Description
1 round loaf sourdough or crusty bread
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese
½ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup chopped walnuts
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the bread on the baking sheet and cut diagonal slices across the loaf, being careful not to cut all the way through. Repeat in the opposite direction to
create a crisscross pattern.
Gently pull apart the bread sections and stuff with mozzarella, blue cheese (or goat cheese), dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts.
Mix melted butter with honey and rosemary, then drizzle over the top of the bread.
Wrap loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Serve warm and enjoy pulling apart the cheesy, sweet, and nutty bites!
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Kcal: 320 per serving Servings: 6 servings
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect pull-apart bread every time.
- Prepare the Bread: Place your round loaf on a lined baking sheet. Using a sharp serrated knife, cut diagonal slices about 1-inch apart across the entire loaf, stopping about 1/2 inch from the bottom so the base remains intact. Rotate the loaf 90 degrees and cut another set of diagonal slices to create a diamond or grid pattern.
- Stuff the Loaf: Gently open the cuts with your fingers. Begin stuffing the pockets, alternating and evenly distributing the shredded mozzarella, crumbled blue cheese, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts. Ensure the fillings are pushed down into the bread.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, honey, and chopped fresh rosemary. Whisk until fully incorporated.
- Bake: Drizzle the butter-honey mixture evenly over the entire stuffed loaf. Wrap the loaf loosely in aluminum foil, creating a tent so the foil doesn’t stick to the top. Bake covered for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is visibly melted and bubbly and the top is golden.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile bread is perfect as an appetizer, side, or even a main dish for a light meal. Serve it warm on a large board or platter for a communal, shareable experience. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp green apple and pear salad, a bowl of tomato soup for dipping, or a charcuterie board. For a festive brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs and mimosas.
How-to Summary
Score a round loaf in a crisscross pattern, stuff with mozzarella, blue cheese, cranberries, and walnuts. Drizzle with a honey-rosemary butter glaze. Bake covered at 375°F for 15 minutes, then uncovered for 5-7 minutes until golden and bubbly. Serve warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the stuffed loaf up to 4 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. Add 2-3 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
What are good cheese substitutes? For a stronger flavor, use gorgonzola instead of blue cheese. For a milder taste, try feta or brie (with rind removed). Vegan mozzarella and nut-based cheeses also work well.
Can I use fresh cranberries? No, fresh cranberries are too tart and contain too much moisture. Stick with dried cranberries (craisins) for the right sweet-tart balance and texture.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store any leftover bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat individual portions in a toaster oven or the main oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes to restore crispness.
My bread is soggy. What happened? Sogginess is usually caused by overstuffing with cheese or not baking uncovered long enough. Ensure you bake uncovered for the full time to allow excess moisture to evaporate and the top to crisp.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Cutting All the Way Through: Slicing completely through the bottom of the loaf will cause it to fall apart during stuffing and baking. Always leave a solid base.
- Uneven Stuffing: Clumping all the cheese in one area leads to uneven melting. Distribute fillings as evenly as possible throughout all the cuts.
- Skipping the Foil Tent: Baking without covering first can cause the top to burn before the cheese inside melts. The foil step is crucial for even cooking.
- Using Cold Butter: Ensure your butter is fully melted before mixing with the honey to create a smooth, drizzle-able glaze.
Conclusion
This stuffed pull-apart bread is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining gooey cheese, sweet cranberries, and crunchy walnuts in every bite. With its simple preparation and short bake time, it’s an impressive dish that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for holidays, game days, or any gathering, it’s guaranteed to be the first item to disappear from the table. Master the technique, avoid the common pitfalls, and enjoy creating this delicious, shareable centerpiece.
