Brie and Fig Jam Puff Pastry Cups
The moment you unwrap a sheet of puff pastry, your kitchen fills with the seductive scent of buttery goodness. When baked, it transforms into a golden, flaky puzzle of layers, just begging to cradle something delicious. Picture these irresistible Brie and Fig Jam Puff Pastry Cups emerging from the oven, a warm invitation to gather around the table. Their creamy brie melts beautifully into sweet fig jam, all topped off with crunchy pecans for texture that’s nothing short of heavenly. It reminds me of hosting festive gatherings, where the laughter spills over, mingling with the smell of freshly baked treats. There’s something about these delightful cups that screams celebration—whether it’s New Year’s Eve or just a cozy get-together with friends.
Table of Contents
So grab your puff pastry and let’s whip up these little bites of joy together! You won’t believe how easy and impressive they are to make. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have an appetizer that will make everyone think you spent hours in the kitchen, all while savoring the sweetness of the season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Whip these up in just 30 minutes; perfect for last-minute guests.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy brie with sweet fig jam and crunchy pecans will have your taste buds dancing.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: These little cups are not only delicious but are also visually stunning—truly a feast for the eyes!
- Flexible Serving: Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even paired with a glass of wine for a light meal.
- Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily swap out the brie for a dairy-free alternative if needed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 sheet puff pastry: This flaky pastry is the star of our dish. Opt for a high-quality, frozen puff pastry for the best results, and make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before using.
- 6 oz brie cheese: Cut into 24 small pieces for even melting. If brie isn’t your thing, camembert can be a great substitute—rich and creamy in a similar way.
- 1/3 cup fig jam: This sweet jam balances the richness of the brie perfectly. Feel free to use homemade or store-bought, but a high-quality jam elevates the flavor.
- 1/3 cup pecans: Toasted and roughly chopped for that delightful crunch. You can substitute walnuts or almonds if you prefer.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (optional): Adds a hint of earthiness. If fresh thyme isn’t available, dried thyme can work too.
- 2 tablespoons honey (optional): A drizzle of honey before serving brings an extra layer of sweetness—so delicious!
- Flaky sea salt (for finishing, optional): A sprinkle at the end brings a pop of flavor that enhances everything beautifully.
How to Make Brie and Fig Jam Puff Pastry Cups
Toast the Pecans: Start by toasting the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes. Stir frequently until they become fragrant and lightly golden. This step enhances their flavor immensely! Once done, let them cool before roughly chopping and setting aside to use later.
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F. While it heats, lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin with cooking spray or butter to ensure the cups release easily after baking.
Prepare the Puff Pastry: Unroll your thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Gently roll it with a rolling pin to smooth it out, and then use a pizza cutter to slice it into 24 squares. Each square should be about 2.5 inches for a perfect fit!
Form the Cups: Take each pastry square and press it into the mini muffin cup, letting the edges rise above the rim—this creates the perfect little vessel for your filling.
Assemble the Filling: Place a small piece of brie in each pastry cup, letting it nestle in comfortably. Top each with about 1/2 teaspoon of fig jam, followed by a sprinkle of those lovely chopped toasted pecans. If you’re using thyme, now’s the time to add a pinch for extra flavor.
Bake to Perfection: Pop the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for 16-17 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the puff pastry to be golden brown and the brie to be melting and bubbly—ah, those glorious sights!
Finish and Serve: Once baked, let the cups cool in the tin for about 3-5 minutes. Carefully remove them and place on a serving platter. If desired, drizzle with honey and sprinkle with a touch of flaky sea salt for that finishing touch. Serve warm and watch everyone enjoy!
Storing & Reheating
If you have any Brie and Fig Jam Puff Pastry Cups left over (which is a big “if”), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, but keep in mind that the texture may soften a bit. You can also freeze these cups; just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet before moving them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months! To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes to get them warm and crispy again.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Toasting the pecans brings out their flavor; don’t skip this step!
- Ensure your puff pastry is thawed completely—working with cold, firm pastry is essential for those flaky layers.
- Avoid overfilling the cups; too much filling can overflow during baking.
- Experiment with different jams like apricot or raspberry for unique flavor profiles!
- For extra richness, consider using double cream brie.
The combination of textures and flavors in these Brie and Fig Jam Puff Pastry Cups truly creates a delightful experience! Whether you make them for a special occasion or just because you want something delicious to munch on, don’t shy away from experimenting. Try different toppings and find out what you love best. Enjoying these will undoubtedly bring a smile to your face—so gather your ingredients, and let’s start baking!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make these puff pastry cups in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything in advance and assemble the cups. Just keep the filled pastry shells covered in the fridge. Before your guests arrive, pop them in the oven for baking. They’ll be fresh out of the oven when it’s time to serve.
What can I substitute for brie cheese?
If brie isn’t your favorite, camembert works wonderfully as a substitute, as it offers a similar creamy texture. For a dairy-free option, you might try a cashew cream cheese or a dairy-free soft cheese spread.
Can I use a different type of jam?
Certainly! While fig jam pairs beautifully with brie, you can substitute it with other jams like apricot, raspberry, or even apple butter. Each will bring a unique twist to your puff pastry cups.
How can I make these cups more visually appealing?
Consider adding a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds or edible flowers on top before serving. These not only add a pop of color but also enhance the presentation for special gatherings.
More Desserts & Appetizers Recipes
- Lemon Fudge
- Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies
- Almond Flour Ginger Molasses Cookies
- Valentine strawberry yogurt bites
- Valentine Cinnamon & Spice Palmiers
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📖 Recipe Card
Brie and Fig Jam Puff Pastry Cups
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cups 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Experience the exquisite flavor of Brie and Fig Jam Puff Pastry Cups. This simple, yet elegant appetizer combines creamy brie with sweet fig jam and crunchy pecans, making it ideal for entertaining or enjoying a special treat at home.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 6 oz brie cheese
- 1/3 cup fig jam
- 1/3 cup pecans
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- 2 tablespoons honey (optional)
- Flaky sea salt (for finishing, optional)
Instructions
- Toast the pecans in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes until fragrant, then chop them.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin.
- Roll out the thawed puff pastry and cut into 24 squares.
- Press each square into the mini muffin cups to form shells.
- Place a piece of brie in each cup, add fig jam, and top with chopped pecans and thyme if using.
- Bake for 16-17 minutes until the pastry is golden and the brie is bubbly.
- Cool for a few minutes, drizzle with honey, sprinkle with salt, and serve warm.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature or refrigerate for a week.
You can freeze the cups for up to 3 months; reheat them at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes.
Experiment with different jams like apricot or raspberry for unique flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
