Baked Brie with Fig Jam
A simple, show-stopping appetizer featuring creamy brie, sweet fig jam, and flaky puff pastry. Ready in under 25 minutes, it’s perfect for parties, holidays, or an elegant snack.
Equipment
- 1 Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (enough to line the baking sheet)
- Small bowl (for whisking egg white)
- Whisk or fork
- Knife (for slicing figs)
Ingredients
- 1 8 oz wheel brie
- 1 sheet puff pastry thawed
- 3 tablespoons fig jam
- 4 dried figs optional, sliced
- 1 egg white whisked
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- Kosher salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven for Perfect Baking: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the puff pastry will bake evenly, achieving a golden, flaky exterior while allowing the brie inside to melt to creamy perfection. Preheating is crucial for consistent results and prevents soggy pastry.
- Prepare Your Work Surface and Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.Parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless. If you don’t have parchment, you can use a lightly greased sheet, but parchment is ideal because puff pastry contains plenty of butter and rarely sticks.
- Whisk the Egg White: In a small bowl, pour the egg white and whisk it thoroughly using a fork or small whisk until it becomes smooth and slightly frothy. This egg white will act as a natural “glue” to seal the puff pastry edges and also give the exterior a beautiful golden sheen when baked.
- Position the Puff Pastry: Unfold or roll your thawed puff pastry sheet onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure it is flat and even, without any creases that could affect the final presentation. Center the brie wheel on top of the pastry. This positioning is key for wrapping neatly.
- Add the Fig Jam Layer: Spoon 3 tablespoons of fig jam onto the top of the brie. Spread it evenly so that each bite has a sweet, fruity contrast to the creamy cheese. The jam’s natural sugars will caramelize slightly during baking, enhancing both flavor and aroma.
- Optional: Add Sliced Dried Figs: If using dried figs, slice 4 figs and arrange them over the jam layer.The dried figs add texture, natural sweetness, and visual appeal. They will soften slightly in the oven, blending beautifully with the melted brie.
- Fold and Seal the Puff Pastry: Carefully pull each corner of the puff pastry toward the center, overlapping slightly to enclose the brie completely. Use a small amount of whisked egg white to help the pastry stick together. Ensure there are no gaps where the cheese could escape. This step is critical for a tidy, professional-looking bake.
- Brush with Egg White: Using a pastry brush, gently coat the entire exterior of the puff pastry with egg white. This not only seals the edges further but also gives the pastry a glossy, golden finish once baked. Avoid applying too thick a layer, as it can cause uneven browning.
- Garnish with Fresh Rosemary: Place a sprig of fresh rosemary on top for a fragrant, decorative touch. The rosemary complements the earthy flavor of the brie and fig jam, enhancing aroma without overpowering the dish.
- Bake Until Golden and Bubbling: Place the prepared brie in the preheated oven. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is a deep golden brown and puffed up around the cheese. The brie inside should be fully melted, while the pastry remains crisp and flaky.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the baked brie from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes on the baking sheet. This brief rest ensures that the cheese firms slightly, making it easier to cut without spilling. The residual heat keeps it warm and melty for serving.
- Slice and Serve: Use a sharp knife to carefully cut into the pastry, revealing the gooey brie and fig filling. Serve immediately with crackers, toasted bread, or fresh fruit for a stunning appetizer that looks as good as it tastes.
Notes
- Always use thawed puff pastry and handle it gently to avoid tearing.
- Opt for a high-quality brie wheel for the creamiest, richest flavor.
- Fig jam can be substituted with apricot or raspberry jam for a fruity twist.
- Brushing the puff pastry with egg white is key to achieving a golden, glossy finish.
- Let the baked brie rest for a few minutes before cutting to prevent cheese from spilling out.
- This appetizer is versatile: add nuts, honey drizzle, or fresh herbs to customize it for any occasion.
