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Light & Lush Baked Brie with Fig Jam and Candied Walnuts

baked brie with fig jam and candied walnuts - featured image

A warm, creamy baked brie topped with sweet fig jam and crunchy candied walnuts. This easy appetizer comes together in under 30 minutes and is perfect for entertaining, with a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, crunchy, and salty flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (8-ounce) wheel of brie cheese
  • 1/3 cup fig jam
  • 1/4 cup candied walnuts
  • Fresh thyme sprigs (optional)
  • Flaky sea salt
  • 1/2 cup walnut halves
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • Pinch of salt
  • Crusty bread or crackers (for serving)
  • Sliced apples or pears (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the brie out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
  2. Make the candied walnuts: Place a small skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Once melted and bubbly, add the walnut halves and stir for about 1 minute until they start to smell toasty. Add the honey and a pinch of salt. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until the honey starts to caramelize and the walnuts are glossy and coated. Spread them out on a piece of parchment paper to cool.
  3. Prepare the brie: Using a sharp knife, carefully score the top rind of the brie in a crosshatch pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep without cutting into the creamy cheese inside.
  4. Place the scored brie in a small baking dish. Spoon the fig jam over the top, spreading it gently to cover the scored surface.
  5. Bake the brie for 12-15 minutes, until the cheese is soft and slightly puffed, and the fig jam is bubbly around the edges. The center should jiggle slightly when you gently shake the dish.
  6. Remove the brie from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes. Transfer the baking dish to a serving board. Sprinkle the candied walnuts over the top, pressing them gently into the melted fig jam. Add fresh thyme sprigs and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
  7. Serve immediately with crusty bread, crackers, and sliced apples or pears.

Notes

Don’t overbake the brie—the center should be warm and soft, not liquid. Let the brie come to room temperature before baking for even melting. Toast the walnuts separately before candying for deeper flavor. Use a timer for the walnuts as they can burn quickly. Score the brie deeply enough to let the heat and jam penetrate. Serve immediately as baked brie is best eaten within 15-20 minutes of coming out of the oven.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked brie, fig jam, candied walnuts, appetizer, cheese, easy, entertaining, holiday appetizer