Indulge your senses with a classic French delicacy that’s sure to impress at your next gathering: Baked Brie en Croûte with Thyme and Fig Jam. This exquisite dish features a gooey, melted Brie cheese enveloped in a flaky puff pastry, complemented by the sweet richness of fig jam and the aromatic touch of fresh thyme. Perfect for entertaining or a cozy night in, this recipe is not just a treat for the palate but a feast for the eyes. Ready to elevate your appetizer game? Let’s dive into the delightful world of this gourmet dish that will have your guests begging for the recipe!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 round of Brie cheese
- 1 sheet of puff pastry
- 1/2 cup fig jam
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the puff pastry will bake evenly and become golden brown.
- On a clean, flat surface, roll out the sheet of puff pastry slightly to make it easier to wrap around the Brie. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
- Place the round of Brie cheese in the center of the rolled-out puff pastry. Make sure to choose a Brie that is not overly soft, as it will hold its shape better during baking.
- Spread the fig jam evenly over the top of the Brie cheese. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to ensure an even layer, allowing the sweetness of the jam to complement the creamy cheese.
- Sprinkle the chopped fresh thyme over the fig jam. This will add a lovely herbal flavor that pairs beautifully with the Brie and figs.
- Fold the edges of the puff pastry over the Brie, covering it completely. You can trim any excess pastry if needed, but make sure to leave enough to seal the cheese securely.
- Pinch and twist the seams of the pastry to seal it tightly, ensuring that no cheese or jam will leak out during baking.
- Place the wrapped Brie seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Brush the top of the pastry with the beaten egg using a pastry brush. This egg wash will give the pastry a beautiful golden color as it bakes.
- Optional: You can score the top of the pastry lightly with a sharp knife in a decorative pattern, which will allow steam to escape and add an elegant touch.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning.
- Once baked, remove the Brie en Croûte from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This will help the cheese set slightly, making it easier to slice.
- Serve warm with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh fruit. Enjoy the melty, gooey Brie combined with the sweet fig jam and aromatic thyme.
Tips
- Choose the Right Brie: Opt for a Brie that isn’t overly soft; a firmer cheese will hold its shape better during baking and provide a lovely texture.
- Perfect Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry to about 1/8 inch thick for an even bake. This will ensure a golden, flaky crust that perfectly encases the cheese.
- Layering Flavors: When spreading the fig jam, make sure it’s an even layer to balance the flavors. Don’t skimp on the thyme; its fresh aroma enhances the dish beautifully.
- Sealing Technique: Pinch and twist the seams of the pastry tightly to prevent any leakage during baking. This will keep all the delicious gooeyness inside.
- Egg Wash for Shine: Brush the top with beaten egg to achieve that gorgeous golden color. For an elegant touch, consider scoring the pastry lightly before baking.
- Watch the Oven: Keep an eye on the pastry as it bakes to avoid over-browning. The perfect bake will result in a beautifully puffed and golden crust.
- Let it Rest: Allow the baked Brie to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set slightly, making it easier to serve.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your Baked Brie with a variety of accompaniments like crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh fruit to enhance the tasting experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 65mg
