Baked Brie with Jam and Walnuts Recipe

If you’re looking for an appetizer that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make, you’re in for a treat. This Baked Brie with Jam and Walnuts Recipe is one of those crowd-pleasers that comes together quickly but always wows guests. I absolutely love how the puff pastry crisps up golden and flaky, while warm, gooey brie mingles with sweet jam and crunchy walnuts for the perfect mix of flavors and textures. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be your go-to party appetizer!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

I love how these few simple ingredients work so well together — puff pastry makes the whole thing light and flaky, while brie is the star with its rich and creamy personality. Choosing the right jam and fresh walnuts makes all the difference, so I’ll share some tips to make sure yours comes out perfect.

• Frozen Puff Pastry: Make sure it’s thawed but still cold before working with it for the best puff and flakiness.
• Brie Cheese Wheel: Choose a wheel about 8-12 ounces; I find smaller wheels sometimes dry out more quickly.
• Fig Jam: I love fig, but apricot or raspberry jam work wonderfully too, depending on your flavor preferences.
• Walnuts: Use fresh, chopped walnuts for that perfect crunchy contrast — toast them lightly if you want extra depth.
• Egg Wash: A simple mix of egg and water helps give the pastry that gorgeous golden shine.
• Serving Accompaniments: Fresh fruit, crackers, or crostini are the best partners to scoop up every last bite.

Variations

This Baked Brie with Jam and Walnuts Recipe is a fantastic base for your own creative spins, and I encourage you to play around with it. Over time, I’ve found that tweaking the jam or nuts can completely change the vibe, which keeps it exciting every time I make it.

• Jam Swaps: When I’m feeling adventurous, I swap fig jam for spicy pepper jelly or tangy cherry preserves — both add a whole new flavor dimension!
• Nut Alternatives: Pecans or sliced almonds are great alternatives to walnuts if that’s what you have on hand or prefer.
• Herbs and Spices: Try sprinkling fresh rosemary or thyme on top before baking; my family goes crazy for the aroma and subtle herbal hint.
• Gluten-Free Version: I’ve used gluten-free puff pastry successfully for guests with sensitivities without sacrificing any flakiness.

How to Make Baked Brie with Jam and Walnuts Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Puff Pastry

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper — this will keep things easy to clean and prevent sticking. While the oven warms up, gently roll out your thawed puff pastry into roughly a 10-12 inch square. Don’t overwork it! I discovered this trick because when you roll too much, the pastry gets tough and loses its flaky texture.

Step 2: Assemble Your Brie Bundle

Place the brie wheel right in the center of the puff pastry. Spread the jam evenly on top — I usually go for a thin layer so it doesn’t overwhelm, but feel free to adjust based on your sweetness preference. Next, sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the jam to add that satisfying crunch I always look for. Here’s my tip: toast walnuts lightly in a dry pan beforehand if you want extra nuttiness.

Step 3: Fold and Seal Like a Pro

Trim the corners of the pastry by making cuts from each corner toward the center, stopping about half an inch from the brie — this creates four triangular flaps. Bring each corner up and over the brie, folding it like a little pinwheel package and pressing to seal. Brush the seams with your egg wash so everything holds together. Pop the whole thing into the fridge for about 20 minutes — this chill time helps the pastry puff up beautifully without losing shape during baking.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Brush the entire pastry with the egg wash for that gorgeous golden finish. Place it on your prepared baking sheet and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, keeping an eye on how evenly it browns. When it’s that perfect golden brown, take it out and let it rest for about 5 minutes — this little pause allows the melted brie to settle just right before you cut in.

How to Serve Baked Brie with Jam and Walnuts Recipe

Garnishes

I often finish mine with a few fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs on top — not just for looks, but because their woodsy aroma complements the sweet and savory flavors beautifully. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the pastry edge before baking is another little touch I love for added crunch and flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

This is a perfect appetizer on its own, but I like pairing it with fresh figs or apple slices, some toasted baguette slices, and an assortment of crunchy crackers for a fantastic spread. You might find that grapes or pear slices work equally well because they add freshness and balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served the baked brie right on a wooden cutting board surrounded by clusters of grapes, nuts, and even small bowls of different jams. It turns into a real centerpiece that guests can help themselves from. Also, placing it on a slate platter gives it a rustic touch that everyone notices.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which sometimes I do, but rarely!), cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. I like to slice individual portions and store them in an airtight container to keep the puff pastry from getting soggy. It’s best eaten within 2 days for freshness.

Freezing

I’ve found the assembled but unbaked brie package freezes quite well — just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as usual. It’s a total lifesaver when you want to prep ahead for a party.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, pop them into a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warm and the pastry regains some crispness. I avoid the microwave because it can make the pastry soggy, and we want that flaky texture to shine through.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Baked Brie with Jam and Walnuts Recipe is truly one of my favorite easy appetizers to prepare when I want to feel like a rockstar in the kitchen with minimal effort. The moment you unwrap that warm, golden puff pastry to reveal the melted, creamy brie underneath, you’ll see why it’s such a hit in my house. Give it a try at your next gathering — you’ll be the star, and I can’t wait for you to hear how much everyone loves it!

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