Baked Brie with Fig Jam

This baked brie with fig jam is the easiest and tastiest holiday appetizer that will have your guests going back for seconds (and thirds). 

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When I think of holiday appetizers, one of the first things I think of is baked brie. Flaky puff pastry and gooey melted brie served with a variety of dippers is always a crowd favorite.

This baked brie with fig jam is an incredibly quick and easy, minimal ingredient recipe. You’ll have it prepped in 10 minutes and baked off in 25 minutes, leaving you more time to mingle with your guests.

The creamy baked brie pairs so nicely with the sweet fig jam and crunchy pistachios. The puff pastry creates a crunchy and buttery exterior.

Providing a variety of dippers alongside this baked brie makes it even more enticing (see below for ideas).

Love brie cheese as much as I do? Try out these Brie and Bacon Jam Crostini and these Pear and Brie Flatbreads for more delicious holiday appetizers featuring brie.

Ingredients

Puff pastry: puff pastry can be found in the freezer section of the grocery store, usually near other frozen pastries and baked goods.
Brie: you’ll want to get a full wheel of brie. The one I used was 8 ounces.
Fig jam: fig jam can be found with other jams and preserves or in the specialty cheese section of the grocery store.
Pistachios: chopped pistachios add flavor and crunch and compliment the fig jam nicely.
Egg: the outside of the puff pastry is brushed with egg to help create a golden brown exterior.

What is the difference between fig jam and fig butter?

Fig jam is a jam made with figs, pectin and either sugar or honey. It has a deep sweetness and richness, and often times contains the seeds of the figs.

Fig butter doesn’t actually contain butter. It is a rich, sweet, slightly bitter spread that is made by cooking down figs until a paste like consistency is formed.

Fig butter is often only made with one ingredients – figs, but is sometimes made with other ingredients. The fig butter from Trader Joe’s is made with figs, water, sugar, lemon juice and pectin, so it is actually closer to fig jam than traditional fig butter (although it doesn’t contain seeds).

Fig butter can be used in place of fig jam in this recipe if you prefer a less sweet spread to compliment your baked brie.

Equipment

Baking sheet
Cutting board and knife
Pastry Brush
Mini whisk

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out puff pastry onto a cutting board and cut off a few inches from one end to create a square.

Place the wheel of brie in the center of the puff pastry square. Top brie with fig jam, then chopped pistachios.

Fold each corner of the puff pastry in over the brie. Tuck in any pieces of puff pastry that may be sticking out.

Brush the entire outside of the puff pastry with egg wash. Place the wrapped brie onto the parchment lined baking sheet.

Bake the brie at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown. Place baked brie on a serving plate with toasted baguette, crackers and other accompaniments.

Tips

• Ensure your puff pastry has fully defrosted but is not too soft or it will be difficult to roll out, cut and fold.
• Make sure to pinch the corners of the puff pastry down when folding them in to prevent it from coming undone. If one corner unfolds during baking, just deflate some of the air from the pastry and gently press it back down.
• Allow the baked brie to cool at least 5 minutes before cutting open. This will allow the brie time to cool enough so it isn’t completely liquid (this will make it easier to dip and spread).
• It might be a good idea to cut into the baked brie to get guests started. Be sure to leave one or two cheese knives so guests can spread the brie onto their toast and crackers.

FAQ

Can I make baked brie ahead of time?

You can assemble the brie in the puff pastry but I do not recommend baking the brie until right before serving. Baked brie with fig jam is best served hot and fresh from the oven.

Do you take the rind of brie before baking?

The rind on brie cheese is completely edible, so you do not have to remove it before baking. If you do not like the texture of the rind, you may remove it carefully by running a knife along the rind.

The rind, however, helps hold the melted brie cheese in, and it may ooze out of the puff pastry without the rind.

What do I serve alongside baked brie with fig jam? 

You’ll want to provide items guests can use to scoop up the baked brie. My favorite selections are toasted baguette slices, water crackers, fig crisps, sliced apple and sliced pear.

I also recommend serving other accoutrements you might serve on a charcuterie board, such as grapes, mixed nuts, dried fruit and honey.

How do I store and reheat baked brie?

Allow baked brie to come to room temperature to allow the brie to harden. Store brie in puff pastry in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

To reheat, preheat oven to 350°F and place baked brie on a parchment lined baking sheet or in an oven safe dish. Heat baked brie in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until warm through and cheese is melted.

More Holiday Appetizers You’ll Love

• Antipasto Wreath
• Goat Cheese, Bacon and Fig Crostini
• Whipped Goat Cheese and Squash Dip
• Whipped Feta and Roasted Grape Crostini

If you make this Baked Brie with Fig Jam, be sure to leave a comment below and rate this recipe! If you snap a pic, be sure to tag me on Instagram @thechowdown! I love seeing your creations!