Baked Brie with Fig Jam and Walnuts

This baked brie with fig jam recipe is a totally crowd pleaser! Brie is topped with a delicious spread of sweet fig jam, rosemary, and chopped walnuts, then baked until the cheese is melted and ooey gooey. Serve with warm bread, crackers, and fresh fruit for an elegant and easy appetizer perfect for the holiday season.

As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This website may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my privacy policy.

I’m a bit of a sucker for baked brie cheese with jam. As the brie bakes in the oven, something magical happens; it melts and oozes while the jam envelopes the creamy cheese. Each bite contains the perfect ratio of salty, buttery, rich brie and warm, sweet jam.

For more easy recipes, try my sour cream dip, jalapeno artichoke dip, or eggplant fatteh.

Ingredient Notes

This recipe requires just a few simple ingredients, making it an easy option when you're entertaining! You can even make it ahead of time and pop it in the oven just as your guests arrive.

• Brie: For this recipe, you will need a wheel of brie cheese (not a wedge). It's usually wrapped in plastic or in a paper box in the cheese section of most grocery stores.
• Fig Jam: I highly recommend Dalmatia and Bonne Mamans' fig jams.
• Rosemary: For the best flavor, I recommend using a sprig of fresh rosemary, but you can use dried as well.
• Orange Zest (optional): Orange zest is optional but helps brighten the jam with its floral, citrus notes.

For a full list of ingredients and quantities, refer to the recipe card.

Serving Suggestions

There are two popular ways of baking this dish.

Baked brie: With this first method, you smear a bit of jam on top of a wheel of brie, then bake it on a sheet tray or cast-iron pan in the oven until hot, softened, and melty. Then, guests can scoop the melted brie with crostini and crackers for serving.

Brie en croute: Alternatively, you can wrap the brie and jam in puff pastry dough, then bake the whole thing in the oven until the pastry is golden brown. Cut into the warm puff pastry, and you’ll see a fountain of warm, melted cheese inside.

Both methods are delicious, but I'm focusing on the first option, as it's so easy! However, if you'd like to try the second option, check out 'How to Bake Brie with Puff Pastry'.

Swaps & Substitutions

I love the combination of fig, rosemary, and walnuts, but don't feel limited! There are SO many fun flavor pairings and combinations you can try here.

• Substitute the brie with camembert cheese for a slightly funkier, earthier flavor with a similar texture.
• You can play around with a variety of different jams, like apricot, cranberry, or even pepper jelly!
• Chop up fresh figs and arrange them on top before baking!
• Replace the rosemary with other fresh herbs, like thyme or marjoram.
• Use pecans or almonds in place of walnuts. 

How to Make This Recipe

Step 1 - Preheat the oven to 350°F / 177°C. In a small cast-iron skillet or pan, melt butter, then add the walnuts and rosemary and cook until toasted. Once sizzling, add the orange zest (if using) then remove from the heat to cool.

Step 2 - If using the same skillet for baking, wipe the skillet clean and add the cheese. Otherwise, place the brie in an oven-safe baking dish. Lightly score the top of the cheese in a criss-cross pattern.

TIP: Scoring the rind offers several benefits. It helps the flavors seep into the cheese and promotes more even cooking.

Step 3 - Spread the jam on top, followed by the walnut rosemary mixture. Season with flaky salt or sea salt.

Step 4 - Bake in the oven until the cheese is nicely melted. To check without cutting into it, I recommend gently pressing a knife into the side. It should feel relatively soft and not stiff.

Serve: Place the skillet on a trivet over a serving platter, like a cheese board or cutting board. Arrange with crackers, warm bread, fresh fruit, and/or other cheeses. Serve warm and enjoy this delicious appetizer!

How to Make Baked Brie with Puff Pastry

If you'd like to serve the cheese in puff pastry, you'll follow a similar process, starting with making the walnut butter. Then, preheat the oven to 400°F / 204°C.

1. On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, gently unfold the sheet of puff pastry to form a rectangle of dough (you do not need to roll it out).
2. With a sharp knife, cut off the top ¼-inch of the brie rind. Spread the jam and butter over the top.
3. Carefully bring the corners of the puff pastry to the center of the wheel of brie to form a sealed package. Remove any excess pastry with kitchen scissors. Make sure the pastry is fully sealed to prevent the brie from leaking out.
4. Brush with an egg wash, top with flaky salt, and bake for 30 - 35 minutes until golden-brown and flaky. Remove from the oven and cool for 5 - 10 minutes, then serve. Enjoy!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

• Leftover baked brie will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container. 
• Reheat leftovers in a baking dish for 5 - 10 minutes at 350°F/177°C until warmed through.

Recipe FAQs

Recipe Changes

Note: This recipe was originally published on October 30, 2022 featuring baked brie with fig jam and pecans in puff pastry. It was re-published on October 2nd, 2024 using walnuts instead of pecans and without the use off the pastry for a simpler method.

For the original recipe, feel free to replace the walnuts with pecans and follow the instructions here on 'How to Bake Brie with Puff Pastry'. Thank you!