Make this elegant, crowd-pleasing baked brie appetizer that features creamy melted cheese wrapped in flaky puff pastry and topped with sweet fig jam. This recipe focuses on preventing a soggy bottom for a perfect, impressive result every time.
Author:felixhayes
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:25 min
Total Time:50 min
Yield:6-8 servings 1x
Category:Appetizer
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 (13.2 ounce) wheel of brie cheese, cold
1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
1/2 cup fig jam
1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Remove the brie from its packaging and place it on the parchment paper. If the brie is very soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm it up slightly.
Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to about a 12-inch square.
Place the cold brie wheel in the center of the puff pastry.
Spoon the fig jam evenly over the top surface of the brie wheel. If using nuts, sprinkle them over the jam now.
Carefully fold the edges of the puff pastry up and over the brie, sealing the pastry completely around the cheese. Trim any excess dough. Pinch the seams tightly to seal.
Flip the pastry-wrapped brie seam-side down onto the prepared baking sheet. This helps prevent leakage.
Brush the entire surface of the pastry with the beaten egg wash. This creates a golden finish.
Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 10 minutes. This step is key to achieving a crisp bottom crust and preventing sogginess.
Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed, and the cheese is melted and gooey inside.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving warm with crackers or sliced baguette.
Notes
For a savory option, replace the fig jam with 2 cloves minced garlic mixed with 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme and a drizzle of olive oil.
If you skip the chilling step, you risk the pastry becoming soggy on the bottom. Do not skip the freezer rest.
Serve immediately after the 5-minute rest for the best melted texture.