Introduction

Cranberry feta sourdough pull apart bread is a beautiful treat that brings together sweet dried cranberries, creamy salty feta, and warm soft sourdough dough. This recipe creates a bread that pulls apart easily in tender pieces, which makes it wonderful for sharing with family and friends. The sourdough brings a gentle tangy taste that blends with the bright flavor of cranberries and the comforting richness of cheese. When you place this bread on a table it looks inviting and fills the room with a gentle cozy aroma that makes everyone want to try a piece. It feels special yet simple enough for anyone who wants to bake something delightful at home.

People love this recipe because it balances sweet and savory flavors in a very pleasant way. The cranberries give small juicy bursts of sweetness while the feta adds a creamy salty taste that melts slightly into the soft dough. The sourdough itself gives a fluffy inside and a gentle crust on the outside. Many home cooks enjoy the feeling of creating something that looks impressive but is easy to prepare with a bit of patience. The pull apart shape makes the bread fun to eat because you do not need a knife. Guests can simply take a warm piece with their hands which adds to the friendly and comforting experience.

There are many reasons to bake this bread at different times of the year. It is perfect for holiday gatherings because the cranberries bring a festive feel. It is lovely for weekend breakfasts when you want a warm cozy bite to start your day. You can bake it when you want a treat that feels rich but still offers a good balance of flavors. Some people enjoy sourdough because it can be easier on the stomach and brings a homemade touch to any meal. You might choose this recipe when you want a simple emotional lift because freshly baked bread always brings joy and comfort. This pull apart bread is a wonderful choice for celebrations, slow afternoons, or moments when you want to share something warm from your kitchen.

Ingredients You Will Need

Here are the ingredients for this recipe. Measure everything before you begin for the best results.

Sourdough starter active 120 grams
Warm water 180 milliliters
All purpose flour 360 grams
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Sugar 1 tablespoon
Salt 1 teaspoon
Dried cranberries 150 grams
Feta cheese crumbled 150 grams
Butter melted 3 tablespoons
Egg for brushing 1
Optional fresh rosemary chopped 1 teaspoon

Step by Step Method

These steps will guide you through the entire process in a simple and friendly way. Even beginners can follow them with confidence.

Step One
Prepare your workspace by clearing the table and gathering all your measured ingredients. Baking is easier when everything is ready. Place your sourdough starter in a large mixing bowl and add the warm water. Stir until the starter dissolves. Warm water helps the dough come together more easily and wakes up the starter.

Step Two
Add the all purpose flour, sugar, and salt to the bowl. Mix gently with your hands or a wooden spoon. When the dough begins to form you can add the olive oil. Continue mixing until the dough becomes soft and sticky. Do not worry if the dough looks rough at first. It will smooth out during the next steps.

Step Three
Place the dough on a clean table and knead it slowly for about eight to ten minutes. Push the dough forward with the heel of your hand then fold it back and repeat. This helps build structure and strength. The dough will become smoother and more elastic as you continue. If it feels too sticky you may sprinkle a tiny amount of flour on the table but try not to use too much.

Step Four
Place the kneaded dough back into the bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rest for about one hour to relax the gluten. After this time gently stretch and fold the dough by lifting one side and folding it over the middle. Repeat this on all four sides. This helps create a soft and airy texture. Cover again and let the dough rise for another two to three hours until it becomes puffy.

Step Five
When the dough has risen enough place it on the table again. Press it gently to form a flat rectangle. Sprinkle the dried cranberries and crumbled feta evenly across the surface. If you want extra flavor you can also add a little chopped rosemary. Press the filling lightly into the dough so it stays in place.

Step Six
Cut the dough into small squares. Each square should be big enough to pick up with your fingers. Stack the squares loosely together one on top of another and place them upright in a greased baking pan. The squares will create layers that pull apart easily after baking. You can arrange them in rows or fill the pan in any pattern you like as long as there is enough space for the dough to expand.

Step Seven
Brush the top of the dough with melted butter. This gives the bread a gentle golden color while baking and adds a soft comforting taste. Cover the pan and let the dough rise again for about one hour. The dough should look fuller and feel lighter when touched gently.

Step Eight
Preheat your oven to about one hundred eighty degrees Celsius. When the dough is ready brush it lightly with beaten egg. This step is optional but it creates a shiny and beautiful finish on the bread. Place the pan in the oven and bake for thirty to thirty five minutes until the top turns golden and the aroma fills your kitchen.

Step Nine
Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool for at least fifteen minutes. This helps the flavors settle and makes the bread easier to pull apart. When you are ready you can place the pan on the table and invite everyone to enjoy warm pieces of soft sourdough filled with cranberries and feta.

Why This Recipe Is Special

This cranberry feta sourdough pull apart bread is special because it combines simple ingredients into a bread that looks and tastes amazing. The sourdough brings a gentle tang and a soft texture that many people love. The cranberries add natural sweetness and a burst of bright flavor in every bite. The feta brings a creamy salty touch that blends beautifully with the sweet fruit. Together they create a balanced and comforting flavor that feels both fresh and rich.

The pull apart shape is another reason this recipe is delightful. It allows everyone at the table to enjoy the bread without slicing it. People can simply take a piece with their hands which makes the experience warm and friendly. This shape also helps the flavors spread through each layer so every bite has a little fruit and a little cheese.

Sourdough offers some gentle health points as well. Many bakers feel that sourdough is easier on the stomach and has a satisfying texture. The slow rise helps the dough develop deeper flavor. The cranberries add natural fruit sweetness while the feta brings protein and richness. While this bread is still a treat it gives you a pleasant mix of sweet and savory taste that feels fulfilling without being too heavy.

Extra Tips for Better Taste

Here are some creative ideas to make your bread even more delicious.

You can soak the dried cranberries in warm water or orange juice for ten minutes before adding them to the dough. This makes them plumper and juicier.

Use a mix of feta and a mild creamy cheese for a softer texture. This creates a lovely melt in the layers.

Brush the bread with herb butter instead of plain melted butter. You can stir rosemary garlic or thyme into the butter for extra flavor.

If you like stronger cheese flavor you can sprinkle a little extra feta on top right before baking.

For a sweet touch you can drizzle a tiny amount of honey on the warm bread after baking. The honey blends beautifully with the tang of the sourdough.

Chill the dough for one hour before shaping if you want a firmer texture that is easier to cut into squares.

Try adding chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and depth of flavor.

Final Thoughts

Cranberry feta sourdough pull apart bread is a recipe that brings joy warmth and comfort to any kitchen. It is simple enough for beginners and rewarding for experienced bakers. The mix of cranberries and feta creates a wonderful balance of sweet and savory flavors while the sourdough base adds softness and aroma. The pull apart style makes this bread fun to serve and perfect for sharing with people you love. Whether you bake it for a special gathering or a peaceful weekend treat it brings a sense of homemade care that everyone appreciates. This bread is sure to become one of your favorite recipes once you try it.

Nutrition Details

These values are approximate and can vary based on the exact ingredients you use and the portion size.

Nutrition per serving

Calories about 240
Carbohydrates about 32 grams
Protein about 6 grams
Fat about 9 grams
Saturated fat about 3 grams
Fiber about 2 grams
Sugar about 8 grams
Sodium about 320 milligrams

These numbers help you understand what you are enjoying in each piece of this bread.

Disclaimer

This recipe is offered for general enjoyment and home cooking. Every person has different health needs and different reactions to ingredients. Your personal results may vary based on portion size and personal conditions. If you have dietary concerns or health questions please speak with a qualified professional before making changes to your eating habits.