Classic Baked Brie with Fig Jam and Pecans has been a go-to in my kitchen ever since a chilly fall evening many years ago sparked something special. My story begins in a small countryside bistro, where the air smelled of roasted squash and sweet spices. I was prepping for a seasonal tasting night, and I wanted an appetizer that was simple but felt like a warm hug. I layered creamy brie with fig jam, wrapped it in pastry, and topped it with toasted pecans. When it came out of the oven, golden and bubbling, the entire room paused. It disappeared in minutes. Since then, it’s been a favorite on my fall table easy, elegant, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating Thanksgiving, or just need something delightful to pair with a glass of wine, this baked brie is the answer. It’s become just as beloved as our pumpkin s’mores cookies and caramel apple puppy chow during the fall season.
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Classic Baked Brie with Fig Jam and Pecans
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Classic Baked Brie with Fig Jam and Pecans is the ultimate cozy fall appetizer creamy, flaky, nutty, and just the right amount of sweet. Perfect for entertaining or a quiet night with wine.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 1 round (8 oz) of brie cheese
- 3 tablespoons fig jam
- ¼ cup pecans, chopped
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: a drizzle of maple syrup, fresh thyme sprigs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Lay puff pastry flat and place brie round in the center. Spoon fig jam over the top and sprinkle with chopped pecans.
- Fold pastry over the brie, trimming excess if needed, and pinch to seal. Flip so smooth side is facing up.
- Brush the top with beaten egg. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until deep golden brown.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow cheese to set.
Notes
Use a wheel of mild, creamy brie and avoid overbaking. Chill pastry if it gets too soft while assembling. Garnish with fresh thyme and serve with apple slices or crackers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients for Classic Baked Brie with Fig Jam and Pecans
You only need a handful of ingredients, but they work together beautifully:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 1 round (8 oz) of brie cheese
- 3 tablespoons fig jam
- ¼ cup pecans, chopped
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: a drizzle of maple syrup, fresh thyme sprigs
Brie is the star here soft, creamy, and melt-in-your-mouth smooth. If you’re already planning a fall spread with pumpkin bread with cream cheese or apple cinnamon bread, this appetizer brings a savory balance.
How to Make It: Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Assemble the brie
Lay the puff pastry flat. Place the brie round in the center. Spoon fig jam generously over the top, then sprinkle with chopped pecans.
Step 3: Wrap it up
Fold the pastry over the brie, trimming off any excess if needed. Pinch the edges together to seal. Flip the wrapped brie over so the smooth side faces up.
Step 4: Brush and bake
Brush the top with beaten egg for a golden finish. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the pastry is deep golden brown.
Step 5: Let it rest
Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set just enough without running all over.
Tips for Success
- Use a wheel of brie that’s not too runny mild, creamy brie works best.
- Don’t skip the rest time after baking. It makes a big difference in texture and presentation.
- Chill the pastry briefly if it gets too soft while assembling.
- For a beautiful presentation, top with fresh thyme sprigs and serve alongside apple slices or crackers.
This appetizer pairs perfectly with other cozy starters like our pumpkin soup served in mini pumpkins or dense bean salad for a rustic dinner board.
Tasty Variations
Want to make your Classic Baked Brie with Fig Jam and Pecans a little different? Here are some creative twists:
Gluten-Free Version
Use a gluten-free puff pastry. Several brands offer pre-rolled sheets that work just as well as traditional pastry.
Add a Streusel Topping
Mix crushed pecans, brown sugar, and a touch of cinnamon to sprinkle on top of the fig jam before wrapping the brie. This adds crunch and a sweet finish great for pairing with our sweet sourdough pumpkin bread.
Swap the Jam
Not a fig fan? Try apricot, pear, or raspberry preserves. You can even go savory with caramelized onions for a deeper flavor.
Looking to add more seasonal flair? Serve alongside a salad like our green goddess chicken salad or strawberry spinach salad.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have leftovers (which rarely happens), here’s how to store and reheat:
- Refrigerate: Wrap leftovers in foil and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave it makes the pastry soggy.
- Freezing is not recommended once baked, but you can freeze assembled unbaked brie for up to a month.
Want to serve it fresh again? Prepare everything ahead and bake just before serving it’s just like what we recommend for easy make-ahead brunch bakes.
Why Everyone Loves This Recipe
This Classic Baked Brie with Fig Jam and Pecans checks every box. It’s:
- Buttery and flaky on the outside
- Creamy and rich on the inside
- Sweet, nutty, and just a bit savory
- A guaranteed hit at any fall gathering
It’s the kind of recipe that feels fancy but takes less than 10 minutes to assemble. That’s why it’s become just as iconic as our Halloween shortbread cookies when entertaining during the holidays.
Final Thoughts
Next time you want a quick appetizer that feels seasonal and indulgent, remember this Classic Baked Brie with Fig Jam and Pecans. It’s easy to make, beautiful to serve, and impossible not to love.