Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This classic appetizer delivers layers of flavor and texture—rich, melty Brie, sweet fig jam, and buttery pastry all in one bite. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, yet looks and tastes gourmet. It’s also endlessly customizable and can be served with crackers, fruit, or bread for dipping. Best of all, you can prep it ahead of time and bake it fresh just before serving.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Wheel of Brie (8–12 ounces)
- Puff pastry sheet, thawed
- Fig jam
- Egg (for egg wash)
- All-purpose flour (for dusting surface)
- Optional: chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts), fresh rosemary or thyme
For Serving (Optional)
- Apple or pear slices
- Crackers
- Crostini
- Grapes or fresh figs
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a square large enough to fully wrap the Brie.
- Place the Brie wheel in the center of the pastry.
- Top with fig jam, spreading a few tablespoons over the top of the cheese. Add chopped nuts or herbs if using.
- Fold the pastry over the Brie, trimming excess corners if needed, and press to seal. Flip the wrapped Brie seam-side down.
- Brush the pastry with beaten egg for a golden, glossy finish.
- Optional: Use pastry scraps to cut decorative shapes and place them on top. Brush with more egg wash.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
- Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly.
- Serve warm with crackers, fruit, or toasted bread.
Servings and timing
Serves 6 to 8 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: 35–40 minutes
Variations
- Nutty Fig Brie: Add chopped walnuts or pecans with the fig jam for extra texture.
- Herbed Version: Sprinkle chopped rosemary or thyme inside with the jam for a savory note.
- Berry Swap: Use raspberry preserves, apricot jam, or cranberry sauce instead of fig jam.
- Mini Brie Bites: Use mini Brie wheels or cut a large wheel into portions and wrap individually.
- Sweet Finish: Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with sea salt just before serving.
Storage/Reheating
- Store leftovers wrapped in foil in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes until warmed through and pastry is crisp.
- Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.
- Not freezer-friendly once baked, but can be assembled (unbaked) and frozen for later.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the wrapped Brie and store it in the fridge (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
Do I need to remove the rind from the Brie?
No, the rind is edible and helps the cheese hold its shape while baking.
Can I freeze it before baking?
Yes. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
What’s the best fig jam to use?
Any good-quality fig jam or fig spread works well. Look for one with minimal added sugar for the best flavor balance.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Brie is ideal due to its texture, but you can also use Camembert or a soft triple-cream cheese.
How do I prevent leaks?
Make sure to seal the puff pastry well and bake seam-side down to keep the cheese contained.
Do I need to pre-bake the pastry?
No, the pastry bakes fully around the cheese and creates a perfect golden crust without pre-baking.
What can I serve with it?
Sliced apples, pears, grapes, crackers, crostini, or toasted baguette slices are all excellent pairings.
Can I make it without egg wash?
Yes, but the egg wash gives the pastry a golden color. You can use milk or cream as an alternative.
Can I make a vegan version?
Use dairy-free puff pastry and vegan Brie-style cheese. Check labels to ensure all components are plant-based.
Conclusion
Brie en Croûte with Fig Jam is an elegant yet easy appetizer that combines creamy, melty cheese with sweet fig preserves and flaky pastry for a truly crowd-pleasing bite. Whether you’re entertaining or indulging in a cozy night in, this dish adds a touch of sophistication to any occasion with very little effort. Serve it warm, and watch it disappear.
PrintBrie en Croûte with Fig Jam
Brie en Croûte with Fig Jam is a luxurious and easy-to-make appetizer that wraps creamy Brie and sweet fig jam in flaky puff pastry, baked to golden perfection. Ideal for entertaining or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 wheel of Brie cheese (8–12 ounces)
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 2–3 tablespoons fig jam
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for dusting)
- Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts
- Optional: 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary or thyme
For Serving (Optional):
- Apple or pear slices
- Crackers
- Crostini
- Grapes or fresh figs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a square large enough to fully wrap the Brie.
- Place the Brie wheel in the center of the pastry.
- Spread fig jam over the top of the Brie. Add optional nuts or herbs if desired.
- Fold the pastry over the Brie, trimming excess corners if needed, and press to seal. Flip seam-side down.
- Brush the pastry with beaten egg. Add decorative cutouts from pastry scraps if desired, and brush those as well.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
- Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with crackers, fruit, or crostini.
Notes
- Assemble ahead and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours.
- Brush with egg wash for a glossy, golden crust.
- Use Camembert or another soft cheese as a substitute for Brie.
- Serve with a drizzle of honey or sprinkle of sea salt for added flavor.
- Freeze unbaked wrapped Brie for up to 1 month; bake from frozen with extra time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 wheel
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 45mg