Name: Baked Brie with Jam and Walnuts Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed; 10 ounce brie cheese wheel (8-12 ounces is typical); 1/3 cup fig jam (alternative jams like apricot or raspberry work well); 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped; 1 egg, mixed with 1 tablespoon of water; Fruit, crackers, or crostini; Rosemary or thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 3 reviews

If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s as easy as it is delicious, I’ve got you covered with my Baked Brie with Jam and Walnuts Recipe. There’s just something magical about warm, melty brie wrapped in flaky puff pastry, laced with sweet jam and topped with crunchy toasted walnuts—it’s comfort food that impresses every time. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through how to make this crowd-pleaser come out perfectly golden and ooey-gooey every time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect balance of flavors: The creamy brie, sweet jam, and crunchy walnuts create an irresistible combo.
Simple technique: Using puff pastry keeps prep quick, while chilling before baking prevents melt-through.
Versatile and customizable: You can easily swap jams and nuts to suit your pantry or occasion.
Impressive presentation: The pinwheel fold of the puff pastry makes it look fancy without fuss.

Baked Brie with Jam and Walnuts, baked brie appetizer, easy baked brie, festive appetizer recipes, cheesy appetizer ideas - A white plate sits on a white marbled surface, holding a round golden-brown pastry topped with halves of figs and scattered walnuts. Around the pastry, there are clusters of red and green grapes, dried apricots, slices of pear with green leaves, round beige crackers stacked on one side, and slices of crusty white bread. Figs with green leaves are also placed near the pears, and a cheese knife with a white handle rests on the plate among the crackers and pears. Nearby on the surface, there is a small white bowl of honey with a wooden honey dipper, a rustic wooden tray with more bread slices and figs, and a small bowl filled with walnuts. Fresh green herbs are scattered around for decoration. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Baked Brie with Jam and Walnuts Recipe plays a star role in delivering that satisfying mix of textures and flavors we all love. Picking the right quality brie and a jam that’s not too runny helps the whole thing come together beautifully.

Baked Brie with Jam and Walnuts, baked brie appetizer, easy baked brie, festive appetizer recipes, cheesy appetizer ideas - Flat lay of a whole wheel of fresh brie cheese, a square sheet of thawed puff pastry, a small white bowl filled with glossy fig jam, a small white bowl with chopped walnuts, a whole uncracked brown egg, a few sprigs of fresh rosemary, and an assortment of fresh fruit slices and round crostini arranged neatly, all placed on simple white ceramic bowls or plates, perfectly balanced and symmetrical, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Puff pastry: It provides that flaky, buttery crust that crisps up perfectly in the oven, wrapping the brie in warm goodness.
Brie cheese wheel: Choose an 8 to 12-ounce wheel for ideal melting and ease of wrapping.
Fig jam: Its natural sweetness complements the earthy brie, and I love how it adds a little sparkle to each bite.
Walnuts: Toasted for enhanced flavor and crunch, they bring texture contrast that makes this dish exciting.
Egg wash: A mix of egg and water brushed on the pastry lends that gorgeous golden glaze everyone notices.
Fresh herbs (optional): Sprigs of thyme or rosemary make a lovely garnish with an herbal aroma that brightens the plate.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best things about this Baked Brie with Jam and Walnuts Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own! I usually stick to fig jam, but swapping in apricot or raspberry jam is delightful. Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey before baking? Even better.

Jam variation: I’ve tried blackberry jam for a tart twist, and it pairs beautifully with the walnuts and cheese.
Nut swaps: Pecans or sliced almonds also work wonderfully toasted for a slightly different crunch.
Herbs: Fresh thyme tucked under the walnuts adds subtle earthiness, which is my go-to combo in colder months.
Make it savory: For a savory upgrade, add a few slices of prosciutto inside before wrapping—it’s a game-changer.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Brie with Jam and Walnuts Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Puff Pastry and Cheese

First things first, roll your thawed puff pastry out gently to about a 10-12 inch square on a lightly floured surface. I like to keep it a little thicker around the edges so it holds the cheese well. Place your brie wheel right at the center, then spread your chosen jam evenly over the top, making sure every bite is flavored. Finally, sprinkle those toasted walnuts all over the jam layer—this is where that crunch magic happens.

Step 2: Fold Like a Pinwheel

Make a precise cut from each corner toward the center but stop about half an inch from the cheese—this creates four triangular flaps. Now, bring each corner up and over the brie, pinching the edges together like a little wrapped package. Don’t forget to brush these seams with your egg wash so they seal nicely and brown evenly. Once sealed, pop the whole package into the fridge for 20 minutes—this little chill step is a secret weapon to keep your brie from oozing out too early during baking.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Brush the entire pastry package again with egg wash for that stunning golden color. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until the puff pastry is crisp and deep golden. When you take it out, let it sit for about 5 minutes so the melty cheese isn’t lava-hot but still perfectly oozing when you cut in.

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Pro Tips for Making Baked Brie with Jam and Walnuts Recipe

Chill Before Baking: Don’t skip the fridge step after wrapping—it helps the puff pastry hold its shape and stops early melting.
Toast the Nuts: Toast walnuts in a dry pan for 3-5 minutes to boost flavor and crunch—trust me, it’s worth the tiny bit of extra effort.
Egg Wash Twice: Brushing the puff pastry before and after assembly guarantees that perfect shiny golden crust everyone raves about.
Use Parchment Paper: It prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze—plus, helps the bottom crisp nicely without burning.

How to Serve Baked Brie with Jam and Walnuts Recipe

Baked Brie with Jam and Walnuts, baked brie appetizer, easy baked brie, festive appetizer recipes, cheesy appetizer ideas - The image shows a white plate on a white marbled surface filled with a variety of foods. At the center, there is a round golden-brown baked item with a glossy top, where a wedge has been taken out, revealing melted creamy cheese flowing out, mixed with small rice-shaped bits and walnuts on top. To the left, there are light green grapes and thin slices of green pear arranged in a fan shape. Near the edge of the plate are light round crackers stacked on top of each other. A knife with a white handle and a metallic blade is partially inserted into a small piece of bread with melted cheese. On top of the baked item, there are sliced figs with their pink inner flesh and tiny seeds visible, along with more walnuts and green herbs. The background shows a blurred jar and other fruits. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually garnish my baked brie with a few fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs—it adds a lovely pop of color and a subtle herbal note that pairs perfectly with the richness of the cheese. If you want to go extra festive, a handful of fresh pomegranate seeds sprinkled on top lends a jewel-like sparkle and a hint of tartness that cuts through the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

This warm brie delivers best when you serve it with a variety of dippers. I love a mix of crisp crackers, toasted baguette slices, and fresh fruit like green apple or grapes. It’s also fantastic alongside a big green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance all that melty goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this baked brie on a wooden board surrounded by bowls of different jams, nuts, and fresh fruit. Another fun presentation is to place small vegetable or edible flower garnishes around the pastry for an elegant look that gets compliments every time. If you’re feeling festive, tie a pretty ribbon around the brie’s puff pastry “pinwheel” before baking—for a giftable homemade touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers—which honestly doesn’t usually happen!—wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. The quality diminishes a bit as the puff pastry can lose its crispness and the cheese firms up, but it’s still delicious warmed back up.

Freezing

I haven’t had great luck freezing fully baked brie with puff pastry because the texture changes and the pastry tends to get soggy. If you want to prep ahead, wrap the brie in the puff pastry raw and freeze unbaked—just add the egg wash and bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

To reheat leftover baked brie, I pop it back in a 400°F oven for 8-10 minutes, watching closely to crisp the pastry again without burning. Microwaving is a no-go here—it melts unevenly and makes the pastry soggy. Oven reheating keeps things closer to freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use different types of jam in this Baked Brie with Jam and Walnuts Recipe?

Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility—fig jam is a classic pairing, but raspberry, apricot, or even spicy pepper jelly work wonderfully. Just pick a jam that’s not too runny to avoid soggy pastry.
Should I peel the rind off the brie before baking?

Nope! The rind is edible and helps keep the cheese intact while baking. It also adds a subtle earthy flavor that balances the sweet jam and flaky pastry.
How do I prevent the cheese from oozing out?

Chilling the wrapped brie in the fridge for about 20 minutes before baking helps the puff pastry hold tight, so the cheese melts slowly inside rather than leaking out early.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can wrap the brie in the puff pastry and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 hours before baking. Just add the egg wash right before you pop it in the oven.
What can I serve alongside this baked brie?

Fruits like apples and grapes, crackers, toasted bread, and a simple green salad all make great pairings. For a festive touch, nuts and fresh herbs on the side add visual appeal and extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Brie with Jam and Walnuts Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen for its ease and wow-factor. It’s perfect for last-minute guests, holiday parties, or any lazy weekend when you want a cozy, decadent treat without fuss. Give it a try—you’ll love how the sweet and nutty layers make every bite feel like a celebration. Trust me, once you serve this, folks will be asking you to make it again and again!