Fig, Brie, and Thyme Puff Pastry Squares have always held a special place in my kitchen. My story with this recipe begins back in my grandmother’s warm, spice-scented kitchen. As the fall breeze swirled outside and golden leaves danced on the porch, she’d unwrap soft cheese and press fresh herbs into dough while I stood by, fascinated. That mix of savory and sweet the creamy brie, sticky fig jam, and woodsy thyme became a flavor memory I couldn’t forget. Now, after years of cooking around the world, I return to these cozy roots with this reader-favorite recipe. It’s fast, foolproof, and deeply satisfying.
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Fig, Brie, and Thyme Puff Pastry Squares
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 12 squares
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A cozy, elegant fall appetizer with creamy brie, sweet fig jam, and aromatic thyme, all nestled in golden, flaky puff pastry. Perfect for entertaining or savoring with a warm drink.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed but still cold
- 4 oz brie cheese, sliced into small squares
- 3–4 tablespoons fig jam
- Fresh thyme, stripped from stems
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Flaky sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Lightly flour your surface and roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle, about ⅛ inch thick. Cut into 12 equal squares.
- Place a slice of brie in the center of each square. Add ½ teaspoon fig jam and a few thyme leaves.
- Fold corners slightly inward or leave open-faced. Brush edges with beaten egg.
- Transfer to baking sheet and bake 14–18 minutes until golden and puffed.
- Cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack. Serve warm.
Notes
Keep puff pastry cold for best flakiness. Don’t overload with jam. Use parchment for easy cleanup. Fresh thyme is best—avoid dried.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
A Cozy Fall Appetizer That Wows Every Time
When the days grow shorter and you start craving comfort food with elegance, Fig, Brie, and Thyme Puff Pastry Squares hit every note. They’re crispy, creamy, herbaceous, and subtly sweet all wrapped in golden pastry. Whether you’re hosting friends, looking for a Thanksgiving starter, or just want to indulge in something warm and flaky with a cup of tea, this simple yet elevated treat delivers. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes and requires just a handful of ingredients.
Throughout this article, I’ll walk you through everything from ingredients and instructions to clever variations and smart storage tips. Let’s get baking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need anything fancy just quality ingredients and a little love.
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed but still cold
- 4 oz brie cheese, sliced into small squares
- 3–4 tablespoons fig jam
- Fresh thyme, stripped from stems
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Flaky sea salt (optional)
You can double the recipe easily for larger gatherings. Keep the puff pastry cold until you’re ready to assemble this helps ensure it puffs beautifully.
Try this next: These mini Brie bites with fig and rosemary are a great option if you’re entertaining a crowd.
Step by Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Puff Pastry
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly flour your surface and roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle, about ⅛ inch thick. Using a knife or pizza cutter, divide it into 12 equal squares.
2. Assemble Each Square
Place a small slice of brie in the center of each square. Add ½ teaspoon of fig jam on top. Sprinkle a few thyme leaves over each one.
Fold the corners slightly inward or leave them open-faced depending on the look you want. Brush edges lightly with the beaten egg.
3. Bake Until Golden
Transfer to the baking sheet and bake for 14–18 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. Watch them closely during the final minutes to prevent overbaking.
4. Cool and Serve
Let them cool for 5 minutes on the tray before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Looking for a full-sized version of this flavor combo? You’ll love this brie and fig flatbread appetizer it’s ideal for fall dinner parties.
Tips for Success
- Cold pastry = flaky results: If the dough softens while assembling, pop the tray into the fridge for 10 minutes before baking.
- Don’t overload: A little jam goes a long way. Too much can ooze out and burn.
- Use parchment: It helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup simple.
- Herbs matter: Fresh thyme brings a gentle earthy note. Avoid dried it’s too sharp here.
Bonus: If you have leftover fig jam, swirl it into oatmeal or try it in this skillet brie with fig chutney.
Flavor Variations
Looking to put your own spin on these squares? Here are some creative ideas:
Gluten-Free Option
Use store-bought gluten-free puff pastry or make your own if you’re up for the challenge. Bake times remain the same, but keep an eye on the pastry’s color for doneness.
Add a Crunchy Streusel Topping
Mix a tablespoon of almond flour, brown sugar, and chopped walnuts. Sprinkle over the jam before baking for a sweet-savory crunch. This version pairs well with mulled cider or apple butter.
Swap the Jam
No fig jam? Try apricot, pear preserves, or cranberry sauce for a festive twist. The creaminess of brie works beautifully with a variety of fruits.
These tweaks add flair while keeping that cozy, comforting feel. If you’re into warm seasonal bakes, check out this apple cinnamon bread for dessert.
How to Store and Reheat
Storing
Allow leftovers to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Place parchment between layers to avoid sticking.
Reheating
To re-crisp the pastry, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5–8 minutes. Avoid microwaving it’s fast but makes the pastry soggy.
Planning ahead? You can freeze unbaked squares. Assemble and freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes.
Serve them alongside this comforting pumpkin soup in mini pumpkins for a cozy autumn meal.
FAQ
Can I make Fig, Brie, and Thyme Puff Pastry Squares ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them a few hours ahead and store in the fridge until ready to bake.
Can I substitute goat cheese for brie?
Absolutely. Goat cheese adds tang and pairs nicely with sweet jam.
Is store-bought puff pastry okay?
Yes frozen puff pastry works perfectly and saves time.
How do I serve them for a party?
Serve on a wooden board with fresh grapes, sliced pears, and nuts. They’re perfect for grazing.
Conclusion
There’s a reason Fig, Brie, and Thyme Puff Pastry Squares are a reader favorite. They’re effortlessly elegant, cozy enough for weeknights, and impressive enough for guests. With flaky pastry, melty cheese, and a hint of sweetness, they capture everything we love about fall in a single bite. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned cook, this recipe is a keeper.
If you loved this, don’t miss the baked brie en croute with fig jam center or the heavenly summer peach bars for your next sweet-salty craving.