This Fig Walnut Baked Brie is a creamy cheese dream! The buttery brie is topped with sweet figs and crunchy walnuts, making it a fancy treat that’s super easy to whip up.
Every bite is a wonderful mix of flavors and textures! I love serving this with crackers or bread for a cozy get-together. It’s a hit every time—trust me, you’ll be the star of the party! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brie Cheese: This creamy cheese is the star of the dish! If you can’t find Brie, Camembert is a great substitute. It offers a similar creaminess and flavor profile.
Fig Jam: While I recommend fig jam for its sweetness, you could use other fruit preserves like apricot or raspberry if figs aren’t available. This will change the flavor slightly but still work well!
Walnuts: If you’re allergic to nuts, try using pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds instead. They’ll give a nice crunch without the nuts.
Fresh Thyme: This herb adds a nice earthy note, but feel free to leave it out or swap it with rosemary or even a touch of cinnamon for a different twist.
How Do You Bake the Perfect Brie?
Baking Brie is all about achieving that perfect gooey texture. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Preheat your oven well; this ensures even cooking. A hot oven (350°F) helps the cheese soften nicely.
- Monitor the baking time. You want the Brie to be warm and soft but not completely melted. About 10-15 minutes should do it.
- If you’re using a skillet, watch for any overflow of cheese. It might ooze out, so have a plan for any spills!
- Always garnish after removing it from the oven to maintain a pretty presentation!
With these tips, your baked Brie will be a showstopper every time!
Fig Walnut Baked Brie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 wheel (8 oz) Brie cheese
- 1/3 cup fig jam or fig preserves
- 1/3 cup walnut halves or pieces
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- Fresh figs, quartered, for garnish
- Toasted baguette slices or crackers, for serving
- Honey (optional, for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious dish will take you about 5 minutes to prepare and 10-15 minutes to bake, so you’ll have warm, gooey goodness in just under 25 minutes! Perfect for a last-minute appetizer or a cozy snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grab a baking sheet or an oven-safe skillet to place the Brie on. This will be its cozy home while it bakes!
2. Assemble Your Toppings:
Next, take that lovely wheel of Brie and put it on your prepared baking sheet. Spread the fig jam generously over the top. It will give the cheese a delicious, sweet flavor.
3. Add Some Crunch:
Now it’s time for the walnuts! Sprinkle them on top of the fig jam—make sure to spread them out evenly for the perfect crunch in every bite. If you like, add the fresh thyme leaves for an earthy touch.
4. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the Brie into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 10-15 minutes. You want it soft and oozy, but not fully melted. Keep an eye on it to ensure it reaches just the right gooeyness!
5. Final Touches:
Once it’s done, carefully take the Brie out of the oven. You can transfer it to a beautiful serving platter if you’d like, but it can also stay in the skillet for a rustic presentation. Garnish with the quartered fresh figs for a pop of color!
6. Serve & Enjoy:
Finally, serve your warm Fig Walnut Baked Brie with toasted baguette slices or crackers. If you’re feeling extra sweet, drizzle a bit of honey on top before serving. Dive in and enjoy this delightful appetizer with friends and family!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of Brie, you can substitute it with Camembert or even a rich goat cheese. Just keep in mind that the baking time may vary slightly based on the cheese’s size and firmness.
What Can I Use Instead of Fig Jam?
If fig jam isn’t available, you can use other fruit preserves like apricot, raspberry, or even a mix of fruit spreads to add a unique twist to the flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, make sure to let the Brie cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it in the oven until gooey again!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
You can prep the Brie by assembling it with the jam and walnuts, then cover and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just ensure you take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before baking to let it come to room temperature for even cooking!
