This cheesy pull-apart holiday bread is a gorgeous and irresistible dish perfect for parties, gatherings, and festive dinners. The ring-shaped loaf in the image is beautifully golden, stuffed with tender chicken, smothered with melted cheese, and topped with sweet cranberry sauce. Every slice pulls apart easily, revealing juicy chicken and gooey cheese hidden between the bread layers.
It’s a warm, comforting, shareable crowd-pleaser that brings together savory, cheesy, and sweet elements in one stunning centerpiece. Whether you’re using leftover chicken or freshly cooked meat, this recipe is simple, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 large round bread loaf (sourdough or French bread)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Place the loaf on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice the bread into a grid pattern—cutting deep but not all the way through the bottom. This creates pockets for the fillings. Make sure the cuts form square or rectangular sections that are still connected at the base.
Step 2: Mix the Butter Topping
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, black pepper, and half of the chopped parsley. Stir well.
Step 3: Stuff the Bread
Gently pull apart the bread sections. Stuff cooked chicken evenly into the cuts. Follow with the shredded cheese, pushing it deep into the pockets so it melts throughout the loaf.
Step 4: Brush with Garlic Butter
Brush the butter-garlic mixture generously over the top of the loaf, making sure it drips into the cuts. This infuses the bread with flavor and helps it become golden and crisp during baking.
Step 5: Bake
Place the stuffed loaf on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the bread edges are crisp and golden.
Step 6: Add Cranberry Sauce
Remove from the oven and immediately top with spoonfuls of cranberry sauce. Sprinkle with the remaining parsley for color and freshness.
Serve warm and let guests pull apart each delicious slice.
Texture and Flavor
This pull-apart bread is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The outside is crisp and buttery, while the inside remains soft and warm. The melted cheese stretches beautifully as you pull pieces apart, and the chicken adds hearty, savory substance.
The cranberry sauce brings a bright, sweet contrast that complements the richness of the cheese and garlic butter. Each bite is balanced with creamy, savory, and tangy components.
The parsley adds freshness and color, making the dish look vibrant and appetizing.
Tips for Best Results
Use a sturdy loaf like sourdough or French bread so it holds its shape when stuffed. Do not cut through the bottom—this keeps the loaf intact.
Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting. Push the fillings deep into the bread for full flavor in each bite.
Brush plenty of garlic butter between the cuts to prevent dryness. Bake until the cheese is bubbling and the top is golden.
Add cranberry sauce only after baking to keep it vibrant and fresh.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pull-apart bread as:
- A holiday appetizer
- A party centerpiece
- A warm snack for family gatherings
- A creative way to use leftover chicken or turkey
Pair it with:
- Creamy dips
- Fresh salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Soup or stew
It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, potlucks, and weekend dinners.
Variations
You can easily adjust this recipe:
- Replace chicken with turkey or ham
- Add sliced green onions or caramelized onions
- Use brie or gouda instead of cheddar
- Add jalapeños for heat
- Drizzle honey instead of cranberry sauce for sweetness
- Add spinach or mushrooms for more filling
For an even richer flavor, mix cream cheese with shredded chicken and stuff it inside the bread.
Storage
This pull-apart bread is best served fresh and warm. If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly and refrigerate for up to two days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer until hot and crispy again.
Avoid microwaving, as it may make the bread soggy.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works because it turns simple ingredients—bread, chicken, cheese, and cranberry—into a visually stunning and delicious dish. The pull-apart style makes it fun and easy to share, while the melted cheese and garlic butter provide rich comfort.
The sweetness of the cranberry sauce balances the savory flavors beautifully, making each bite layered and exciting. It’s easy to prepare, uses everyday ingredients, and delivers a warm, festive, and satisfying experience.