Name: Cranberry Brie Focaccia Bread Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups warm water; 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast; 1 tablespoon honey; 5 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for your workspace); 1 tablespoon kosher salt (plus more for sprinkling); 1 cup extra virgin olive oil (divided); 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries (some coarsely chopped, some whole); 1/2 cup water; 1/4 cup sugar; 8 ounces brie cheese (torn or cut into pieces); 3 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary

Jump to Recipe

This Cranberry Brie Focaccia Bread Recipe is an absolute showstopper that will quickly become your go-to for impressing guests or just indulging yourself. Imagine warm, pillowy focaccia bread dotted with juicy cranberries, melted creamy brie, and fragrant rosemary—all brought together with a hint of honey and olive oil. Every bite offers a perfect balance of tart, savory, and herbaceous flavors, making this loaf truly irresistible. Whether you’re serving it alongside a meal or enjoying it on its own, this recipe brings a unique and delicious twist to classic focaccia that you’ll want to make again and again.

The image shows two pieces of focaccia bread stacked on top of each other on a white marbled surface. The bread has a light golden-brown crust with visible air holes inside, giving it a soft and airy texture. The top surface of the bread is sprinkled with small red cranberries and herbs, and a sprig of green rosemary stands upright behind the stacked pieces. Around the bread, there are several loose red cranberries scattered on the white marbled surface. The background is softly blurred with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are delightfully simple but essential for creating that perfect harmony of flavors and textures in the Cranberry Brie Focaccia Bread Recipe. Each one plays its part, from the rich olive oil that keeps the bread moist to the fresh cranberries that add a burst of color and tartness.

Warm water: Activates the yeast and ensures a light, airy dough.
Active dry yeast: Gives your focaccia its beautiful rise and fluffy texture.
Honey: Adds subtle sweetness to balance the tart cranberries.
All-purpose flour: The base of your focaccia dough; extra for dusting to prevent stickiness.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps develop texture in the dough.
Extra virgin olive oil: Keeps the focaccia moist with a fruity richness and helps with browning.
Fresh cranberries: Some chopped and some whole for that perfect tart pop in every bite.
Sugar: Sweetens the cranberries just enough to complement the brie.
Brie cheese: Melts into creamy pockets that pair beautifully with the tart cranberries.
Fresh rosemary: Brings an aromatic herbaceous note that finishes the bread perfectly.

How to Make Cranberry Brie Focaccia Bread Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by mixing warm water, yeast, and honey in a bowl. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes until it becomes foamy—this means the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic in your dough. This step sets the foundation for the bread’s airy texture and light rise.

Step 2: Make and Knead the Dough

In your stand mixer, combine the flour, kosher salt, olive oil, and the foamy yeast mixture. Use the dough hook attachment to bring everything together, kneading on medium-low for about 5 to 6 minutes until you get a silky, smooth dough. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle in a little extra flour, but keep it soft so your focaccia stays tender inside.

Step 3: First Rise

Transfer your dough to an oiled bowl and cover it. Let it rest in a warm, cozy spot until it doubles in size, which usually takes about an hour. This first rise develops flavor and gives the dough that airy structure we all love in focaccia.

Step 4: Shape and Second Rise

Grease a jelly roll sheet pan with half of the olive oil, then place the dough in the pan, flipping it over so it’s coated with oil on both sides. Press and stretch it to almost fit the pan, then gently create those iconic finger dimples all over to trap the oil and toppings later. Cover again and let the dough rise for another hour in a warm spot—it’ll puff up and get beautifully ready for baking.

Step 5: Prepare the Cranberries

While the dough is rising the second time, heat the cranberries, sugar, and water on medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture simmers. This softens the cranberries slightly, balancing their tartness without losing their vibrant bite. Strain them from the liquid to keep your focaccia from getting soggy.

Step 6: Top and Bake

Uncover your risen dough and scatter the prepared cranberries evenly over the surface. Add torn pieces of brie and sprinkle chopped rosemary on top. Finish with a sprinkle of coarse sea salt and a drizzle of the remaining olive oil for that golden finish. Bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes until the focaccia is golden and toasty around the edges. Let it cool slightly before slicing so every slice holds its melty, flavorful fillings.

How to Serve Cranberry Brie Focaccia Bread Recipe

Cranberry Brie Focaccia Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

For a beautiful presentation, top your slices with a fresh rosemary sprig or a light drizzle of honey to enhance the natural sweetness. A dusting of flaky sea salt just before serving brings out the flavors even more and adds a delightful crunch.

Side Dishes

This focaccia pairs wonderfully with light salads, like arugula with lemon vinaigrette or mixed greens with toasted nuts. It also complements warm soups—think butternut squash or creamy tomato—making it perfect for a comforting meal or elegant appetizer spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your Cranberry Brie Focaccia Bread Recipe into a delightful charcuterie board centerpiece by adding sliced meats, honeycomb, nuts, and fresh fruit around it. You can also cut the focaccia into small squares for a fun party finger food or serve it alongside a cheese platter for a sophisticated bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover focaccia tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature. To maintain the best texture, avoid refrigeration as it can dry out the bread.

Freezing

If you want to save this delicious focaccia for later, slice it first and freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag. It freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature for a few hours.

Reheating

Reheat focaccia in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 to 10 minutes to refresh its crispiness and melt the brie again. For individual slices, a quick toast in the oven or toaster oven works wonders without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh cranberries?

Fresh cranberries provide that juicy burst and a bit of tartness that dried cranberries can’t exactly replicate. However, if you only have dried, soak them in warm water beforehand to plump them up and reduce their chewiness before using.

Is brie the only cheese that works in this recipe?

Brie’s creamy texture and mild flavor make it perfect for this focaccia, but you can experiment with similar soft cheeses like camembert or even mozzarella for a different twist. Just be sure the cheese melts well and complements the tartness of the cranberries.

How important is the second rise for the dough?

The second rise is essential for achieving that classic focaccia texture with air pockets and a tender crumb. Skipping it may result in a denser bread that lacks the light, airy quality you’re aiming for.

Can I make this focaccia bread without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can mix the dough by hand with a wooden spoon and then knead it on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. It takes a bit more effort but the results are just as delicious.

What if I don’t have fresh rosemary? Can I use dried?

Fresh rosemary gives that bright, piney aroma that’s hard to beat, but dried rosemary can work in a pinch. Use about one-third the amount of dried rosemary as fresh and sprinkle it on before baking so it rehydrates and releases its flavor.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Cranberry Brie Focaccia Bread Recipe, it’s going to become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. It’s warm and comforting yet wonderfully unique, perfect for everything from holiday gatherings to cozy weekend treats. So roll up your sleeves, gather those ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a spectacular loaf that’s bursting with flavor in every bite!