This Baked Brie is a warm and gooey delight topped with sweet fig jam and crunchy pecans. It’s perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying during a cozy night in!
Seriously, who can resist melty cheese? I love serving it with crackers or bread, and watching everyone gasp in delight when they take their first bite. So easy and delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brie Cheese: The star of this dish! Its creamy texture and mild flavor pair beautifully with the sweet fig jam. If you can’t find Brie, Camembert can be a good substitute as it has a similar texture and taste.
Fig Jam: This adds the sweet element that balances the Brie. If fig jam isn’t available, you might try apricot or raspberry jam for a different but still sweet flavor profile.
Pecans: I love how the nuts add a nice crunch. If you prefer, walnuts or almonds will work as alternatives, though they have slightly different flavors.
Fresh Rosemary: This herb provides a lovely aroma. If you’re out of rosemary, thyme or even sage can be used for a different but delicious twist.
Lemon Zest: Adding this gives a fresh kick! Leave it out if you’re not a fan or if you don’t have any on hand; it’s not essential.
How Do You Get the Brie Perfectly Melty Without Making it Runny?
Getting Brie melted just right is key to this dish. You want a nice warm gooey center without it running off the plate. Here are some tips:
- Preheat your oven properly. A steady 350°F (175°C) ensures even melting.
- Watch the time! Bake for about 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t get too liquid.
- Remove it as soon as it’s warm and slightly soft to the touch in the center. It will continue to soften once out of the oven.
With these steps, you’ll have a beautifully melted Brie ready for dipping!
Baked Brie With Fig Jam And Pecans
Ingredients:
- 1 (8-ounce) wheel of Brie cheese
- 1/3 cup fig jam
- 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped or whole as preferred
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (plus extra sprigs for garnish)
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional for brightness)
- Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving
Time Estimate:
This recipe takes about 5 minutes of prep time, plus 10-15 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’ll need about 15-20 minutes to get this fancy appetizer ready to wow your friends and family!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the Brie melts perfectly. While that’s warming up, grab a small oven-safe dish or a cast-iron skillet and place the wheel of Brie in it. This will be the cozy home for your delicious bake!
2. Add the Fig Jam:
Now, take your fig jam and spread it evenly over the top of the Brie. Don’t be shy; go ahead and get a nice layer covering it! The jam is going to add a delightful sweetness that pairs beautifully with the creamy Brie.
3. Sprinkle with Pecans and Herbs:
Next, it’s time to add some crunch! Sprinkle the pecans over the fig jam. Feel free to use either whole or chopped nuts depending on your preference. Then, sprinkle the finely chopped fresh rosemary on top, and if you’re feeling fancy, add a bit of lemon zest for a fresh zing.
4. Bake it Up:
Slide your dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 10-15 minutes. You want the Brie to be warm and melty but not completely leaking all over the place. Keep an eye on it to find that perfect balance of gooeyness!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s baked to perfection, carefully remove it from the oven (it’ll be hot!). Garnish with another sprig of fresh rosemary for a lovely touch. Now, it’s time to dig in! Serve it warm with your favorite crackers or slices of baguette for the perfect dipping experience. Enjoy this simple yet elegant appetizer that’s sure to impress!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Brie is ideal for its creaminess, using Camembert or even goat cheese can work well. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor will change slightly, but they’ll all be delicious!
Can I Prepare This in Advance?
Yes! You can prep everything ahead of time. Assemble the Brie with fig jam and pecans in your dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve—add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover baked Brie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, until warmed through.
What Should I Serve With Baked Brie?
Crackers or sliced baguette are classic options! You can also serve it with fresh fruit, apple slices, or even spicy nuts for a fun mix of flavors and textures.