Irresistibly Festive Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread Wreath Everyone Devours

Let me guess. You want a holiday appetizer that looks like you spent all day in the kitchen, but secretly took under an hour. Same. That’s exactly why I keep coming back to this Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread Wreath. It checks every box: stunning presentation, gooey cheese pulls, sweet-tart cranberry goodness, and that cozy Christmas vibe we all crave when December hits.

The first time I made this Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread Wreath, I watched it disappear faster than the cookies I “hid” for later. People hovered around it like it was a campfire. Ever notice how melted brie turns adults into impatient toddlers? Yeah… that happened.

What I love most is how this recipe balances flavor and effort. You get flaky bread, creamy brie, and bursts of cranberry in every bite, without stressing over fancy techniques. IMO, that’s the sweet spot for Christmas appetizers. This pull-apart bread wreath feels festive, tastes indulgent, and still lets you enjoy your party instead of babysitting the oven. FYI, guests will absolutely ask for the recipe 🙂

Ingredients

• 1 large round loaf of crusty bread or sourdough
• 8 oz brie cheese, rind on or off, cubed
• ¾ cup cranberry sauce or cranberry jam
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Optional: orange zest for brightness
• Optional garnish: fresh cranberries & rosemary sprigs

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place the bread on a cutting board and cut diagonal slices across the loaf, about 1 inch apart. Rotate and repeat to create a crosshatch pattern. Don’t slice all the way through.
3. Gently pull apart the cuts and tuck cubes of brie deep into the bread.
4. Spoon cranberry sauce into the gaps, spreading it evenly for balanced flavor.
5. Mix melted butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and pepper in a small bowl.
6. Brush the butter mixture generously over the entire loaf, making sure it seeps into the cracks.
7. Shape the loaf into a wreath and transfer it to the baking sheet.
8. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the cheese melts and the bread turns golden.
9. Remove from the oven and garnish with rosemary and cranberries for that full Christmas bread wreath effect.
10. Serve warm and watch it vanish.

Variations

This Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread loves a little creativity. Want to switch things up without breaking the holiday mood?

• Sweet & Nutty: Add chopped pecans or walnuts and drizzle honey over the bread before baking.
• Savory Twist: Swap cranberry sauce for fig jam and add crispy bacon bits. Yes, it slaps.
• Herb Lover’s Version: Mix sage and oregano into the butter for a deeper holiday aroma.

Serving & Tips

I always serve this pull-apart bread wreath warm, right out of the oven. The cheese stays gooey, and the aroma pulls people into the kitchen like magic. Ever tried serving it cold? Yeah… don’t.

For parties, place it in the center of the table and let guests tear pieces off. No knives needed, which makes it perfect as Christmas finger food. You can prep everything a few hours ahead, cover it tightly, and bake just before guests arrive.

Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to two days, though I rarely test that theory. Reheat in the oven, not the microwave, unless you enjoy sad, rubbery bread :/

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Brie Holiday Appetizer never fails me. It looks festive, tastes rich, and delivers that “wow” factor without demanding culinary gymnastics. Every holiday season, I promise myself I’ll try something new… and then I bake this again.

If you want an easy Christmas appetizer that feels special and tastes even better, this wreath deserves a spot on your table. Light the candles, pour something bubbly, and let the bread do the heavy lifting.

FAQs

Can I make this Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread Wreath ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble everything up to 6 hours ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake right before serving for the best texture.

Do I need to remove the rind from the brie?

Nope. The rind melts beautifully and adds flavor. If you prefer ultra-creamy bites, you can remove it, but I usually leave it on.

What bread works best for pull-apart bread wreaths?

Crusty round loaves like sourdough or boule work best. They hold structure and soak up butter without falling apart.

Can I use dried cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?

You can, but you’ll lose that juicy pop. If you go that route, soak dried cranberries in warm orange juice first.