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This Cranberry Goat Cheese Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread brings together creamy tangy cheese and bright cranberries tucked into a golden loaf that everyone seems to gather around I started making it when I wanted an easy yet elegant appetizer and it is always a hit at friend gatherings
Every time I make this for a potluck it disappears before I even get a plate for myself I now keep all the ingredients on hand for last minute company
Ingredients
- Sourdough loaf: pick a fresh round loaf with a crispy crust for the best structure and flavor
- Goat cheese: look for a log that is creamy and mild so it easily spreads between the loaf cuts
- Dried cranberries: use plump unsweetened varieties if possible for the best burst of flavor
- Chopped pecans or walnuts: choose nuts that look glossy and smell fresh to add crunch and warmth
- Butter: opt for real unsalted butter for richness
- Fresh thyme leaves: these are optional but make the whole loaf smell like a holiday
- Honey drizzle: bring home a bottle of good honey for the finishing touch of sweetness
Instructions
- Create the Pull Apart Loaf:
- Slice the sourdough loaf into thick sections about one inch each being careful not to cut all the way through This way the loaf holds together but pieces can be pulled out easily
- Fill the Loaf with Flavor:
- Gently spread the softened goat cheese between the cuts in the bread Work the cheese easily into all the edges so every piece gets some Nestle dried cranberries and chopped nuts right in with the cheese so each bite gets a mix
- Add the Finishing Touches:
- Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the whole loaf letting it sink into the cracks Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves if you have them for a pop of green and herby aroma
- Bake and Serve:
- Wrap the entire loaf in foil and bake at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for about fifteen to twenty minutes until everythingmelds Uncover and bake another ten minutes to crisp up the surface Serve warm with a generous drizzle of honey so every pull is oozy and sweet
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I always look forward to loading in extra goat cheese It melts into the bread and makes every piece almost indulgent One time my niece helped sprinkle the cranberries and made sure every single corner was filled We still talk about how that was the best loaf yet
Storing Your Pull Apart Bread
Keep leftovers loosely wrapped in foil at room temperature for a day or refrigerate up to three days Rewarm slices in the oven to revive the crispy crust Avoid microwaving as it will make the bread tough
Ingredient Swaps
If you are not a fan of goat cheese creamy ricotta or whipped feta work just as well You can swap dried cherries or golden raisins for cranberries and the nuts are totally optional for anyone with allergies
Serving Ideas
Slice and serve as part of a cheese board or bring it to brunch with a fruit salad This bread is also a standout at holidays alongside roast chicken or even soup
The Story Behind the Loaf
Pull apart breads have always been about sharing My version was inspired by a bakery treat I had in Vermont on a cold afternoon with maple in the air The memory of that warm bread is exactly what I am hoping to bring to any table
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This bread is easy to assemble and always wows a crowd Enjoy every warm cheesy bite at your next get together
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, soft cheeses like brie or cream cheese substitute well for goat cheese while keeping a creamy texture.
- → Which nuts work best for this bread?
Pecans and walnuts provide crunch and flavor, but sliced almonds or hazelnuts are tasty alternatives.
- → Should the cranberries be sweetened or unsweetened?
Either works, but sweetened cranberries add a pleasant balance to the tangy and savory flavors.
- → How do I make sure the bread doesn't get soggy?
Wrapping the loaf in foil retains moisture, but the final uncovered bake crisps the crust perfectly.
- → Can I prepare it in advance?
You can assemble the loaf ahead and bake just before serving for the freshest texture and aroma.