Get ready to discover your new go-to appetizer. This Baked Brie with Fig Jam is the epitome of elegance and simplicity, delivering a spectacular, crowd-pleasing dish with just a handful of ingredients. Imagine a wheel of creamy brie, warmed until perfectly gooey, topped with sweet fig jam and crunchy walnuts, all wrapped in a golden, flaky puff pastry crust. It’s a guaranteed showstopper that tastes as incredible as it sounds.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, a casual get-together, or simply craving a luxurious snack, this recipe is your answer. It strikes the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and cheesy, creating an irresistible flavor combination that will have everyone reaching for more. Best of all, it looks incredibly impressive but is secretly one of the easiest appetizers you’ll ever make.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Brie with Fig Jam Recipe
This isn’t just another appetizer; it’s a culinary experience that brings people together. Here’s why this recipe will become a permanent fixture in your entertaining playbook.
- Effortlessly Elegant: With minimal effort, you can create a stunning centerpiece that looks like it came from a gourmet restaurant.
- Incredibly Delicious: The combination of rich, melted brie, sweet fig jam, and buttery pastry is simply divine.
- Perfect for Sharing: It’s the ultimate communal dish. Serve it warm with an array of dippers and watch it disappear.
- Quick & Easy: With only 5 main ingredients and 10 minutes of prep time, it’s the perfect solution for last-minute guests. For another easy and impressive dish, try these Mini Caprese Bites.
The 5 Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long shopping list to create this masterpiece. Quality ingredients are key to making this simple dish shine.
- Brie Cheese: A whole 8-ounce wheel is the star. The rind is essential for holding its shape, so be sure to leave it on.
- Fig Jam: Its deep, sweet flavor is the perfect counterpoint to the earthy brie.
- Puff Pastry: A sheet of store-bought, all-butter puff pastry is your secret weapon for that flaky, golden crust.
- Walnuts: Roughly chopped walnuts add a much-needed crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Egg: For a simple egg wash to give the pastry a beautiful, glossy finish.
How to Make Baked Brie with Fig Jam (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to achieve a perfectly baked brie every single time. It’s practically foolproof!
- Prepare Your Station: First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Carefully unfold your sheet of puff pastry onto the prepared sheet.
- Assemble the Brie: Place the wheel of brie in the center of the puff pastry. Spread a generous layer of fig jam over the top of the cheese. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts evenly over the jam.
- Wrap it Up: Gently fold the corners of the puff pastry up and over the brie, trimming any excess dough if needed. Press the seams together firmly to create a tight seal. Flip the entire package over so the smooth side is up.
- Add the Finishing Touches: In a small bowl, whisk the egg with a splash of water to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture all over the top and sides of the pastry. Using a sharp knife, lightly score the top of the pastry in a crisscross pattern, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is a deep golden brown and puffed up.
- Rest and Serve: Let the baked brie rest on the baking sheet for at least 5-10 minutes before transferring it to a serving platter. This allows the cheese to set slightly, so it doesn’t all spill out when cut.
Pro-Tips for Perfect, Ooze-Worthy Baked Brie
Keep these expert tips in mind to ensure your Baked Brie with Fig Jam turns out flawlessly every time.
Don’t Cut Off the Rind!
The rind is your best friend. It acts as a natural container, holding the molten cheese inside as it bakes. Removing it will result in a messy, shapeless puddle of cheese on your baking sheet.
Keep Your Puff Pastry Cold
Warm puff pastry can become sticky and difficult to work with. If it gets too soft while you’re assembling, pop the whole baking sheet in the freezer for 5 minutes to help it firm up before baking.
Seal it Tight
Ensure all the seams of the puff pastry are sealed tightly to prevent any of that delicious cheese and jam from leaking out during baking. A good seal is crucial for a picture-perfect result.
Delicious Variations & Topping Ideas
While the classic fig jam and walnut combination is a winner, feel free to get creative! This recipe is a fantastic canvas for other flavors.
- Sweet Swaps: Try apricot preserves, raspberry jam, or even a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. These Raspberry Cheesecake Bars show just how well fruit and cheese go together.
- Nutty Alternatives: Toasted pecans, sliced almonds, or pistachios would all be delicious. For a truly unique pastry idea, check out this Almond Puff Pastry recipe.
- Herbaceous Notes: A sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary on top of the jam before wrapping adds a wonderful savory, aromatic layer.
What to Serve with Your Baked Brie
The perfect dippers are essential for enjoying every last bite of your warm, gooey cheese. Here are some of our favorites:
- Crackers: Sturdy crackers that can handle the weight of the melted cheese are a must.
- Baguette: Sliced and toasted baguette is a classic choice.
- Fruit: Crisp apple and pear slices provide a fresh, juicy contrast.
- Pretzels: Salty pretzel crisps or pretzel rods are another great option. For a full appetizer spread, this baked brie pairs wonderfully with a light and refreshing Beet and Feta Salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can assemble the brie completely, wrap it in pastry, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, brush with the egg wash and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time since it’s starting from cold.
No, you should always leave the rind on the brie. The rind acts as a natural casing that holds the cheese together as it melts, preventing it from spilling out and creating a mess.
The key to preventing leaks is to ensure the puff pastry is sealed very tightly around the brie. Press the seams together firmly. Also, letting the brie rest for 5-10 minutes after baking allows the cheese to set slightly, making it less likely to spill out immediately when cut.
While puff pastry gives the best flaky crust, you can also use crescent roll dough or phyllo dough. Crescent roll dough will result in a softer, more bread-like coating, while phyllo will create a lighter, crispier shell.
The ideal temperature for baking brie in puff pastry is 400°F (200°C). This high heat ensures the pastry gets golden brown and flaky in the same amount of time it takes for the cheese to become perfectly melted and gooey.
A Perfect Appetizer for Any Occasion!
This Baked Brie with Fig Jam is more than just a recipe; it’s a centerpiece, a conversation starter, and a guaranteed hit at any gathering. Simple, elegant, and irresistibly delicious, it’s the perfect dish to share with those you love. If you make this recipe, we’d love to see it! Share your creation and tag us on Pinterest!
Baked Brie with Fig Jam Recipe
Baked Brie with Fig Jam: The Ultimate 5-Ingredient Appetizer
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unfold the puff pastry sheet onto the baking sheet.
- Place the brie wheel in the center of the puff pastry. Spread the fig jam over the top, then sprinkle with the chopped walnuts.
- Fold the corners of the puff pastry up and over the brie, pressing the seams together to seal tightly. Trim any large overlaps of excess dough. Flip the wrapped brie over so the seam side is down.
- Brush the beaten egg wash over the entire surface of the pastry. Use a sharp knife to lightly score a crisscross pattern on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the pastry is deeply golden brown and puffed.
- Let the baked brie cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a serving board. Serve warm with your favorite crackers, bread, or fruit.
Notes
Keep the pastry cold: Work quickly with the puff pastry to ensure it stays cold, which helps it puff up and become flaky.
Seal completely: A tight seal prevents the jam and cheese from leaking out while baking.
