The Best Jams To Compliment Brie Cheese

Brie cheese is a popular choice for baked appetisers, and one of the most popular pairings for brie is jam. While brie is often served in a puff pastry, it can also be baked in the oven and then topped with jam, honey, fruit, nuts, or herbs. Brie is a complementary pairing with jam because the sweetness of the jam balances out the earthy, creamy flavour of the cheese. Popular jam pairings include fig, apricot, blackberry, boysenberry, cherry, and even pepper jelly.

Fig jam and brie

There are several ways to serve this combination, but one popular method is to bake the brie with the fig jam. This can be done in a skillet or a mini cast-iron pan, creating a gooey, warm treat that can be spread on toasted baguette slices or crackers. You can also add some nuts and dried fruits, such as pecans and dried figs, to the baked brie for added texture and flavour.

Another option is to create brie knots, where you roll the brie and fig jam inside a dough and bake it until it's golden brown. This method creates a delicious, melty appetizer that is perfect for holiday parties. You can also add some fresh herbs, such as rosemary, for a subtle fragrance and pretty finishing touch.

If you're looking for a simpler option, you can also just serve the brie and fig jam on a cheese board with some fresh fruit, crackers, and charcuterie meats like prosciutto. This allows your guests to assemble their own bites and customize their flavour combinations.

No matter which serving option you choose, the combination of fig jam and brie is sure to impress your guests and elevate your next gathering.

Apricot jam and brie

To make this appetiser, start by preheating your oven to a temperature between 350°F and 450°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or use a small cast iron skillet or pie pan. Place an 8-ounce wheel of brie cheese onto the prepared pan and bake it for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the centre is melted. You can also use a larger wheel of brie, ranging from 8 to 16 ounces, depending on how many people you are serving.

Once the brie is baked, remove it from the oven and use the parchment paper to transfer it to a serving plate, or leave it in the cast iron skillet for a rustic presentation. Spread apricot jam on top of the baked brie. You can use store-bought apricot jam or make your own. The amount of jam you use can vary depending on your taste preferences and the size of the brie wheel. A good rule of thumb is to use enough jam to generously cover the top of the brie.

To add a crunchy texture and extra flavour to your appetiser, consider topping the brie and apricot jam with chopped walnuts. You can also get creative and use other types of nuts such as pistachios or pecans.

Serve this delicious appetiser with crackers, crostini, pita chips, flatbread, sliced apples, or sliced pears. It is best to enjoy this dish while the brie is still warm and melty, but it can also be served at room temperature.

If you have any leftovers, simply refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to a week. You can reheat the leftovers in the oven or microwave until the brie is melted again.

Cherry jam and brie

Ingredients:

• Brie cheese
• Cherry jam
• Honey (optional)
• Cinnamon (optional)
• Nuts of your choice (pistachios, almonds, or any other preferred variety)
• Fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme (optional)
• Flaky salt
• Crackers, baguette, or crusty bread for serving

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Prepare the brie by carefully scoring the top of the cheese in a criss-cross pattern with a sharp knife. Be gentle, as you only want to pierce the rind without cutting all the way through the cheese. This step helps the brie melt nicely during baking.
• Place the scored brie in a pie dish or a baking dish, which will give it ample room to melt and spread.
• Spread the cherry jam evenly over the top of the brie.
• (Optional) Drizzle honey on top of the jam for added sweetness.
• Sprinkle your choice of nuts over the jam and honey. Roughly chopped pistachios or almonds are excellent options.
• (Optional) Add a pinch of ground cinnamon for a warm, spicy note that ties together the sweetness of the jam and honey.
• Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 18-25 minutes, or until the brie is soft, gooey, and slightly bubbly.
• As soon as you take the dish out of the oven, sprinkle a pinch of flaky salt over the top. The salt perfectly balances the sweetness and enhances the creaminess of the brie.
• Allow the baked brie with cherry jam to sit for a couple of minutes before serving. Be careful not to let it sit for too long, as the cheese will start to firm up.
• Serve the warm, gooey, and delicious brie with cherry jam alongside crackers, sliced baguette, or crusty bread. Enjoy the heavenly combination of flavours!

Variations and Customisations:

• Fruit Preserves: If you want to experiment with different flavours, you can replace the cherry jam with other fruit jams or preserves such as raspberry, apricot, or fig jam.
• Nuts: Feel free to swap out the pistachios or almonds for other nuts like walnuts, pecans, or any other variety you prefer.
• Herbal Notes: For a fragrant twist, sprinkle some fresh chopped rosemary or thyme on top of the brie before baking. These herbs provide a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of the jam and honey.
• Zesty Finish: Add a zing to your dish by sprinkling some orange or lemon zest on top before baking or mixing it into your jam for an extra layer of flavour.
• Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a drizzle of spicy chili oil or sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top of your baked brie.
• Dried Fruits: Instead of (or alongside) jam, consider adding a layer of chopped dried fruits like apricots, cranberries, or figs for a chewier texture and a concentrated fruit flavour.
• Savory Drizzles: For a savoury and rich variation, replace the honey with a balsamic reduction or truffle oil.

Peach jam and brie

Ingredients and Preparation

For this recipe, you will need peach jam, a wheel of brie cheese, and some additional toppings and accompaniments. Preheat your oven to a temperature between 350°F and 400°F, depending on your recipe variation. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place the brie on the prepared baking sheet and spread the desired amount of peach jam on top. You can also try other stone fruits like apricot jam for a similar flavour profile.

Toppings and Accompaniments

Toasted almonds, pecans, or other nuts can add a delightful crunch to the dish. You can also add a dash of cinnamon and a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness and flavour. If you're feeling adventurous, try using spicy honey or swapping the honey for a balsamic glaze or a bourbon reduction. Serve your baked brie with crostini, pita chips, bagel chips, crackers, or even ginger snap cookies for a sweet and savoury contrast.

Serving Suggestions

This baked brie with peach jam is an excellent choice for entertaining, as it can be prepared ahead of time and baked in under 15 minutes. It's a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or a unique dessert. For a festive touch, garnish the dish with fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme. Don't forget to let the dish cool down for a few minutes before serving to avoid a cheesy volcano!

Customisation

Feel free to experiment with different types of jam, jelly, or preserves to find your favourite pairing with brie. You can also try adding a kick of spice with jalapeños or pepper jelly. If you're serving this dish to guests, don't be afraid to get creative and let your personal touch shine through. Enjoy the process of crafting a delicious treat that's sure to impress!

Orange jam and brie

Baked Brie with Orange Jam:

This is a simple yet elegant appetizer that is sure to impress your guests. To make this, you'll need a wheel of brie, orange jam, and some toppings like chopped nuts or dried fruit. Simply spread the orange jam on top of the brie, add your desired toppings, and bake it in the oven until the cheese is warm and gooey. Serve it with crackers, baguette slices, or fresh fruit on the side.

Brie and Orange Jam Appetizers:

If you're looking for something a little more creative, try making mini tarts, puff pastries, or phyllo-wrapped brie bites filled with brie and orange jam. These can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving, making them a great option for stress-free entertaining.

The Cheese Board:

For a more informal gathering, create a stunning cheese board with brie and orange jam as the stars. Add some fresh fruits, crackers, nuts, and perhaps a drizzle of honey to create a beautiful and delicious spread. Don't forget to include a knife so your guests can easily spread the jam on their brie.

Other Jam Options:

While orange jam and brie is a delightful pairing, you can also experiment with other jam flavors. Fig jam, apricot jam, and cranberry jam are all excellent choices that complement the creamy, earthy notes of brie. You can also try mixing in some herbs or nuts to your jam for added texture and flavor.

Remember, when serving brie, it's best to keep the rind intact, as it adds flavor and helps hold the soft cheese together, especially when baking. So, go ahead and indulge in the delicious combination of orange jam and brie—your taste buds will thank you!

Frequently asked questions