🎉 Introduction
If you’re looking for the ultimate holiday appetizer that’s elegant, effortless, and utterly irresistible, look no further than this Baked Brie with Fig Jam and Pecans.
This simple yet stunning dish features a wheel of creamy Brie cheese baked until warm and gooey, then topped with sweet fig jam, honey, and crunchy toasted pecans. A sprinkle of fresh thyme adds a fragrant herbal touch that perfectly balances the sweetness.
Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving gathering, a Christmas party, or a cozy wine-and-cheese night, this Baked Brie delivers an impressive centerpiece that takes just minutes to prepare. Serve it with crackers, apple slices, or toasted bread — it’s guaranteed to disappear in minutes!
It’s sophisticated, sweet, savory, and oh-so-creamy — everything you want in a holiday appetizer. 🌿🧀✨
🧰 Equipment Needed
You’ll only need a few kitchen essentials for this recipe:
- Baking sheet or small oven-safe dish
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife
- Small saucepan (optional, for toasting nuts)
- Spatula or spoon
- Serving platter or cheese board
🛒 Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make your Baked Brie with Fig Jam and Pecans:
🧀 Dairy
- 8–10 oz wheel Brie cheese
🍯 Condiments
- ¼ cup fig jam
- 1 tbsp honey
🌰 Nuts & Toppings
- ¼ cup pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped
🌿 Herbs
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
🍪 For Serving
- Crackers, toasted baguette slices, or apple wedges
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2
Unwrap the Brie wheel and place it on the prepared baking sheet or in a small oven-safe dish. If desired, gently score the top of the Brie in a crisscross pattern — this helps the jam soak in and makes it easier to serve.
Step 3
Spread the fig jam evenly over the top of the Brie using a spoon or spatula.
Step 4
Sprinkle the chopped pecans (or walnuts) evenly over the jam layer.
Step 5
Drizzle honey over the top to add sweetness and shine.
Step 6
Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top for an aromatic touch that perfectly complements the rich cheese and sweet jam.
Step 7
Place the Brie in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese feels soft and melty when gently pressed.
Step 8
While the Brie bakes, lightly toast any additional pecans in a small dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until fragrant (optional, but adds amazing crunch).
Step 9
Remove the Brie from the oven and let it rest for 3–5 minutes — this allows it to firm slightly while staying gooey inside.
Step 10
Carefully transfer the Brie to a serving platter using a spatula. Drizzle with a touch more honey and garnish with extra thyme sprigs if desired.
Step 11
Serve warm with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or crisp apple wedges. Enjoy the rich, sweet, nutty, and savory perfection of your Baked Brie with Fig Jam and Pecans!
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 6–8
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Bake Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: ~20 minutes
Perfect for holiday parties, dinner gatherings, or cozy date nights.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
– Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
– To reheat, place the Brie in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 5–7 minutes until warm and melty again.
– Avoid microwaving, as it can make the cheese rubbery and unevenly heated.
Tip: Leftover Brie makes a fantastic spread on toast or sandwiches!
🥄 Variations
Take your Baked Brie to the next level with these delicious variations:
- Cranberry Brie: Replace fig jam with cranberry sauce for a tart, festive twist.
- Maple Nut Brie: Use maple syrup instead of honey and add crushed pecans or hazelnuts.
- Apple Cinnamon Brie: Top with thin apple slices, cinnamon, and a drizzle of honey.
- Savory Herb Brie: Skip the jam and top with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs for a savory appetizer.
- Berry Brie: Swap fig jam for raspberry, blackberry, or blueberry preserves.
- Vegan Option: Use vegan Brie-style cheese and maple syrup instead of honey.
- Puff Pastry Brie: Wrap the Brie in puff pastry and bake until golden for a show-stopping appetizer.
- Spiced Brie: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a warm fall flavor.
- Balsamic Twist: Drizzle a little balsamic reduction over the top before serving.
- Nut-Free Version: Omit the nuts and top with pomegranate seeds for color and crunch.
❓ 10 FAQs
- Do I need to remove the rind before baking?
No — the rind is edible and helps the cheese hold its shape while baking. - Can I use a smaller Brie wheel?
Yes, just reduce the bake time to about 8 minutes. - Can I use different jam flavors?
Absolutely — apricot, raspberry, or even orange marmalade works beautifully. - Can I make this ahead of time?
You can assemble it in advance and refrigerate it, then bake just before serving. - Can I bake it in a puff pastry shell?
Yes! Wrap the Brie in pastry, seal the edges, and bake until golden brown (about 25 minutes). - What nuts work best?
Pecans and walnuts are classic, but almonds or pistachios add great flavor too. - Can I serve it cold?
Baked Brie is best served warm and gooey, but it’s still delicious at room temperature. - What’s the best way to serve it?
On a cheese board with crackers, baguette slices, apple wedges, or grapes. - Can I use brie with double or triple cream?
Yes — triple cream Brie is extra indulgent and melts beautifully. - How do I know when it’s done baking?
The Brie should look soft and slightly sag in the center when gently pressed.
🏁 Conclusion
This Baked Brie with Fig Jam and Pecans is the epitome of easy elegance — a warm, melty, crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines sweet, savory, and nutty flavors in every bite. It’s quick to make yet feels luxurious enough for any special occasion.
Whether you’re entertaining guests, setting up a holiday grazing board, or just treating yourself to something special, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. The creamy Brie, caramelized fig jam, and crunchy pecans create the perfect harmony of textures and flavors.
So this season, elevate your appetizer game with this simple yet stunning Baked Brie — it’s festive, flavorful, and always the first to disappear from the table!
Baked Brie with Fig Jam and Pecans – The Perfect Holiday Appetizer
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Unwrap the Brie wheel and place it on the prepared baking sheet or in a small oven-safe dish. If desired, gently score the top of the Brie in a crisscross pattern — this helps the jam soak in and makes it easier to serve.
- Spread the fig jam evenly over the top of the Brie using a spoon or spatula.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans (or walnuts) evenly over the jam layer.
- Drizzle honey over the top to add sweetness and shine.
- Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top for an aromatic touch that perfectly complements the rich cheese and sweet jam.
- Place the Brie in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese feels soft and melty when gently pressed.
- While the Brie bakes, lightly toast any additional pecans in a small dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until fragrant (optional, but adds amazing crunch).
- Remove the Brie from the oven and let it rest for 3–5 minutes — this allows it to firm slightly while staying gooey inside.
- Carefully transfer the Brie to a serving platter using a spatula. Drizzle with a touch more honey and garnish with extra thyme sprigs if desired.
- Serve warm with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or crisp apple wedges. Enjoy the rich, sweet, nutty, and savory perfection of your Baked Brie with Fig Jam and Pecans!
Notes
– To reheat, place the Brie in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 5–7 minutes until warm and melty again.
– Avoid microwaving, as it can make the cheese rubbery and unevenly heated. Tip: Leftover Brie makes a fantastic spread on toast or sandwiches! 🥄 Variations Take your Baked Brie to the next level with these delicious variations: Cranberry Brie: Replace fig jam with cranberry sauce for a tart, festive twist. Maple Nut Brie: Use maple syrup instead of honey and add crushed pecans or hazelnuts. Apple Cinnamon Brie: Top with thin apple slices, cinnamon, and a drizzle of honey. Savory Herb Brie: Skip the jam and top with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs for a savory appetizer. Berry Brie: Swap fig jam for raspberry, blackberry, or blueberry preserves. Vegan Option: Use vegan Brie-style cheese and maple syrup instead of honey. Puff Pastry Brie: Wrap the Brie in puff pastry and bake until golden for a show-stopping appetizer. Spiced Brie: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a warm fall flavor. Balsamic Twist: Drizzle a little balsamic reduction over the top before serving. Nut-Free Version: Omit the nuts and top with pomegranate seeds for color and crunch. ❓ 10 FAQs Do I need to remove the rind before baking?
No — the rind is edible and helps the cheese hold its shape while baking. Can I use a smaller Brie wheel?
Yes, just reduce the bake time to about 8 minutes. Can I use different jam flavors?
Absolutely — apricot, raspberry, or even orange marmalade works beautifully. Can I make this ahead of time?
You can assemble it in advance and refrigerate it, then bake just before serving. Can I bake it in a puff pastry shell?
Yes! Wrap the Brie in pastry, seal the edges, and bake until golden brown (about 25 minutes). What nuts work best?
Pecans and walnuts are classic, but almonds or pistachios add great flavor too. Can I serve it cold?
Baked Brie is best served warm and gooey, but it’s still delicious at room temperature. What’s the best way to serve it?
On a cheese board with crackers, baguette slices, apple wedges, or grapes. Can I use brie with double or triple cream?
Yes — triple cream Brie is extra indulgent and melts beautifully. How do I know when it’s done baking?
The Brie should look soft and slightly sag in the center when gently pressed. 🏁 Conclusion This Baked Brie with Fig Jam and Pecans is the epitome of easy elegance — a warm, melty, crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines sweet, savory, and nutty flavors in every bite. It’s quick to make yet feels luxurious enough for any special occasion. Whether you’re entertaining guests, setting up a holiday grazing board, or just treating yourself to something special, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. The creamy Brie, caramelized fig jam, and crunchy pecans create the perfect harmony of textures and flavors. So this season, elevate your appetizer game with this simple yet stunning Baked Brie — it’s festive, flavorful, and always the first to disappear from the table!
