Fig Jam and Brie Puff Pastry Bites Recipe
Fig jam's concentrated sweetness balances the richness of melted brie, and wrapping both in puff pastry traps the cheese as it goes molten instead of spreading out flat on the pan. A short rest after baking lets the filling set just enough to slice cleanly without losing that warm, gooey center.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 28 min
- Total
- 43 min
- Servings
- 10
Ingredients
- 1 sheet (about 14 oz) puff pastry sheet, thawed
- 8 oz brie wheel
- 1/3 cup fig jam
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon honey, for drizzling
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 240
- Protein
- 8g
- Carbs
- 14g
- Fat
- 18g
Based on the recipe as written, one serving. Recalculates if you swap an ingredient above. An estimate only, exact values depend on the specific ingredients used.
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Instructions
- 1Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2On a lightly floured surface, roll the thawed puff pastry sheet into a 12-inch square, trimming any uneven edges.
- 3Set the brie wheel in the center of the pastry. If the brie has a very thick rind, slice off the top rind so the jam can melt directly into the cheese.
- 4Spread the fig jam evenly over the top of the brie and scatter the chopped walnuts over the jam.
- 5Fold the corners and sides of the pastry up and over the brie, pleating as you go, and pinch the seams together at the top to fully enclose the cheese. Flip the parcel seam-side down onto the prepared baking sheet.
- 6Brush the entire surface of the pastry with the beaten egg. Use any pastry scraps to cut small decorative leaves and press them onto the top, then brush those with egg wash too.
- 7Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the pastry is deep golden brown and puffed all over. If the top browns too quickly, tent it loosely with foil for the last 5 minutes.
- 8Let the baked brie rest on the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a serving board, this keeps the melted cheese from running out when it's cut.
- 9Drizzle with honey and scatter fresh thyme leaves over the top just before serving with crackers or sliced baguette.
Tips & variations
- Swap the walnuts for pecans or sliced almonds, or leave nuts out entirely for a nut-free version.
- Camembert works as a 1:1 substitute for brie and has an even softer, runnier texture once baked.
- If fig jam isn't available, apricot preserves or a good-quality raspberry jam make a fine substitute with a similar sweet-tart balance.
- For individual servings, use a muffin tin and small squares of puff pastry with a spoonful of jam and a cube of brie in each, reducing the bake time to about 15-18 minutes.
Storage & reheating
Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though the pastry will soften. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes to re-crisp the pastry and re-melt the cheese; microwaving makes the pastry soggy.
Tips from the Tulo kitchen
- Assemble the wrapped pastry parcel up to a day ahead and keep it refrigerated unbaked; brush with egg wash right before it goes into the oven.
- A sharp paring knife makes cleaner cuts through the melted center than a chef's knife, since the shorter blade gives more control near the crust.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Wrap the assembled, unbaked pastry parcel tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Brush with egg wash and bake straight from the fridge, adding 3-5 extra minutes to the bake time.
Why did my puff pastry turn out soggy on the bottom?
This usually happens when the brie releases moisture before the bottom crust has a chance to set. Make sure the oven is fully preheated before baking, and use a parchment-lined baking sheet rather than a dish, which traps steam underneath.
Can I use frozen puff pastry straight from the freezer?
No, thaw it first, ideally overnight in the refrigerator or about 40 minutes at room temperature. Frozen pastry cracks and tears when you try to roll or fold it around the brie.
What can I serve with fig jam and brie puff pastry bites?
Plain water crackers, a sliced baguette, or thin apple and pear slices all work well since they don't compete with the sweetness of the fig jam.
