Baked Brie en Croûte with Fig Jam and French Walnuts

Baked Brie en croûte is a delicious centrepiece for sharing, whether you’re hosting an apéritif or preparing a festive cheeseboard. This easy baked Brie recipe wraps creamy French cheese in puff pastry (called pâte feuilletée in French), topped with sweet fig jam and French walnuts for a delicious sweet-and-savoury combination. Once baked, the pastry turns beautifully golden while the cheese becomes soft and gooey. Serve it warm with crusty baguette, crackers or fresh fruit.

Brie de Meaux PDO is a wonderful choice, but if you can’t find it, a good French Brie from the supermarket works just as well. You could also use Coulommiers or try a baked Camembert en croûte instead. Choose a small, round cheese, as in this recipe, or use two triangular pieces to create a rectangular version. Whichever cheese you choose, check the packaging carefully to make sure it is actually made in France, as French-style branding doesn’t necessarily mean French origin! It’s a simple way to bring a little French flair to your table.