Name: Baked Brie with Jam and Puff Pastry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed; 10 ounce brie cheese wheel (8-12 ounces); 1/3 cup fig jam (see notes for other jam options); 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped; 1 egg, mixed with 1 tablespoon of water; Fruit, crackers, or crostini for serving; Rosemary or thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 31 reviews

If you’ve ever wanted an appetizer that feels both fancy and fuss-free, this Baked Brie with Jam and Puff Pastry Recipe is your golden ticket. Imagine creamy, melty brie wrapped in buttery puff pastry, kissed with a sweet layer of jam and crunchy walnuts—like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re hosting a last-minute gathering or just craving something special, this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to pull off. Read on, and I’ll walk you through every step so you nail it perfectly!

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Flavor Balance: The creamy brie, sweet jam, and crunchy walnuts create a harmony of textures and tastes.
Easy but Impressive: Using store-bought puff pastry makes this elegant dish achievable without hours in the kitchen.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep everything except the egg wash in advance to save time.
Customizable: Swap jams and nuts to cater to your personal preferences or seasonal offerings.

Baked Brie with Jam and Puff Pastry, easy baked brie appetizer, cheesy puff pastry dip, crowd-pleasing party appetizer, quick brie and jam bites - A white plate sits on a white marbled surface, holding a round golden-brown pastry topped with halves of figs and scattered walnuts. Around the pastry, there are clusters of red and green grapes, dried apricots, slices of pear with green leaves, round beige crackers stacked on one side, and slices of crusty white bread. Figs with green leaves are also placed near the pears, and a cheese knife with a white handle rests on the plate among the crackers and pears. Nearby on the surface, there is a small white bowl of honey with a wooden honey dipper, a rustic wooden tray with more bread slices and figs, and a small bowl filled with walnuts. Fresh green herbs are scattered around for decoration. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this baked brie recipe plays a starring role, coming together to create a dish that’s as stunning as it is delicious. Knowing why you’re using each one helps you make smart swaps and understand the texture and flavor you want to achieve.

Baked Brie with Jam and Puff Pastry, easy baked brie appetizer, cheesy puff pastry dip, crowd-pleasing party appetizer, quick brie and jam bites - Flat lay of a whole wheel of fresh brie cheese, a square sheet of thawed puff pastry, a small white bowl filled with glossy fig jam, a small white bowl with chopped walnuts, a whole uncracked brown egg, a few sprigs of fresh rosemary, and an assortment of fresh fruit slices and round crostini arranged neatly, all placed on simple white ceramic bowls or plates, perfectly balanced and symmetrical, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Puff Pastry: This flaky, buttery dough crisps up beautifully, providing a sturdy yet delicate shell for the gooey cheese and sweet jam.
Brie Cheese: Choose a good-quality wheel of brie of about 8 to 12 ounces; it melts perfectly, offering that signature creamy texture and mild nuttiness.
Fig Jam: I love fig for its deep, jammy sweetness that complements brie well, but feel free to use apricot, raspberry, or a tangy marmalade.
Walnuts: Toasted walnuts add a toasty crunch and earthy flavor contrast against the soft brie and sweet jam.
Egg Wash: Brushing the pastry with egg wash before baking gives that irresistible golden shine and crispiness.
Fruit, Crackers, or Crostini: These are perfect for serving, providing extra texture and visual appeal.
Rosemary or Thyme (Optional): Fresh herbs add a subtle, savory aroma and beautiful garnish.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

This Baked Brie with Jam and Puff Pastry Recipe is such a flexible canvas that I’m always excited to play around with it. It’s super easy to make it your own depending on what you enjoy eating or what you have on hand.

Variation: I once swapped the fig jam for a spicy pepper jelly—it gave the baked brie a smoky kick that wowed my friends at a party.
Nuts: Pecans or sliced almonds work just as well as walnuts, and toasting them really brings out their flavor.
Herbs: If you want a more savory note, sprinkle chopped rosemary or thyme over the jam before wrapping the cheese.
Jam-Free Version: For a simpler version, just add a drizzle of honey before wrapping—it’s a different vibe but still heavenly.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Brie with Jam and Puff Pastry Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Puff Pastry Canvas

Start by thawing your sheet of frozen puff pastry—follow package instructions for best results. Once thawed, gently roll it out on a floured surface until you have about a 10 to 12-inch square—not too thin or it won’t hold together, but thin enough to crisp up nicely. Trust me, don’t rush this part! Keeping the pastry cold by chilling it after rolling will help prevent it from becoming soggy during baking.

Step 2: Assemble the Brie, Jam, and Nuts

Place your brie wheel right in the center of the pastry square. Spread about a third of a cup of fig jam over the top—don’t be shy here, that jam is the star of the show for sweetness. Sprinkle the chopped toasted walnuts evenly over the jam; the crunch will keep every bite interesting. I always toast my walnuts in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes until fragrant because it amps the flavor so much.

Step 3: Fold It Like a Pinwheel

Cut from each corner of the puff pastry inward, stopping about half an inch from the edge of the brie so you create four triangular flaps. Now, gently lift each flap up and over the cheese, overlapping a bit at the top to fully encase the brie. Here’s a tip: don’t stretch the dough too much, or it might tear during baking. Once folded, brush the seams with the egg wash so the pastry sticks together like a charm. Pop your wrapped brie in the fridge for about 20 minutes—this chilling step is crucial because it helps the pastry maintain its shape and browns up beautifully.

Step 4: Egg Wash and Bake To Golden Perfection

After chilling, brush the entire pastry surface with the egg wash to get that gorgeous golden color. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated 400℉ oven for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a puffed, golden-brown crust. Resist the urge to open the oven too often! Once baked, let it rest for 5 minutes before serving—that brief cooling makes it easier to slice without all the cheese running everywhere.

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Pro Tips for Making Baked Brie with Jam and Puff Pastry Recipe

Chill Before Baking: Refrigerating the wrapped brie solidifies the dough and slows the cheese melting process, preventing leaks.
Toast Your Nuts: It only takes a few minutes but boosts the nutty flavor and adds a satisfying crunch.
Egg Wash Like a Pro: Make sure to cover all exposed dough areas for an even golden brown color and a glossy finish.
Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting the baked brie rest before cutting helps the cheese finish setting up inside, so you get gooey center without a messy meltdown.

How to Serve Baked Brie with Jam and Puff Pastry Recipe

Baked Brie with Jam and Puff Pastry, easy baked brie appetizer, cheesy puff pastry dip, crowd-pleasing party appetizer, quick brie and jam bites - The image shows a white plate on a white marbled surface filled with a variety of foods. At the center, there is a round golden-brown baked item with a glossy top, where a wedge has been taken out, revealing melted creamy cheese flowing out, mixed with small rice-shaped bits and walnuts on top. To the left, there are light green grapes and thin slices of green pear arranged in a fan shape. Near the edge of the plate are light round crackers stacked on top of each other. A knife with a white handle and a metallic blade is partially inserted into a small piece of bread with melted cheese. On top of the baked item, there are sliced figs with their pink inner flesh and tiny seeds visible, along with more walnuts and green herbs. The background shows a blurred jar and other fruits. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually top mine off with a few fresh rosemary sprigs for a pop of color and a subtle piney aroma that pairs wonderfully with the flaky crust. A light drizzle of honey after baking also adds a luxe sweetness that’s super inviting. If you want to keep it simple, just scatter extra toasted walnuts around your serving platter.

Side Dishes

Serving your baked brie with fresh fruit like sliced apples, grapes, or pears helps cut through the richness. I also love having an assortment of crackers or toasted baguette slices for dipping. Occasionally, I’ll add some pickled vegetables or olives on the side to balance flavors with a bit of tang.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or dinner parties, I’ve wrapped individual small brie wheels in puff pastry to make personal mini appetizers—perfect finger food. Another fun idea is to arrange the baked brie on a wooden cheese board surrounded by seasonal fruits, nuts, and a few jam jars for a rustic-chic look that always impresses.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, if you have leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to two days. Keep in mind the pastry tends to lose its crispness, and the cheese won’t be quite as melty upon reheating.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the assembled but unbaked wrapped brie once or twice by tightly sealing it and popping it into the freezer. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and then add the egg wash just before popping it into the oven. This makes it a great option for unexpected guests or when you want to prep ahead.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I recommend an oven set to 400℉ for about 8-10 minutes to revive the crispness without overcooking the cheese. Avoid microwaving—it’ll get rubbery and soggy fast.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese for this Baked Brie with Jam and Puff Pastry Recipe?

While brie is ideal for its creamy melt and mild flavor, you could try camembert as a close substitute. Hard cheeses won’t melt the same way and can make the pastry tough, so stick to soft-ripened cheeses for best results.
What’s the best jam to use for baked brie?

Fig jam is my go-to because of its rich sweetness and texture, but raspberry, apricot, or even a tangy orange marmalade work beautifully. Choose jams that balance sweetness and acidity to complement the buttery cheese.
How do I prevent the cheese from oozing out during baking?

Chilling the wrapped brie in the fridge before baking helps the pastry set and slows the cheese melting. Also, avoid cutting the pastry too close to the cheese—leave at least a half-inch gap when making your pinwheel cuts.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the brie wrapped in puff pastry and keep it wrapped and chilled for up to 3 hours before baking. Just add the egg wash right before you put it in the oven.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Brie with Jam and Puff Pastry Recipe has become my go-to for when I want to impress without stress. It’s the kind of dish that sparks conversation and instant smiles at any gathering. I can’t wait for you to try it—you’ll love how simple yet stunning it is. And trust me, once you master this, it’ll quickly become your favorite appetizer to share with friends and family.