Name: Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed with Brie & Cranberry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 round sourdough loaf (unsliced); 8 oz brie cheese, cut into small chunks; 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or smooth); 1/4 cup butter; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or thyme; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Optional: crushed red pepper flakes or honey for serving

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Garlic herb sourdough bread stuffed with brie and cranberry is a show-stopping appetizer or snack that combines the crusty goodness of sourdough with gooey brie cheese and sweet-tart cranberry sauce. Each pull-apart piece is infused with garlic butter and herbs, making it a savory-sweet treat that’s perfect for holiday tables or cozy nights in. I love how simple it is to make—and how quickly it disappears once served.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s beautiful, festive, and full of contrasting flavors and textures. The sourdough gives it a hearty chew, the garlic butter adds richness, and the melted brie is incredibly creamy. Add in the pop of cranberry, and it’s the perfect balance of savory and sweet. It’s also a fantastic shareable dish that looks impressive without much effort.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

round sourdough loaf (unsliced)
brie cheese (cut into small chunks)
cranberry sauce (whole berry or smooth)
butter
garlic (minced)
fresh rosemary or thyme (chopped)
salt
black pepper
optional: crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of honey for serving

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
I slice the sourdough loaf in a crisscross pattern, cutting almost to the bottom but not all the way through.
In a small saucepan, I melt the butter and add garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. I let it cook just until fragrant.
I gently pry apart the bread sections and drizzle or brush the garlic butter into all the cuts.
I stuff pieces of brie into the cuts of the bread, followed by small spoonfuls of cranberry sauce.
I wrap the loaf loosely in foil and bake for 15–20 minutes. Then I unwrap it and bake another 5–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the top is golden and crisp.
I serve it warm, optionally garnished with extra herbs or a drizzle of honey for a sweet touch.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 as an appetizer.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 35–40 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I use fig jam instead of cranberry for a deeper sweetness. I’ve also swapped the brie for camembert or goat cheese for a different flavor profile. For an extra savory twist, I’ve added crumbled cooked bacon between the slices. If I want more garlic flavor, I roast the garlic first and mix it into the butter.

Storage/Reheating

This bread is best enjoyed fresh and warm, but leftovers can be wrapped in foil and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I bake it at 350°F (175°C) wrapped in foil until warmed through—about 10–15 minutes. I avoid microwaving as it makes the bread soggy and the cheese rubbery.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble the bread with butter, brie, and cranberry, then wrap it and refrigerate until ready to bake. I just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled.

What kind of cranberry sauce works best?

I use whole berry for more texture, but smooth sauce works just as well. I’ve also used leftover homemade cranberry sauce with great results.

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, any crusty round loaf works—just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the stuffing. Sourdough gives the best flavor and structure.

How do I keep the cheese from spilling out?

I tuck the brie deep into the cuts so it melts into the bread instead of over the top. Wrapping it in foil for the first part of baking also helps.

What should I serve this with?

It’s perfect on its own, but I sometimes pair it with a light salad or charcuterie board. It also makes a great side for a holiday roast or soup.

Conclusion

Garlic herb sourdough bread stuffed with brie and cranberry is one of those irresistible dishes that brings people together. It’s melty, flavorful, and festive—ideal for holidays, gatherings, or anytime I want to impress with something easy and delicious. Every bite offers a bit of everything: crisp bread, gooey cheese, sweet cranberry, and savory herbs. It’s comfort food with a touch of elegance.