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 that perfect appetizer that feels fancy yet is incredibly simple to make, I absolutely love sharing this Baked Brie with Fig Jam and Pistachios Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that instantly elevates any gathering—ooey gooey warm brie paired with the natural sweetness of fig jam and the delightful crunch of pistachios. Trust me, once you try this, your friends and family will be asking for it every holiday or cozy night in!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simplicity Meets Elegance: You only need a handful of ingredients to create an impressive dish that looks and tastes gourmet.
Perfect Balance of Flavors: The creamy brie, sweet fig jam, and crunchy pistachios blend together beautifully for a flavor explosion.
Quick to Prepare: I often whip this up last-minute, and it comes together in under 20 minutes total.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday party or a casual get-together, this baked brie steals the show.

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 holiday appetizer, gourmet cheese dip, fig jam cheese bake

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create such a lovely mix of textures and tastes. When I shop for this recipe, I always look for a creamy, high-quality brie and fresh, fragrant thyme to punch up the flavors.

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 holiday appetizer, gourmet cheese dip, fig jam cheese bake

Brie cheese: Choose a good-quality wheel; softer brie melts beautifully and has a mild, buttery flavor.
Fig jam: Adds natural sweetness—if you can find artisanal or homemade fig jam, even better.
Dried figs: These bring chewiness and deepen the fig flavor; chop them finely so they meld with the jam.
Roasted and salted pistachios: The salt enhances the sweetness, and the crunch is just what this recipe needs.
Fresh thyme: Fresh herbs add brightness and a hint of earthiness; dried can work but fresh is best.
Brandy (optional): I use this for a subtle depth of flavor, but feel free to skip if you prefer.
Salt: Just a pinch to bring all the flavors to life.
Crackers or crostini: For serving; choose sturdy ones since the brie can be soft and gooey.
Extra thyme and black pepper (optional): Great for finishing touches and a bit of spice.

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 love experimenting with this baked brie recipe—it’s so flexible! You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have or prefer, which keeps it fresh and exciting each time.

Swap nuts: I’ve tried almonds or walnuts instead of pistachios, and it still packs a great crunch and flavor.
Seasonal fruit: Fresh pear or apple slices on top add a lovely crispness during fall and winter.
Dairy-free option: Use a vegan brie alternative and substitute fig jam with another fruit spread like apricot or cherry.
Add spice: A sprinkle of chili flakes or cracked black pepper can add a nice kick if you want something less sweet.

How to Make Baked Brie with Fig Jam and Pistachios Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Brie

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). I always place the brie on a parchment-lined baking sheet or an oven-safe dish to keep things tidy. No need to unwrap it completely from the rind—this helps keep the cheese intact as it melts.

Step 2: Mix the Fig Jam Topping

In a medium bowl, combine the fig jam, chopped dried figs, chopped pistachios, fresh thyme, brandy (if using), and a pinch of salt. I discovered this combination because I wanted something both sweet and nutty with a hint of herbal earthiness. Mixing these ingredients beforehand lets the flavors meld perfectly.

Step 3: Top and Bake

Spread the jam and nut mixture generously over the top of the brie wheel. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 10 minutes until everything is warm, bubbly, and the brie is obviously softened. You’ll smell the gorgeous aroma filling your kitchen. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overcook and get oily.

Step 4: Let It Rest and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the baked brie rest for 5 minutes. This step is crucial—if you dig in too soon, the cheese will be lava-hot and runny, but after resting, it firms up to that perfect gooey texture that’s easy to spread. Finish by sprinkling extra thyme and a crack of black pepper if you like, then serve with crackers or crostini.

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

Use a Good-Quality Brie: I learned the hard way that cheap brie can fall flat—look for creamy, high-fat brie for the best melt and flavor.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Waiting 5 minutes after baking lets the cheese set slightly so you don’t have a gooey mess but a spreadable delight.
Adjust Sweetness to Taste: If your fig jam is very sweet, you might want to add a dash of lemon juice or a pinch of salt to balance it out.
Serve Warm—and Soon: I avoid making this too early since the brie firms as it cools; serve it warm for that signature ooze.

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 holiday appetizer, gourmet cheese dip, fig jam cheese bake

Garnishes

I adore topping this baked brie with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves and freshly cracked black pepper. Sometimes I toss on a few extra chopped pistachios for an even bigger crunch. It looks so pretty and adds layers of flavor that keep people reaching for more.

Side Dishes

Pair it with an assortment of crisp crackers or crunchy crostini for scooping. I often serve alongside seasonal fresh fruit like apple or pear slices and a handful of mixed nuts. A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also balances the richness nicely if you want a fuller spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to place the baked brie on a wooden board surrounded by fresh figs, grapes, and edible flowers for a wow factor. Wrapping the brie in puff pastry before baking adds a golden crust that’s impressive and delicious. You might also try mini individual brie rounds topped similarly for party-friendly portions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which sometimes happens!), I wrap the baked brie tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. The texture changes a bit, becoming firmer and less melty, but it still tastes great cold on sandwiches or crackers.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t ideal for baked brie with fig jam and pistachios because the texture of the cheese changes after thawing. I wouldn’t recommend freezing the assembled dish, but you can freeze the fig jam mixture separately if you want to prep ahead.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I pop the brie in a 325°F oven for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through but not melted to the point of separating. This brings back that creamy texture you want without it turning greasy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of brie?

While brie’s creamy texture and mild flavor are ideal for this recipe, you can experiment with camembert or a mild goat cheese wheel. Just keep in mind that different cheeses will affect the melting time and flavor profile.
What if I don’t have fig jam?

No worries! Apricot or raspberry jam can be great substitutes. The goal is a sweet, slightly tangy spread to complement the brie and nuts.
Is it okay to skip brandy in the recipe?

Absolutely. The brandy adds a subtle warmth and depth, but the recipe tastes fantastic even without it. You can also replace it with a splash of orange juice for a different twist.
How long can I prepare this in advance?

While you can mix the fig jam topping a few hours ahead and store it covered in the fridge, assemble and bake the brie shortly before serving to ensure it’s perfectly gooey and fresh.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Brie with Fig Jam and Pistachios Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to serve when I want to impress without fuss. It’s warm, indulgent, and hits that perfect sweet-and-salty note everyone loves. I’ve shared it at countless gatherings, and every time, it’s a hit that disappears fast. I can’t recommend enough giving it a try—you’ll enjoy how simple it is to make something so special right at home!