Vegan Cranberry Pull-Apart Bread
Dive into this Vegan Cranberry Pull-Apart Bread recipe! Fluffy bread, tangy cranberries, creamy cheese sauce, and a hint of orange zest make it irresistible.
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Nothing says comfort food quite like pulling apart a warm, gooey loaf of bread, especially when it’s stuffed with creamy vegan cheese and topped with tangy cranberries. This Vegan Cranberry Pull-Apart Bread is your answer to cozy gatherings or when you’re just craving something decadent. And the best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make, even for beginners!
Ingredients & Substitutions
You can find the full printable recipe, including ingredient quantities, below. But first, here are some explanations of ingredients and steps to help you make this recipe perfect every time.
- Round Loaf of Bread: Look for sourdough or Italian bread with a crusty exterior and soft interior. Avoid pre-sliced loaves!
- Vegan Butter: Ensure it’s softened for easy spreading. Brands like Earth Balance or Miyoko’s work beautifully.
- Syrup Sweetener: Maple syrup is ideal for its earthy sweetness, but agave or vegan honey are great substitutes.
- Dried Thyme: This adds an herby touch. Fresh thyme works too—just double the amount.
- Orange: We’ll add a little bit of zest from an orange that pairs perfectly with the cranberries.
- Vegan Cheese Shreds: Smoked gouda or mozzarella offers a rich, melty texture. Miyoko’s or Daiya are great options.
- Dried Cranberries: Chop them into smaller pieces for easier distribution in the bread’s pockets.
How to Make Cranberry Pull-Apart Bread
For such an easy recipe, it took me a couple of tries to get it just right. Why? Because getting vegan cheese to melt perfectly—especially in a loaf like this—can be a bit tricky. But don’t worry! With these steps, you’ll nail it every time.
Step One: Prepare the Bread
Start by using a serrated knife to cut the loaf into “cubes” that can be easily pulled apart once baked. The key is to slice all the way down to the bottom crust without cutting through it, so the loaf stays intact.
Pro Tip: If your loaf starts to fan out like a blooming onion (which can happen!), use toothpicks to hold the sections together. Stay strong, loaf—you’re almost there!
Step Two: Make the Sauce
Melt the vegan butter in a small saucepan, then whisk in the syrup, herbs, and orange zest. This blend creates an irresistible festive flavor! Place the loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and use a pastry brush to coat the sauce generously into all the slices. Be thorough—this is where the magic happens!
Step Three: Toast the Bread
Pop the pan into a preheated oven (check the recipe card below for the exact temperature) and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy.
Step Four: Cheese It Up
While the bread is toasting, prepare the cheese sauce. Combine the sauce ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently as it starts to bubble, and let it cook for an additional minute or two until smooth and creamy.
Remove the toasted bread from the oven and drizzle the warm cheese sauce into all the nooks and crannies. Make sure to get it into those slices for maximum gooey goodness! Finally, sprinkle the loaf with dried cranberries and garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary twigs for a beautiful, festive finish.
What Makes This Recipe Shine?
- Festive Flair – The combination of dried cranberries and orange zest screams holiday vibes, perfect for sharing or savoring solo.
- Gooey Goodness – Smoked vegan cheese sauce oozes into every crevice for the ultimate indulgence.
- Easy Elegance – With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a dish that looks (and tastes) like it took hours to prepare.
Serving Suggestions
Of course, this cheesy bread is a hit during the holidays, but it’s a crowd-pleaser all year round. Here are some of my favorite ways to incorporate it into any occasion that calls for delicious munching (and let’s be honest—when don’t we need snacks?):
- Appetizer Spread: Pair with a fresh salad or vegan charcuterie board.
- Movie Night Treat: Serve as a cozy snack with mulled wine or cider.
- Brunch Star: Include this bread in your next holiday brunch for guaranteed rave reviews.
- Fondu Style: Make a double batch of the cheese sauce and have some on hand to serve dipping style.
Storage Tips
Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.
Freezing: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to a month. Reheat directly from frozen at 350°F until warmed through.
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More Bread Recipes
If you love this cranberry orange pull-apart bread recipe, you should try my Garlic Vegan Pull-Apart Bread. And if you’re a bread fanatic like me, here are more bread recipe favorites to try:
Cranberry Pull-Apart Bread
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 1 round loaf store-bought bread (sourdough or Italian loaf)
- 4 tablespoons vegan butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons syrup sweetener (maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon orange zest (from a fresh orange)
Cheese Sauce:
- 1 cup vegan cheese shreds (smoked gouda or mozzarella)
- ¼ cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast flakes
Toppings:
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans
- ½ cup dried cranberries chopped
Instructions
Prepare the Bread:
- Preheat oven to 350°F/175°C. Prepare your baking sheet by covering it with a generous piece of aluminum foil.
- In a bowl combine the butter, syrup, thyme, and orange zest. Stir to combine.
- Cut vertical and horizontal slices (using a serrated knife works best) in the loaf, cutting just to the bottom of the crust (but not through the crust).
- Use a butter knife and run butter mixture through each slice, both horizontally and vertically, making sure to coat each piece. Top with chopped pecans.
- Place the loaf on the prepared baking sheet. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes.
Make the Cheese Sauce
- Combine cheese, broth, and nutritional yeast flakes in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until it begins to simmer, around 3 to 5 minutes. Stir regularly until it's smooth.
- Remove the bread from the oven and carefully spoon the cheese into the cuts of the bread and on top of the loaf.
- Top the loaf with chopped pecans and dried cranberries.
- Take the loaf out of the oven and carefully remove the top piece of foil. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 10 minutes or so, until the bread has toasted edges and the cheese has melted.
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Notes
The nutrition information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
About the Author
Hi! I’m Marly McMillen. I’m the founding editor, author, recipe developer, vegan home chef, and food stylist behind Namely Marly. I’m so grateful to you and every member of my audience for your support and dedication. More about Namely Marly ›
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