Baked Brie with Jam and Walnuts Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s as elegant as it is delicious, I want to share my absolute favorite Baked Brie with Jam and Walnuts Recipe. Seriously, this recipe has saved me countless times for gatherings—it’s quick, impressive, and the flavor combo? Out of this world. You’ll love how the warm, melty brie paired with sweet jam and crunchy walnuts wrapped in flaky puff pastry brings everyone together. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through how to make it perfectly every time.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Balance of Flavors: The creamy brie, sweet jam, and toasted walnuts create a perfect blend of savory, sweet, and crunchy textures.
  • Simple Yet Sophisticated: It looks fancy but it’s surprisingly easy to prepare—even if you’re new to baking with puff pastry.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep it ahead of time and bake right before guests arrive, reducing stress and boosting your hostess cred.
  • Customizable Components: The recipe invites your favorite jams and nuts, so you can make it uniquely yours every time.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Baked Brie with Jam and Walnuts Recipe relies on simple ingredients that, when combined, create a delightful appetizer everyone will rave about. Let’s talk about why I love each one and a few tips to pick the best:

Baked Brie with Jam and Walnuts, baked brie appetizer, easy cheesy appetizer, elegant party snacks, puff pastry baked Brie - 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
  • Frozen Puff Pastry: This is your golden, flaky wrapping that bakes up beautifully; be sure to thaw it properly but keep it cold when shaping.
  • Brie Cheese Wheel: Pick a good quality brie about 8-12 ounces; not too soft but creamy enough to melt nicely.
  • Fig Jam: I adore fig jam here but feel free to try apricot, raspberry, or even orange marmalade for a different twist.
  • Walnuts: Toasted walnuts add a fantastic crunch and earthy flavor—don’t skip toasting them for that extra pop!
  • Egg Wash (egg + water): Gives your puff pastry that irresistible golden shine and helps seal the edges.
  • Fruit, Crackers, or Crostini: Essential for serving, these provide contrasting textures and make for a beautiful spread.
  • Rosemary or Thyme (optional): Fresh herbs for garnish bring a lovely fragrance and a little hint of savory complexity.
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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 my favorite things about this baked brie recipe is how versatile it is—once you get the basic method down, feel free to make it your own!

  • Jam Variety: I’ve tried everything from wild berry to peach jam, and each brings a unique personality to the dish; try a tart jam for contrast or a sweeter style if you prefer more mellow flavors.
  • Nuts Swap: Walnuts are my go-to, but toasted pecans or sliced almonds work beautifully too—experiment to find your favorite crunch.
  • Add Herbs or Spices: A sprinkle of fresh thyme inside with the jam can elevate the flavors, or a dash of cinnamon in the jam adds a cozy warmth for holiday serving.
  • Size Matters: If you want to make individual bites, try mini brie rounds wrapped in smaller pastry squares for easy party finger food.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Puff Pastry and Brie

Start by preheating your oven to 400℉ and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Take your thawed puff pastry and gently roll it out to roughly a 10-12” square—that little extra stretch helps it wrap snugly around the brie without breaking. Place your brie wheel in the center and spread about a third cup of fig jam on top. I like to be generous here because that jam melting into the cheese is pure magic. Sprinkle your chopped, toasted walnuts over the jam for crunch.

Step 2: Wrap the Brie Like a Pinwheel

Here’s a fun step—make a small cut at each corner of the puff pastry, about halfway towards the center, being careful to leave about a half-inch uncut near the brie. You’ll now have four triangular “flaps” to fold. Carefully bring each corner up and over the brie, pinching the edges together—just like wrapping a gift. Brush the seams with your egg wash to seal everything in place. Then pop the whole thing in the fridge for 20 minutes. Trust me, chilling it prevents the cheese from oozing out too fast during baking.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

After chilling, brush the entire surface of your wrapped brie with the egg wash again for a gorgeous golden color. Bake it at 400℉ for 25-30 minutes, or until your puff pastry is puffed up and golden brown. When you take it out, let it rest for about 5 minutes—this resting time helps the cheese set just enough so it’s perfectly melty but won’t run everywhere when sliced.

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Pro Tips for Making Baked Brie with Jam and Walnuts Recipe

  • Chill Before Baking: Don’t skip refrigerating the wrapped brie—it really makes a difference in keeping the cheese contained while baking.
  • Toast Your Walnuts: Toast nuts in a dry pan for a few minutes until fragrant to boost their flavor dramatically.
  • Egg Wash for Shine: Apply the egg wash twice—once when wrapping to seal and again before baking for that stunning gold gloss.
  • Keep an Eye on the Oven: Oven temps vary, so check after 20 minutes to avoid over-browning your puff pastry.

How to Serve Baked Brie with Jam and Walnuts Recipe

Baked Brie with Jam and Walnuts, baked brie appetizer, easy cheesy appetizer, elegant party snacks, puff pastry baked Brie - 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 often spruce up the plate with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs—that little herbal note pairs beautifully with the richness of the brie. Plus, it just looks so inviting on the serving board. If you’re feeling fancy, a handful of pomegranate seeds add a jewel-like pop of color and a juicy burst of flavor.

Side Dishes

Once baked brie is out, I like to surround it with sliced apples, grapes, and a rustic selection of crackers or toasted baguette slices. The crisp fruit and crunchy bread make the perfect tools for scooping up that gooey cheese. When I’m hosting, I sometimes add a light green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love placing the baked brie on a wooden board surrounded by edible flowers and nuts for a rustic-chic vibe. Another time, I layered the jam and walnuts inside a ring of puff pastry “braids” topped with a sprinkle of flaked sea salt—it looked super impressive and only took a few extra minutes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Honestly, baked brie tastes best fresh, but this way you won’t waste a bite.

Freezing

Freezing the whole baked brie doesn’t work well because the puff pastry gets soggy when thawed. However, you can freeze the unbaked, wrapped brie (without the egg wash) for up to a month. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before baking fresh.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, place the brie on a baking sheet and warm it in a 400℉ oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and pastry crisp again. I wouldn’t microwave it—the texture can get weird.

FAQs

  1. Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?

    While brie is the classic choice because it melts beautifully and has a mild flavor, you can experiment with camembert or even a mild goat cheese for a twist. Just keep in mind the melting traits—too firm a cheese won’t give the gooey center you’re aiming for.

  2. What if I don’t have puff pastry?

    Puff pastry gives that signature flaky crust that pairs perfectly with brie. If you can’t find it, phyllo dough can work, though the process is a bit different and more delicate. Alternatively, you can wrap the brie in crescent roll dough for a softer, buttery crust.

  3. Is it necessary to chill the wrapped brie before baking?

    Absolutely—it’s a crucial step. Chilling firms up the dough and cheese, which helps keep the shape and prevents the cheese from oozing out too quickly during baking.

  4. How do I serve the baked brie?

    Serve it warm with a selection of crackers, toasted bread slices, fresh fruits like apples or grapes, and perhaps some toasted nuts on the side. This combination creates delightful textures and flavors for guests to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

I’ve always found that this Baked Brie with Jam and Walnuts Recipe is a real showstopper at parties and family dinners alike—it’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is so easy and forgiving to make. The first time I brought it to a holiday gathering, people kept asking for the recipe, and I bet yours will get the same love. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how such a simple dish delivers big on flavor and smiles every time.

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Baked Brie with Jam and Walnuts Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 12 reviews
  • Author: Taylor
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Baked Brie with Jam is an elegant appetizer featuring a creamy brie wheel wrapped in flaky puff pastry, topped with sweet fig jam and crunchy walnuts. This warm, golden-brown treat pairs beautifully with fruit, crackers, or crostini, making it perfect for entertaining or special occasions.


Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry thawed
  • 10 ounce brie cheese wheel (8-12 ounces acceptable)
  • 1/3 cup fig jam (see notes for other jam options)
  • 1/4 cup walnuts chopped
  • 1 egg mixed with 1 tablespoon of water (egg wash)
  • Fruit, crackers, or crostini for serving
  • Rosemary or thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 400℉ and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Roll out puff pastry: Gently roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to a 10-12 inch square, creating enough room to wrap the brie cheese wheel.
  3. Assemble the brie with toppings: Place the brie wheel in the center of the pastry sheet, spread the fig jam evenly on top of the brie, then sprinkle chopped walnuts over the jam.
  4. Cut and fold pastry corners: Make a cut at each corner of the puff pastry, cutting towards the center but stopping about ½ inch from the brie. You will have four triangular flaps. Bring each corner up and over the brie like a pinwheel, securing them together by brushing the seams with the egg wash.
  5. Chill before baking: Place the wrapped brie in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to help the pastry firm up and prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during baking.
  6. Apply egg wash and bake: Brush the entire wrapped brie with the remaining egg wash and bake on the parchment-lined baking sheet for 25-30 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
  7. Rest and serve: Remove the baked brie from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with optional rosemary or thyme sprigs and serve warm with fruit, crackers, or crostini.

Notes

  • Customize with your favorite jam or nuts to suit your taste preferences.
  • Toasting the walnuts before adding them enhances their flavor and crunch.
  • Chilling the wrapped brie prior to baking helps maintain the shape and prevents the cheese from melting too quickly.
  • For make-ahead preparation, wrap the brie in puff pastry and store wrapped in plastic in the fridge for up to 3 hours; add egg wash just before baking.
  • Best served fresh as reheating can diminish texture and flavor. Leftovers can be stored wrapped in plastic in the fridge for up to 2 days and gently reheated at 400℉ if needed.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg

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