Description
This Baked Brie with Fig Jam and Pecans is an elegant and easy appetizer perfect for gatherings. Soft, creamy Brie cheese topped with sweet fig jam and crunchy pecans is baked until gooey and served warm with crackers or fresh fruit. A simple yet impressive dish that combines creamy, sweet, and nutty flavors to delight your guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese and Toppings
- 1 wheel (8-10 oz) Brie cheese
- 1/4 cup fig jam
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Serving
- Crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh fruit for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the Brie.
- Prepare Brie: Remove the Brie from any wooden box and unwrap it carefully. Place it back in the wooden box if available, or alternatively in a small baking dish suitable for oven use.
- Score Cheese: Using a sharp knife, score the top of the Brie in a crisscross pattern. This allows the fig jam to better penetrate the cheese during baking.
- Add Fig Jam: Spread about 1/4 cup of fig jam evenly over the top surface of the Brie, balancing the amount to ensure a harmonious blend of sweet and creamy flavors.
- Add Toppings (Optional): Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts, drizzle honey, and scatter fresh thyme leaves over the jam if you desire extra flavor and texture.
- Bake Brie: Place the prepared Brie directly into the preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is soft and gooey to the touch. If you prefer, wrap the Brie in puff pastry before baking for a different presentation.
- Cool Before Serving: Remove the Brie from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes, ensuring it is warm but not too hot to eat, preventing burns from molten cheese.
- Serve: Serve warm with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh fruit as an appetizer or accompaniment.
Notes
- For a richer flavor and elegant presentation, wrap the Brie in puff pastry before baking.
- If you don’t have fig jam, apricot or berry jams also work well as a sweet topping.
- Try substituting pecans with walnuts or almonds based on preference.
- Fresh thyme adds aroma and depth but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Letting the Brie rest after baking is critical so the cheese firms slightly for easy serving.
