This warm and gooey baked brie topped with sweet figs and crunchy walnuts is a must-try! It’s the perfect mix of creamy and crunchy, making every bite wonderful.
Honestly, it’s so good that I can never share! I just set it out and watch everyone grab a piece—because who can resist warm cheese? 😄
I’m always amazed at how easy it is to make. Just throw everything together and let the oven do its magic. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brie cheese: This is the star of the show! You want a soft and creamy Brie to create that melty goodness. If you can’t find Brie, Camembert is a good substitute, as it has a similar texture and flavor.
Fresh figs: These bring sweetness and a beautiful texture. If fresh figs aren’t available, dried figs work well, but consider soaking them in warm water for a few minutes to soften them up.
Walnuts: They add a crunchy element. If you have nut allergies, pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds can be tasty alternatives, providing crunch without the nuts.
Honey: This gives a nice sweetness. If you prefer, maple syrup or agave nectar are great substitutions for a different flavor profile.
Thyme: Fresh thyme adds an aromatic touch that’s lovely with the cheese. If you don’t have thyme, rosemary is a great swap, or even dried herbs can do in a pinch!
What’s the Best Way to Bake Brie for That Perfect Melty Center?
Baking Brie is all about timing to achieve that perfect gooey texture without losing its shape. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your Brie is at room temperature before baking; this helps it melt better.
- Preheat your oven properly to 350°F (175°C). An accurate temperature is key to even cooking.
- Keep an eye on it while baking. Check around the 10-minute mark. You want it soft, slightly gooey at the center, but not fully melted.
- Let it sit for a minute after removing it from the oven. This allows the cheese to settle a bit so it becomes easier to serve.
Using these tips will help you create a beautifully baked Brie that your guests will love!
Fig Walnut Baked Brie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Baked Brie:
- 1 wheel (about 8 ounces) Brie cheese
- 1/3 cup fresh figs, chopped (plus some halved for garnish)
- 1/3 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons honey (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped (or rosemary as an alternative)
- Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to bake, making it a total of around 25 minutes before you can indulge in this delicious dish. Perfect for last-minute entertaining!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the Brie bakes evenly and gets perfectly gooey.
2. Prepare the Brie:
Place the wheel of Brie on a baking dish or a small oven-safe skillet. It’s important that it’s in a dish that can handle the heat and is easy to serve from.
3. Mix the Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the chopped figs, walnuts, honey, and thyme. Gently mix everything together so that the figs and nuts are well coated with honey.
4. Assemble the Dish:
Spread the fig and walnut mixture evenly over the top of the Brie. Make sure it’s well-distributed to get that delicious flavor in every bite!
5. Bake the Brie:
Put the dish into the oven and bake it for about 15 minutes. You’re looking for the Brie to be soft and starting to ooze but not completely melted. Keep an eye on it!
6. Drizzle with Honey:
Once it’s out of the oven, drizzle some extra honey over the top for an added touch of sweetness and a beautiful shine.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Add the halved figs around the Brie and sprinkle some extra chopped walnuts for a lovely presentation. Your dish is now ready to impress!
8. Dig In!
Serve immediately with crackers or sliced baguette, inviting everyone to scoop up the warm, creamy Brie with the sweet and crunchy toppings. Enjoy!
This Fig Walnut Baked Brie is sure to be a hit at any gathering—delicious, easy to make, and a total crowd-pleaser!
Can I Use Different Cheeses for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While Brie is traditional, you can try Camembert or even a softer goat cheese if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor will change slightly, but they will still be delicious!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply serve it with gluten-free crackers or toasted gluten-free bread. There are many great options available that won’t compromise on taste!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (though it’s hard to imagine with this dish!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it back in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through, being careful not to overheat it!
Can I Prepare This in Advance?
You can prep the fig and walnut mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just assemble and bake the Brie right before serving for the best texture and flavor!
