Baked Brie en Croûte with Fig Jam Center is one of those timeless dishes that always sparks joy at the table. My story with this dish goes back to a chilly October in New England. I was helping prep a cozy friendsgiving, and someone brought a golden puff pastry parcel filled with warm brie and sticky fig jam. One bite, and I was hooked.
That same comforting flavor combo became a staple in my fall kitchen. Through Fresh Leaf Rezepte, I’ve tested and simplified this recipe into an easy, foolproof version that still feels special. It’s my go to for holiday starters, wine nights, or even a cozy weekend treat.
Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned home cook, this Baked Brie en Croûte with Fig Jam Center comes together with minimal effort and delivers maximum wow. Let’s break it down, step by step.
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Baked Brie en Croûte with Fig Jam Center
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A cozy, crowd-pleasing baked brie wrapped in golden puff pastry with sweet fig jam at the center perfect for holidays, wine nights, or fall gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 wheel of brie (about 8 oz)
- 2–3 tablespoons fig jam
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts
- Optional: fresh thyme
- Optional: honey drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unfold puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and gently roll to smooth folds.
- Place brie in the center of the pastry. Spoon fig jam over the top and spread to edges. Add optional nuts or herbs.
- Wrap pastry over the brie like a gift. Press edges to seal and flip so seams face down.
- Beat egg with a splash of water and brush over the pastry.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until puffed and golden. Rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Chill the wrapped brie for 10 minutes before baking to help pastry hold shape. Don’t overfill with jam to avoid leaks. Serve warm with crackers, bread, or apple slices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things beautifully simple. Here’s what you need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (store-bought works perfectly)
- 1 wheel of brie (about 8 oz)
- 2–3 tablespoons fig jam
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Optional toppings: chopped pecans or walnuts, fresh thyme, honey drizzle
Tip: For something fun and festive, serve alongside Pumpkin Soup Served in Mini Pumpkins or Mini Brie Bites with Fig and Rosemary to create a full fall appetizer spread.
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: Prep the puff pastry
Unfold the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Roll gently to remove fold lines and create an even square.
Step 3: Add the filling
Place the brie in the center of the pastry. Spoon fig jam over the top, spreading to the edges. Add chopped nuts or herbs if using.
Step 4: Wrap it up
Fold the corners of the pastry over the brie like you’re wrapping a present. Press edges to seal and flip the whole parcel over so seams face down.
Step 5: Egg wash
Beat the egg with a splash of water. Brush over the top and sides for that golden finish.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes until puffed and deeply golden. Let rest 5–10 minutes before cutting.
Serve warm with crusty bread, crackers, or sliced apples. For a perfect pairing, try Cheesecake Banana Pudding Bites as a sweet finish to your evening.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overstuff: A little fig jam goes a long way. Overfilling causes leaks.
- Chill before baking: After wrapping, chill the brie parcel for 10 minutes. This helps the puff pastry hold its shape.
- Use good brie: A creamy, mild brie melts beautifully. Avoid super aged or strong varieties here.
- Want it cheesier? Add a thin layer of goat cheese beneath the jam before baking.
Need a savory balance to your menu? This appetizer pairs well with heartier mains like One-Pan Chicken and Chorizo.
Variations to Try
- Gluten Free: Use a gluten-free puff pastry brands like Schär or Jus Rol work well.
- Sweet twist: Swap fig jam for raspberry preserves or apple butter.
- Nut free: Omit the pecans if allergies are a concern. A sprinkle of fresh rosemary adds nice flavor.
- Holiday ready: Cut pastry scraps into leaves and press on top for festive flair.
Love experimenting? Pair this with dessert ideas like Strawberry Danish Recipe or cozy loaves such as Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe.
Storage and Reheating
Storage
Wrap leftovers tightly in foil or an airtight container. Refrigerate up to 3 days.
Reheating
Bake in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 10–15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving this makes the pastry soggy.
Freezing
You can assemble and freeze the unbaked brie parcel for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time.
Planning ahead? Make this along with Sweet Sourdough Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon and Pecans and freeze both for easy holiday prep.
FAQs About Baked Brie en Croûte with Fig Jam Center
What can I use instead of fig jam?
Apricot, raspberry, or even caramelized onion jam all work well here. Choose what complements your menu.
Should I cut the rind off brie before baking?
Nope! The rind is edible and helps the cheese hold shape. Leave it on.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the wrapped brie and chill for up to 24 hours before baking. Add egg wash just before baking.
What’s the best way to serve it?
Serve warm with fresh fruit, crostini, or crackers. It’s perfect for fall gatherings or paired with wine.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Brie en Croûte with Fig Jam Center is a cozy, crowd-pleasing appetizer that looks elegant but takes minutes to prep. Whether it’s for a fall brunch, a holiday starter, or a weeknight indulgence, it always delivers.
Warm, gooey brie wrapped in golden pastry with sweet fig jam? It’s the kind of dish that invites people to slow down, gather around, and savor the moment.
Want more cozy recipes like this one? Browse through other fall favorites like Pumpkin S’mores Cookies or Wholesome Banana Bread Baked Oats.