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This fig brie and thyme braid turns basic ingredients into a knockout starter that looks fancy but comes together easily. Sweet fig preserves meet smooth brie inside a crispy puff pastry wrap, creating a taste combo that'll wow your guests every time.
I first threw this braid together for a last-minute wine tasting with buddies, and it was gone in seconds. Now it's my go-to app for everything from Christmas parties to casual hangouts when I want to look fancy without spending all day cooking.
Ingredients
- Puff pastry sheet: let it thaw in your fridge overnight so it won't tear when you work with it
- Fig preserves: adds just the right sweetness that goes hand in hand with the creamy cheese
- Brie wheel: cut off the rind so it melts smoothly and makes the filling extra rich
- Egg: brush it on top for that beautiful brown color when baked
- Fresh thyme: brings a woodsy flavor that cuts through the sweetness
- Finishing salt or kosher salt: perks up all the flavors and adds a nice crunch
- Optional: pear or apple slices on the side add some freshness and pop of color
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Warm your oven to 400°F while getting everything ready. This heat will make the pastry puffy and golden while the cheese gets all melty inside.
- Prepare Pastry:
- Unroll your cold puff pastry on a lightly floured counter and stretch it to about 15 x 10 inches. The bigger sheet gives you room for stuffing and folding. Move it to a paper-lined baking sheet so it won't stick.
- Add Filling:
- Put the fig preserves down the middle third, leaving a bit of space at each end. Layer your brie pieces over the top. They'll melt together into a yummy sweet-savory mix.
- Create Braiding Strips:
- Cut 2-inch strips along both sides, about an inch apart. Don't cut too close to the filling. Good strips make for a leak-proof braid when baking.
- Fold and Braid:
- First fold down the top end over your filling. Then cross strips from side to side, going back and forth over the filling. Keep it snug and make sure the cut ends stay on top rather than hanging off the sides.
- Finish and Bake:
- Brush beaten egg all over to get that shiny golden look. Sprinkle with some thyme leaves and salt. Bake for 20-25 minutes until it's puffy and golden all over.
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I stumbled on this combo when I bought too much brie for a dinner with friends. Looking through my pantry next day, I spotted fig jam and thought why not? The mix turned out so amazing that my hubby asks for it instead of cake on his birthday now!
Make-Ahead Options
You can put this whole thing together up to a day before and keep it in the fridge, wrapped in plastic. Just add the egg wash right before you bake it. That's super handy when you're hosting and don't want to fuss at the last minute. If you want, you can even bake it earlier in the day and warm it up at 350°F for 5-10 minutes before your guests arrive.
Seasonal Variations
Fig jam works great with brie, but you can switch things up all year round. Try apricot jam in spring, blackberry in summer, or cranberry during Christmas. You can also swap out the brie for camembert or a soft goat cheese to change the flavor. Each mix gives you something new while still looking fancy on your table.
Serving Suggestions
To round out your snack spread, put this braid next to a small bowl of honey for drizzling, some toasted walnuts or pecans, and fresh fruit like grapes or apple slices. It tastes great with both red and white wine, especially a light Pinot Noir or crisp Sauvignon Blanc. For bigger parties, why not make two braids with different fillings to give folks some choices?
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What's the best puff pastry to use?
Grab some pre-made puff pastry from the store for convenience. Make sure it’s thawed before baking.
- → How do I safely cut off brie rind?
Use a thin knife to gently slice away the rind. Go slow to protect the soft cheese underneath.
- → Is there an alternative to fig spread?
Sure, swap in apricot jam or honey—or use another sweet fruit preserve you like.
- → How can I stop the filling from spilling out?
Don’t cut the pastry too deep, and fold the braid snugly so it’s wrapped tight.
- → What works well as a topping?
Fresh apple or pear slices, plus more thyme, are great finishing touches.
- → Can I prep this dish early?
Definitely. Build the braid ahead of time, chill it in the fridge, and bake fresh when ready to serve.