Name: Baked Brie with Fig Jam and Pistachios Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8-ounce wheel of brie; 1/4 cup fig jam; 1/4 cup chopped dried figs; 1/4 cup roasted and salted pistachios, chopped; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped; 1 teaspoon brandy (optional); Pinch of salt; Crackers or crostini; Optional: extra thyme and black pepper for garnish

If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s both elegant and ridiculously easy to pull together, this Baked Brie with Fig Jam and Pistachios Recipe is your new best friend. I absolutely love how the warm, creamy brie pairs with sweet fig jam and crunchy pistachios — it always gets rave reviews whenever I bring it to a party. Stick with me, and I’ll show you the simple steps to making this fan-freaking-tastic appetizer a breeze in your kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Elegance: This appetizer looks fancy but takes just minutes to prepare—perfect for last-minute guests.
Perfect Flavor Combo: The creamy brie melts beautifully with sweet fig jam and crunchy, salty pistachios for a taste sensation.
Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: Everybody loves it, and it pairs well with so many breads and crackers you’ll have at hand.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday party, casual get-together, or date night, this recipe shines every time.

A whole round of white soft cheese sits at the center of a white plate lined with light brown parchment paper. The cheese is topped with a thick layer of glossy dark brown jam mixed with bright green chopped pistachios, creating a textured and shiny surface. Small green sprigs decorate the top, adding freshness to the rich topping. To the right of the plate, broken pieces of crispy, browned flatbread rest on the white marbled surface. A long, vintage silver knife with a worn handle rests across the plate’s edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Baked Brie with Fig Jam and Pistachios, baked brie appetizer, easy cheese appetizer, fig jam cheese dip, festive appetizer recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Baked Brie with Fig Jam and Pistachios Recipe lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients that harmonize so well. A creamy wheel of brie forms the base, while the fig jam and dried figs add natural sweetness. Then the pistachios bring the perfect crunch. Pro tip: opt for roasted and salted pistachios to enhance that salty-sweet balance.

Flat lay of a whole 8-ounce wheel of creamy brie cheese, a small white bowl of rich dark fig jam, a small white bowl of chopped dried figs with natural deep purple and brown tones, a small white bowl of roasted and salted chopped pistachios in shades of green and beige, a few fresh sprigs of bright green thyme leaves scattered delicately, a small white bowl containing clear golden brandy, and a small white bowl with fine pinch of salt crystals, 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 - Baked Brie with Fig Jam and Pistachios, baked brie appetizer, easy cheese appetizer, fig jam cheese dip, festive appetizer recipes

Brie: Pick a nice 8-ounce wheel, ideally at room temperature so it bakes evenly and melts perfectly.
Fig Jam: I usually go for a high-quality store-bought variety unless I have homemade on hand—it adds that luscious sweetness that pairs beautifully with cheese.
Dried Figs: Chopped to add texture and deepen the fig flavor—don’t skip these! They elevate the jam’s sweetness.
Pistachios: Roasted and salted, chopped coarsely for a nice crunch contrast—you can also lightly toast them yourself to boost flavor.
Fresh Thyme: Adds a subtle earthy aroma and freshness to balance the richness.
Brandy (optional): Just a splash brings warmth and complexity—I love adding it when I want a little extra depth.
Pinch of Salt: To enhance all those flavors and balance sweetness.
Crackers or Crostini (for serving): Choose sturdy enough to scoop that gooey goodness without crumbling.

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.

Variations

I’ve experimented a bit with this Baked Brie with Fig Jam and Pistachios Recipe because I love switching things up depending on the season or the mood. Feel free to make it your own—there’s plenty of room to adjust flavors or add your personal twist.

Swap Nuts: Sometimes I use toasted pecans or walnuts when I want a richer, earthier nutty note—both work beautifully.
Spice It Up: Adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes gives it a subtle kick that wakes up your palate.
Herbs Variation: Rosemary makes an excellent substitute for thyme, especially in winter; it’s aromatic and pairs beautifully with figs.
Fruit Twist: Instead of figs, dried apricots or cherries provide a different sweetness and chewiness if you want to try something new.

How to Make Baked Brie with Fig Jam and Pistachios Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Brie

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you need it. Grab an oven-safe serving dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then carefully place your 8-ounce wheel of brie right in the center. I like to let the brie sit at room temp for about 20–30 minutes before baking so it melts super smoothly without breaking apart.

Step 2: Mix the Jam Topping

In a medium bowl, toss together your fig jam, chopped dried figs, chopped pistachios, fresh thyme, brandy (if you’re using it), and a pinch of salt. The brandy isn’t mandatory but trust me—once I added it, I noticed the topping tastes even richer and more complex without overpowering the brie.

Step 3: Top and Bake

Spoon the jam mixture over the top of the brie evenly. Pop it in the oven, and bake for about 10 minutes, just until the brie gets melty and the topping is warm. I always keep an eye to avoid overbaking—brie should be gooey, not runny.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

After baking, let the brie rest for around 5 minutes so it firms up just a bit—this makes it much easier to scoop out without making a mess. Before serving, I sprinkle a little fresh thyme and cracked black pepper on top for an extra pop of color and flavor.

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Pro Tips for Making Baked Brie with Fig Jam and Pistachios Recipe

Room Temperature Brie: Letting brie warm up before baking means it melts perfectly without cracking or leaking.
Don’t Overbake: I learned the hard way that baking too long makes the cheese too runny—aim for just getting it hot and gooey.
Toast Pistachios: Lightly toasting pistachios before chopping brings out more flavor and crunch.
Use a Parchment-lined Sheet: This helps catch any leaks and makes cleanup a breeze—trust me, you’ll thank me later.

How to Serve Baked Brie with Fig Jam and Pistachios Recipe

A white round cheese wheel sits on a piece of light brown parchment paper on a white plate with speckles. The cheese has a topping of a chunky mixture of green pistachios, dark brown nuts or dried fruits, and small green herb leaves placed at the center. On the right side of the cheese, some creamy, pale yellow melted cheese is spread with a silver knife resting on the edge of the plate. Surrounding the plate are pieces of flatbread, some browned in spots, and on the lower left side is a smaller white plate with some flatbread pieces spread with melted cheese and the nut topping. Two clear glasses filled with a light-yellow drink and ice are placed on the white marbled surface around the plates. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Baked Brie with Fig Jam and Pistachios, baked brie appetizer, easy cheese appetizer, fig jam cheese dip, festive appetizer recipes

Garnishes

I like to finish this baked brie with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves and a little cracked black pepper—it adds freshness and a subtle kick. Sometimes, for a beautiful touch, a drizzle of honey on top elevates the sweetness just a bit more. These simple garnishes turn this appetizer into a real crowd-pleaser on the platter.

Side Dishes

This baked brie pairs wonderfully with an assortment of crackers, toasted baguette slices (crostini), or even fresh apple or pear slices for a fruity crunch. I often serve it alongside a charcuterie board filled with cured meats, olives, nuts, and fresh fruit to round out the experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake the brie inside a puff pastry shell for an extra flaky and golden crust, then top it with the fig jam and pistachio mix right before serving. Another idea is to bake individual mini brie wheels in ramekins for a fun, personal-sized appetizer. It always impresses guests and looks so charming on the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which sometimes doesn’t happen!), wrap the baked brie tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. The texture changes a bit but the flavors stay delicious for up to 2 days.

Freezing

I haven’t tried freezing the baked version because the texture often changes with freezing and thawing, but you can freeze the fig jam mixture separately for quick future use. Just thaw and top on fresh brie before baking.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, place the brie in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and melty again. Avoid microwaving, which can get messy and uneven. This way, you keep that creamy texture and fresh flavor.

FAQs

Can I use any type of cheese instead of brie?

While brie is best because of its creamy melt and mild flavor, you could also experiment with camembert. However, other cheeses like goat cheese or mozzarella won’t give you the same gooey texture or rich flavor that makes this recipe so special.
Is it necessary to use brandy in the recipe?

Not at all! The brandy is optional and adds a subtle depth of flavor, but if you prefer to skip alcohol, the recipe is still delicious without it. You could also substitute with a splash of orange juice or leave it out altogether.
How do I prevent the brie from leaking while baking?

To minimize leaks, bake the brie on a parchment-lined baking sheet to catch drips. Also, don’t overbake—it should be hot and melty but not at a bubbling simmer. Letting the brie come to room temperature first helps it melt evenly without bursting.
Can I prepare the topping mixture ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can mix the fig jam, dried figs, pistachios, thyme, brandy, and salt up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just bring it to room temperature before spooning it on the brie and baking.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Brie with Fig Jam and Pistachios Recipe has truly become one of my favorite go-to appetizers for entertaining. I used to worry about impressing guests, but with this recipe, the wow factor is baked right in. You’ll enjoy the easy prep and the incredible combo of creamy, sweet, and crunchy. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be a staple in your recipe rotation too—so go ahead, make it for your next gathering and watch your friends ask for seconds!