Brie Pull-Apart Bread with Pear and Caramelized Onions

This indulgent pull-apart bread is gooey, savory, and just a little sweet. I love how the creamy Brie melts into the sourdough, while caramelized onions and juicy pear slices bring depth and balance. It’s a beautiful appetizer or party dish that disappears fast once served.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the kind of dish that looks impressive but is easy to prepare. The caramelized onions give it a rich, savory sweetness, the pear adds freshness, and the melted Brie makes it decadent and irresistible. I also enjoy how fun it is to eat everyone pulls apart pieces of bread and gets a mix of all those flavors in each bite.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

3 large sweet onions
6 tbsp plus 1 tsp butter, divided
2 tbsp olive oil
1 pear
300 g wheel Brie cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
1 loaf round sourdough bread
kosher salt
pepper

Directions

1. I start by thinly slicing the onions. In a large skillet, I melt 6 tbsp of butter with olive oil over medium heat.
2. I add the onions, a pinch of salt, and pepper, then cook slowly, stirring often, until deeply caramelized—about 35–40 minutes.
3. While the onions cook, I core and thinly slice the pear. I also cut the Brie into small chunks or slices.
4. I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
5. Using a sharp knife, I cut the sourdough into a grid pattern, making sure not to cut all the way through.
6. I tuck the Brie, pear slices, caramelized onions, parsley, and thyme into the bread’s cuts.
7. I drizzle the bread with the remaining 1 tsp of melted butter.
8. I wrap the bread loosely in foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then I uncover it and bake for another 10 minutes until the Brie is melted and the bread is golden.
9. I serve it warm, letting everyone pull apart pieces by hand.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves about 6–8 people as an appetizer. It usually takes me 25 minutes to prepare and about 50 minutes to cook, so I set aside around 1 hour and 15 minutes total.

Variations

Sometimes I swap the pear for apple slices, which are equally delicious with Brie. I also like adding a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze just before serving for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers wrapped in foil in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, I warm the bread in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 10–12 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty again. It’s best enjoyed fresh, as the bread can get soft after storing.

FAQs

Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Yes, I often prep the caramelized onions and slice the pear and Brie earlier in the day, then assemble and bake just before serving.

What type of pear works best?

I like using firm varieties such as Bosc or Anjou because they hold their shape while baking.

Can I use a different cheese instead of Brie?

Yes, Camembert, Fontina, or even Gruyère work well for melting into the bread.

Do I need a sourdough loaf?

No, I can use any round, sturdy loaf such as boule bread, but sourdough adds great texture and flavor.

How do I keep the bread from drying out in the oven?

I wrap it in foil for the first part of baking to keep it soft, then uncover it to crisp the edges.

Can I caramelize the onions faster?

I prefer slow cooking for the best flavor, but I sometimes add a pinch of sugar to speed up browning.

Can I add nuts for texture?

Yes, I like sprinkling toasted walnuts or pecans into the bread for crunch.

How do I stop the cheese from spilling out while baking?

I tuck the Brie deep into the bread cuts so it melts inside rather than on the outside.

Can I freeze this recipe?

I don’t recommend freezing because the texture of the bread, cheese, and pear changes after thawing.

What can I serve this with?

I like serving it with wine, charcuterie, or a simple salad to balance the richness.

Conclusion

I love making Brie pull-apart bread with pear and caramelized onions because it’s warm, cheesy, and full of layered flavors. It always feels like a treat and makes the perfect centerpiece for a gathering. Every bite has that mix of sweet, savory, and creamy goodness that keeps everyone coming back for more.

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