a crisp, golden crust make each bite indulgent and satisfying.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

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

directions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Prepare the Loaf
Place the sourdough loaf on the prepared baking sheet. Using a serrated knife, slice the bread in a crisscross pattern, creating 1-inch cubes, being careful not to cut all the way through the bottom.
Stuff the Bread
Gently open the cuts and stuff slices of Brie into the crevices. Follow with spoonfuls of cranberry sauce, distributing evenly throughout the loaf.
Make the Garlic Herb Butter
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well.
Brush and Bake
Brush the garlic herb butter generously over the top and into the cracks of the bread. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
Uncover and Finish Baking
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top of the bread is golden brown.
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm. Pull apart pieces to enjoy.

Servings and timing

Yield: Serves 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 40–45 minutes

Variations

Cheese Options: Substitute Brie with Camembert, goat cheese, or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans into the crevices for a crunchy element.
Sweet Touch: Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup over the top before baking.
Savory Swap: Use fig jam or caramelized onions instead of cranberry sauce for a deeper, more savory flavor.
Mini Loaves: Use small sourdough rolls for individual servings.

storage/reheating

Storage:
Wrap leftovers tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Reheating:
Reheat in a 325°F (160°C) oven, covered with foil, for 10–15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melted again. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed loaf up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.

What type of cranberry sauce is best?

Either homemade or store-bought works well. Whole berry sauce adds more texture, while jellied sauce offers a smoother spread.

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, any crusty round loaf such as boule or artisan bread can be used in place of sourdough.

How do I keep the bread from drying out?

Cover the bread with foil during the first part of baking, then uncover to finish for a crisp top and soft interior.

Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, as long as the cheese and butter used are vegetarian-friendly.

Can I freeze this bread?

Freezing is not recommended after baking, but you can freeze the assembled (unbaked) loaf and bake it directly from frozen, adding extra bake time.

What’s the best way to serve this?

Serve it as a shared appetizer or side dish with small plates and napkins for easy enjoyment.

Can I add meat?

Yes, chopped cooked bacon or prosciutto can be added to the stuffing for a savory twist.

Will pre-sliced Brie work?

Yes, pre-sliced Brie is convenient and melts well, just ensure it’s cut into smaller pieces to fit between bread sections.

What herbs can I substitute?

Sage, oregano, or basil can be used in place of or alongside rosemary and thyme.

Conclusion

Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed with Brie & Cranberry is a stunning and flavorful dish that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet-worthy appetizer. Whether served at a holiday gathering or as a cozy starter for a dinner party, it’s guaranteed to impress with its melty cheese, herby aroma, and sweet cranberry surprise in every pull-apart bite.