I absolutely love sharing this Baked Brie with Pears and Fig Jam Recipe because it’s one of those dishes that feels so fancy but is incredibly simple to make. Imagine warm, gooey brie topped with sweet fig jam and delicately sliced pears, sprinkled with crunchy pecans and fresh rosemary, all drizzled with honey. It’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures that makes every bite unforgettable. Whether I’m hosting a holiday party or just want to treat myself, this appetizer steals the show every time.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Brie with Pears and Fig Jam Recipe
What really makes this recipe stand out for me is the harmony of sweet and savory flavors that come together effortlessly. The creamy, melted brie contrasts beautifully with the juicy pears and the earthy hint of rosemary. The fig jam adds just the right amount of sweetness, and the pecans give a delightful crunch. Every time I make it, I’m amazed at how those few ingredients can create such a luxurious taste experience without needing anything fancy or complicated.
Aside from tasting amazing, this Baked Brie with Pears and Fig Jam Recipe is so easy to prepare. I love how it only takes about 5 minutes of prep time and then bakes while I get everything else ready. It’s perfect for occasions ranging from intimate family dinners to festive holiday gatherings or even casual weekend get-togethers with friends. What really draws me in is how impressive it looks with almost no effort—you just pop it in the oven, and it turns out beautifully every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that bring together the fantastic taste, texture, and color of the dish. Each element plays its part perfectly, whether it’s the creaminess of the brie or the fresh pop of flavor from the rosemary.
Pro Tip ✨
Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
- Brie cheese: A whole 8-ounce round brings that melty, creamy base that’s essential for this dish.
- Fig jam: Adds deep, fruity sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the savory brie.
- Pear: Thin slices bring a fresh, juicy contrast and natural sweetness.
- Pecans: Roughly chopped for crunchy texture and nuttiness.
- Fresh rosemary: Minced to sprinkle a fragrant, herbal note across the top.
- Honey: A light drizzle to bring everything together with a gentle sweetness and glossy finish.
Directions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is just right for melting the brie perfectly without overcooking.
Step 2: Take the brie out of its packaging and place the wheel in a baking dish or on a sheet pan. I usually use a small ceramic or glass dish to help with easy serving.
Step 3: Spread the fig jam evenly over the top of the brie. This creates that sweet layer directly on the cheese’s surface.
Step 4: Fan out the thinly sliced pears over the fig jam-covered brie. I like to arrange them in a circular pattern because it looks so pretty when baked.
Step 5: Sprinkle the chopped pecans and minced rosemary over the pears, then drizzle the honey over everything to bind the toppings lightly and enhance sweetness.
Step 6: Bake for 25 minutes or until you see the brie puff up slightly and the pears soften. Keep an eye on it—your kitchen will start smelling amazing!
Step 7: Use a sturdy metal spatula to transfer the baked brie to a serving platter if you didn’t bake it in one. Be careful, as it will be hot. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for extra color and aroma, then serve with your favorite crackers and a small knife for spreading.
Servings and Timing
This Baked Brie with Pears and Fig Jam Recipe serves about 6 people, making it ideal for a small gathering or appetizer at a dinner party. The prep time is incredibly quick—just 5 minutes to gather and arrange your ingredients. Cooking takes 25 minutes in the oven, so you’re looking at a total of 30 minutes from start to finish. There’s no resting time needed since the brie is best enjoyed warm right out of the oven, but you’ll want to let it cool slightly to avoid burning yourself when serving.
How to Serve This Baked Brie with Pears and Fig Jam Recipe
I like to serve this baked brie warm, straight from the oven, as the cheese is at its meltiest and the pears are tender but still hold their shape. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of crackers—Raincoast Crisps are one of my favorites because their subtle sweetness complements without overpowering the toppings. Fresh baguette slices also work beautifully if you want something soft and chewy.
For garnish, a few sprigs of fresh rosemary add a lovely pop of green and an aromatic note that really elevates the presentation. You can also add a small bowl of leftover fig jam on the side for those who want an extra touch of sweetness. When it comes to beverages, I personally recommend a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a bubbly Prosecco to cut through the richness of the brie. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a twist of lemon or a lightly sweetened iced tea balances the flavors nicely.
This appetizer feels perfect for holiday celebrations, but it’s also fantastic for a casual weekend gathering or even a romantic date night at home. It always gets compliments and invites conversation because the combination of ingredients is so enticing and unexpected—plus, it looks stunning on any spread!
Variations
One of my favorite things about this Baked Brie with Pears and Fig Jam Recipe is how flexible it is. If pears aren’t your favorite, you can swap them for thinly sliced apples or even figs for a different fruity sweetness. For the nuts, walnuts or almonds are great alternatives that provide a nice crunch and a slightly different flavor profile.
If you’re catering to dietary needs, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free by serving it with gluten-free crackers or bread. For my vegan friends, there are excellent plant-based brie alternatives available now that melt nicely; just be sure to check that the fig jam and honey are vegan-friendly substitutes, like maple syrup instead of honey.
To mix up the flavor profile, I sometimes like to experiment with adding a pinch of ground cinnamon or a drizzle of balsamic reduction instead of honey. Other cooking methods, like wrapping the whole wheel in puff pastry for a Brie en croûte twist, can turn this into an even more impressive showstopper for special occasions.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
Leftover baked brie should be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap to maintain freshness. Keep it refrigerated and consume within 2-3 days for the best flavor and texture. Make sure to separate the brie from any crackers or bread to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
I don’t recommend freezing baked brie with toppings because the texture of the pears and pecans can suffer once thawed. However, you can freeze a plain wheel of brie before baking for up to 2 months if you want to prepare in advance, just thaw it fully overnight in the refrigerator before baking as per the recipe.
Reheating
When reheating leftovers, I find the oven is the best method to revive that melty goodness without drying it out. Preheat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and warm the brie for about 10-12 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the cheese separate and lose its creamy texture. Adding a small drizzle of honey before reheating can refresh the sweet top layer nicely.
FAQs
Can I prepare this Baked Brie with Pears and Fig Jam Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the brie with the fig jam, pears, pecans, and rosemary up to a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Just add the honey right before baking and then bake as directed.
What type of brie is best for this recipe?
I recommend using a whole 8-ounce wheel of brie with the rind intact. The rind helps hold everything together as it melts and adds a slight earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the toppings.
Can I use other fruits besides pears?
Absolutely! Thin slices of apples, figs, or even peaches work well in this recipe. Choose fruits that soften nicely when baked and complement sweet-savory flavors.
Is this appetizer gluten-free?
The baked brie itself is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure to serve it with gluten-free crackers or bread if you’re accommodating gluten sensitivities.
How do I serve the baked brie without making a mess?
Serve it warm with plenty of sturdy crackers or baguette slices and provide a small spreading knife for guests. I like to place it on a large platter with the toppings intact so everyone can easily scoop a little bit of cheese and accompaniments onto their bites.
Conclusion
I can’t recommend this Baked Brie with Pears and Fig Jam Recipe enough—you’re going to love how simple it is to make yet how impressively delicious it tastes. Whether you’re bringing it to a party or making a special treat at home, it’s one of those dishes that elevates any moment with its rich, creamy texture and perfectly balanced flavors. Give it a try and watch it become your go-to appetizer that everyone will ask for again and again!
Print
Baked Brie with Pears and Fig Jam Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Baked Brie with Pears and Fig Jam is an elegant and easy holiday appetizer featuring a melty wheel of brie cheese topped with sweet and savory sliced pears, fig jam, fresh rosemary, pecans, and a drizzle of honey. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish combines creamy, fruity, and nutty flavors perfect for entertaining.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces brie cheese round wheel, not wedge
- 2 Tablespoons fig jam
- ½ pear, ripe, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup pecans, roughly chopped
- ½ teaspoon fresh rosemary, minced
- 1 Tablespoon honey
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375℉ (190℃) to prepare for baking the brie with toppings.
- Prepare the Brie: Remove the brie from its package and place the whole wheel in a baking dish or on a sheet pan, ensuring it’s ready to be topped.
- Add Toppings: Spread the fig jam evenly over the top surface of the brie. Arrange the thinly sliced pear slices fanned out over the jam. Sprinkle the chopped pecans and minced rosemary on top, then drizzle with honey to help hold all the ingredients together and add sweetness.
- Bake: Place the dish with the topped brie into the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the brie has puffed slightly and the pears have softened, indicating the cheese is nice and melty.
- Serve: Carefully use a sturdy metal spatula to transfer the baked brie onto a serving platter, or serve directly in the baking dish. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for added presentation, and serve with crackers and a small spreading knife.
Notes
- The baked brie can be served directly in the baking dish or carefully transferred to a serving plate using a metal spatula. Wrapping the hot dish in a towel is recommended to avoid burns.
- Raincoast Crisp crackers pair particularly well with this appetizer, adding a lovely crunch.
- This recipe serves 6 people and makes a perfect holiday or party appetizer.