If you are looking for a delightful, fuss-free appetizer that never fails to wow guests, this Baked Brie with Jam and Nuts Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Picture a creamy wheel of double creme French brie warmed until perfectly gooey, topped with a luscious layer of sweet fig jam and crunchy pecans, all accented with a hint of fresh rosemary. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering, casual dinner, or an elegant soirée, this dish combines rich, contrasting textures and flavors that come together in a harmonious bite that’s both comforting and utterly sophisticated.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first joy of making this Baked Brie with Jam and Nuts Recipe. Each component plays a vital role: creamy, melt-in-your-mouth brie, sweet and tangy jam, crunchy nuts for texture, and fresh herbs to elevate the flavor with every bite.
- Double creme French brie (8 ounces or more): The creamy star of the dish that melts into a luscious centerpiece.
- Fruit spread or jam (9 ounces): Fig jam is classic, but you can choose your favorite flavor for a fruity contrast.
- Chopped pecans (1 tablespoon or more): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the cheese beautifully.
- Minced fresh rosemary or thyme (½ to 1 teaspoon): Fresh herbs provide an aromatic brightness that cuts through the richness.
- Artisan baguette: Sliced to create crostini, perfect for scooping up that melted brie.
- Extra virgin olive oil (¼ cup): Lightly brushed on the baguette slices for a golden, crisp texture.
How to Make Baked Brie with Jam and Nuts Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Brie
Start by removing your brie from the refrigerator and letting it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This simple step helps the cheese bake more evenly, especially with larger wheels. Then, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F for the perfect melting environment.
Step 2: Score the Brie
Using the tip of a sharp knife, gently score a crosshatch pattern on the surface rind of the brie, cutting shallow lines about half an inch to an inch apart. This technique not only looks beautiful but also lets the jam and nuts nestle into the cheese, enhancing every bite.
Step 3: Layer With Jam and Nuts
Spoon a generous layer of your chosen jam over the top of the brie. Whether you stick with classic fig or branch out with another fruit spread, this sweetness perfectly balances the creamy cheese. Sprinkle your chopped pecans and fresh rosemary or thyme leaves over the jam for added texture and flavor.
Step 4: Bake to Gooey Perfection
Place the brioche in a baking dish or mini cast iron skillet and bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the rind is soft enough to press a knife tip through easily, revealing the warm, molten cheese beneath. If you prefer an extra gooey, melted interior, simply bake a few minutes longer.
Step 5: Prepare the Crostini
While the brie bakes, slice your artisan baguette diagonally into quarter-inch pieces. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil, then bake them at 375 degrees F for 5 minutes. Flip the slices and return to the oven for another 3 to 5 minutes until they’re perfectly crisp and golden.
Step 6: Serve
Once baked, serve your Baked Brie with Jam and Nuts Recipe warm alongside the crunchy crostini and apple slices for a lovely, satisfying contrast. Get ready for everyone to reach for seconds!
How to Serve Baked Brie with Jam and Nuts Recipe
Garnishes
While the pecans and rosemary already add beauty and flavor, consider adding a final sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves or a drizzle of honey for extra allure. A few whole nuts or a sprig of herb on top create an inviting presentation that’s almost too pretty to eat.
Side Dishes
This Baked Brie with Jam and Nuts Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, fresh fruit like pears or grapes, or even roasted vegetables. These simple sides help round out the appetizer into a fuller experience without overwhelming the delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try placing your baked brie on a rustic wooden board surrounded by an assortment of crackers, sliced apples, and cured meats for a stunning cheese board display. You might also serve individual portions on mini cast iron skillets or small ramekins, making this indulgent appetizer perfect for entertaining small groups or intimate dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though doubtful!), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. It’s best to store the cheese separately from the crostini to maintain their crunch.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal for this Baked Brie with Jam and Nuts Recipe since the texture can change upon thawing. However, you can freeze the unbaked brie wrapped with jam and nuts for up to a month, then bake fresh when ready.
Reheating
To gently reheat, place the wrapped brie in a warm oven set to 300 degrees F for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can cause uneven melting and toughen the rind. Serve immediately for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of brie?
While brie is the ideal choice for its creamy meltability, you can experiment with camembert or triple cream cheeses for slightly different flavors and textures. Just keep in mind that their melting points and textures may vary.
What jams work best in this recipe?
Fig jam is a classic favorite, but apricot, raspberry, or even a spicy pepper jelly can add unique twists to the dish. Choose a jam that balances sweetness with a bit of tang for the best flavor contrast.
Are there nut alternatives if I have allergies?
Absolutely! Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or even toasted coconut flakes can provide crunch and texture if you need to avoid nuts. Just make sure to toast the alternatives lightly for best flavor.
How long can I let the brie sit at room temperature before baking?
About 30 minutes is ideal to promote even baking. Any longer might risk the cheese becoming too soft. If your kitchen is particularly warm, keep an eye on it to prevent premature melting.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can assemble the brie with jam and nuts ahead and keep it refrigerated for a few hours. Just bring it back to room temperature before baking for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Brie with Jam and Nuts Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels fancy but is incredibly simple to make. The gooey, creamy cheese paired with sweet jam and crunchy nuts creates a taste sensation your friends and family will keep asking for. Give it a try at your next gathering and watch it disappear in no time!
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Baked Brie with Jam and Nuts Recipe
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
This Baked Brie with Jam recipe offers a warm, gooey wheel of French brie topped with your favorite fruit jam, chopped pecans, and fresh herbs, baked to perfection and served with crisp crostini or apple slices. Perfect for an elegant appetizer or casual gathering, this dish combines creamy, sweet, and nutty flavors with a delightful crunch.
Ingredients
For the Baked Brie
- 1 wheel double creme French brie (8 ounces or more)
- 9 ounce jar fruit spread or jam (fig or other flavor)
- 1 tablespoon chopped pecans (or more as desired)
- ½ to 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary or thyme leaves
For the Crostini
- 1 artisan baguette (sliced diagonally into ¼-inch thick slices)
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
For Serving
- Sliced baguette or crostini
- Apple slices
Instructions
- Prepare the Brie: Remove the brie from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to help it bake evenly, especially important for larger wheels.
- Preheat the Oven and Score the Brie: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a sharp knife, make shallow cuts about ½ to 1 inch apart across the surface of the brie, scoring just the rind in a crosshatch pattern without cutting into the cheese beneath. Place the brie in a baking dish, brie baker, or mini cast iron skillet.
- Add Jam and Toppings: Spoon a generous layer of your chosen jam or fruit spread over the top of the scored brie. Sprinkle the chopped pecans and minced rosemary or thyme evenly over the jam.
- Bake the Brie: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese becomes soft and melty and a knife easily presses through the rind. Adjust baking time depending on the size of the brie and desired gooeyness.
- Prepare the Crostini: While the brie bakes, increase oven temperature to 375°F if needed. Brush both sides of the baguette slices lightly with olive oil and arrange on a baking sheet.
- Bake the Crostini: Bake the baguette slices for 5 minutes. Remove from the oven, flip slices over, then bake for another 3 to 5 minutes until crispy and golden.
- Serve: Remove the baked brie from the oven and serve warm alongside crostini, crackers, and apple slices for dipping.
Notes
- Letting the brie come to room temperature ensures more even melting.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of jam or preserves, such as fig, apricot, or raspberry.
- Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme add an aromatic element that pairs well with the cheese’s creaminess.
- Use pecans, walnuts, or almonds for different nutty flavors.
- Optionally, serve with additional accompaniments like grapes, honey, or cured meats for a more elaborate cheese board.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
