Fig brie and thyme braid. Originally published Sept. 9, 2021.

Keeping a box of puff pastry in the freezer is always a good idea. Puff pastry is so versatile and easy to use for an impressive dish and today’s appetizer recipe is no exception. This elegant appetizer is a flavorful and savory sweet concoction that is wonderful for a special dinner or party. There is not much that can go wrong with fruit, cheese, and herbs in pastry. This simple throw together appetizer uses puff pastry, fig preserves, Brie cheese, and fresh thyme. It looks hard, but really isn’t and will add a special touch to your gathering.

I like to serve it with pear or apple slices along the sides. Other fall fruit would work well too Fresh thyme sprigs add a nice touch. Make sure to serve with a knife along side it, so people can take slices as they wish. It is important to note the instructions on braiding as you don’t want your braiding leaking cheese and preserves everywhere. I’ve included tips on braiding tightly so that your appetizer looks pretty as well!

Fig Brie and Thyme braid

Ingredients

1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
1/2-3/4 cup fig preserves
1 8-9 oz brie wheel, rind removed and cheese cut into slices.
1 egg
1 tbsp. water
fresh thyme
finishing salt or kosher salt
Optional: fresh pear or apple slices for garnishes

Instructions

Heat oven to 400 degrees.
Roll the puff pastry out on a floured surface to approximately 15 x 10 inch rectangle.
Transfer the pastry to a large, parchment lined baking sheet.
Down the middle of the pastry spread the fig preserves.
On top of the preserves place cheese slices.
Make approximately 2-inch cuts every inch along both sides of the pastry (see pictures for reference). Don't make the cuts too deep, but leave space for the preserves and cheese. Also, if the cuts are too deep then preserves and cheese will leak out.
Starting at top fold down end of pastry as shown in the photo.
Begin to braid the pastry.
Keep braiding tightly all the way down making sure no cuts are exposed at the edge of braid (see photo). This will keep your braid from leaking.
Your finished braid should look something like this. Notice the cut ends are on top of the braid- not the sides.
Make an egg wash by beating the 1 egg and 1 tbsp. of water in a small bowl.
Brush the whole braid well with the egg wash.
Sprinkle with fresh thyme and finishing salt.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until braid is puffed and golden.
Remove from oven and serve.