Welcome to the easiest, most elegant appetizer you’ll ever make. This Baked Brie with Fig Jam is a showstopper, delivering a river of warm, melted cheese crowned with sweet, luscious fig jam. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and savory, guaranteed to disappear in minutes at any gathering. Whether you need a last-minute party dish or a cozy treat for a night in, this recipe is your answer.
We’ve all been there: you need an impressive appetizer that looks like you spent hours, but you only have minutes. This is that recipe. With just a handful of ingredients and less than 20 minutes, you can serve up a dish that feels utterly gourmet. Let’s dive into how to create this masterpiece.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Brie with Fig Jam Recipe
This isn’t just an appetizer; it’s an experience. The moment you cut into the warm, golden-brown rind, the molten brie inside spills out, begging to be scooped up. The sweetness of the fig jam perfectly cuts through the rich, earthy flavor of the cheese.
- Incredibly Easy: With minimal prep and a quick bake time, it’s a foolproof recipe for cooks of all levels.
- Crowd-Pleasing: The combination of creamy cheese and sweet jam is universally loved.
- Highly Versatile: You can customize it with nuts, herbs, or a drizzle of honey to make it your own.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual get-togethers to elegant holiday parties, it always fits the bill. A friend of mine even serves it alongside her famous Irish stew for a truly decadent meal.
The Perfect Ingredients for Baked Brie
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a few key ingredients to create something truly special.
Choosing Your Brie
For this baked brie with fig jam, you’ll want a good quality wheel of brie, typically 8 to 12 ounces. Look for a wheel with a firm, intact rind, as this will hold the cheese together as it bakes. Both double-cream and triple-cream brie work wonderfully, with triple-cream offering an even richer, more decadent texture.
The Best Fig Jam
The fig jam is the star supporting actor here. A high-quality jam made with real figs will provide the best flavor. Look for one with a deep, rich color and a thick consistency. If you have some extra time, you could even try making your own slow cooker apple butter as a delicious alternative.
Optional Toppings for Extra Crunch and Flavor
While delicious on its own, adding toppings can elevate your baked brie. Consider adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or pistachios for a nutty crunch before baking. A sprinkle of fresh rosemary or thyme adds a lovely aromatic, savory note.
How to Make Baked Brie with Fig Jam (Step-by-Step)
Making this appetizer is as simple as 1-2-3. First, preheat your oven and prepare your baking sheet. Place the brie on parchment paper, spread the jam on top, and bake until it’s perfectly soft and gooey inside. It’s that easy!
We recommend scoring the top of the brie in a crisscross pattern before adding the jam. This not only looks beautiful but also helps the heat penetrate the cheese more evenly, ensuring a perfectly melted center.
Tips for the Perfect Gooey Baked Brie
To ensure your baked brie turns out flawlessly every time, follow these simple tips.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on it. You want the brie to be soft and just starting to ooze, not completely melted into a puddle. 15-20 minutes is typically the sweet spot.
- Score the Rind: Scoring the top allows for even melting and makes it easier for guests to dip in.
- Bake on Parchment Paper: This prevents the brie from sticking to your baking dish and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Let it Rest (Briefly): Allow the brie to rest for about 5 minutes after it comes out of the oven. This helps it set up slightly so it doesn’t spill everywhere the second you cut into it.
Delicious Variations to Try
While the classic baked brie with fig jam is a winner, feel free to get creative! Swap the fig jam for apricot preserves, cranberry sauce, or even a drizzle of hot honey. For a savory twist, try topping it with caramelized onions or pesto. This dish is a fantastic canvas for other flavors, much like a simple garlic parmesan chicken pasta can be dressed up in many ways.
What to Serve with Baked Brie
The dippers are just as important as the brie itself! You want something sturdy enough to handle the thick, melted cheese. Here are some of our favorites:
- Crackers: Choose a variety of textures, from sturdy water crackers to buttery, flaky options.
- Baguette: Sliced and toasted crostini are a classic choice.
- Fruit: Fresh apple and pear slices provide a crisp, refreshing contrast.
- Veggies: Celery and carrot sticks are great for a healthier option.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Have leftovers? Lucky you! Wrap the cooled brie tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also gently reheat it in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can assemble the brie ahead of time. Place the brie wheel on your parchment-lined baking sheet, add the jam and any other toppings, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
No, you should leave the rind on the brie. The rind is completely edible and acts as a container, holding the cheese together as it melts. Without it, the brie would melt into a puddle on your baking sheet.
Baked brie is best served warm, right after it has rested for about 5 minutes. As it cools, it will naturally firm up. To keep it warm and gooey for longer at a party, you can place it on a warming tray or in a cast-iron skillet, which retains heat well.
The ideal temperature for baking brie is between 350-375°F (175-190°C). This range is hot enough to melt the inside until it’s perfectly gooey without overcooking the rind or causing the cheese to leak out too quickly.
Fig jam is a classic and delicious choice because its sweetness complements the earthy flavor of the brie. However, apricot preserves, raspberry jam, cranberry sauce, or even a spicy pepper jelly also work beautifully.
Baked Brie with Fig Jam Recipe
Baked Brie with Fig Jam: The Ultimate Gooey Appetizer
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the wheel of brie on the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, gently score the top of the rind in a crisscross pattern, being careful not to cut too deep.
- Spoon the fig jam evenly over the top of the brie. If using, sprinkle the chopped nuts and fresh rosemary over the jam.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the brie is soft and gooey and just beginning to ooze from the sides.
- Let the brie rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly. Serve immediately with your favorite crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh fruit.
Notes
Tip 2: Watch the brie carefully as it bakes. Ovens vary, and it can go from perfectly baked to a melted puddle quickly.
Tip 3: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle with a bit of honey before serving.
Share Your Creations!
We hope you love this easy Baked Brie with Fig Jam recipe as much as we do! It’s a go-to in our kitchen for its simplicity and incredible flavor. If you make it, we’d love to see it! Leave a comment below or share a photo on Pinterest. Happy cooking!
