If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer or light meal that’s both savory and sweet, look no further than Balsamic Fig & Brie Puff Pastry Tart! This elegant tart combines the richness of Brie cheese with the deep sweetness of balsamic figs, all wrapped in a flaky, buttery puff pastry crust. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a fantastic dish for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or a delicious weekend treat.
What makes this tart so special is the contrast of flavors. The Brie’s creamy, mild texture pairs beautifully with the slightly tangy balsamic glaze and sweet, caramelized figs. The puff pastry adds a satisfying crunch while still maintaining a soft and buttery interior. This dish is incredibly easy to prepare, yet it looks impressive and tastes divine, ensuring it will be the star of any occasion.
I first made this Balsamic Fig & Brie Puff Pastry Tart for a small dinner party, and it was a total hit. The balance of savory cheese, sweet figs, and tangy balsamic made for a perfect bite. It’s since become one of my go-to appetizers for special occasions, and I’m sure it’ll be a favorite in your home too!
Why This Balsamic Fig & Brie Puff Pastry Tart Will Be Your New Favorite
- Perfectly balanced: The combination of creamy Brie, sweet figs, and tangy balsamic glaze creates a delicious contrast of flavors that will delight your taste buds.
- Elegant and easy: With puff pastry as the base, this tart is incredibly easy to make but looks impressive enough for a dinner party or holiday gathering.
- Flaky and buttery: The puff pastry provides a crisp, buttery texture that’s the perfect vessel for the rich Brie and sweet figs.
- Quick and versatile: Ready in just 30 minutes, this tart is ideal for both busy weeknights and special occasions.
- Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the filling to suit your taste, making this a versatile recipe that you can make your own.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 oz Brie cheese, sliced
- 1/2 cup fig jam or fresh figs, chopped
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Fresh thyme or rosemary leaves (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Balsamic Fig & Brie Puff Pastry Tart
- Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. - Prepare the puff pastry:
Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to smooth it out to an even thickness. Transfer the pastry to the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, lightly score a border around the edge of the pastry, about 1 inch from the edge. This will help the crust puff up nicely during baking. - Make the balsamic fig glaze:
In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar and honey. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and becomes syrupy, about 5-7 minutes. If you’re using fresh figs, add them to the glaze and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to soften them. If you’re using fig jam, simply stir it into the glaze. - Assemble the tart:
Spread the fig jam (or the cooked figs if you’re using fresh ones) evenly over the puff pastry, inside the scored border. Arrange the Brie slices on top of the fig mixture. Drizzle some of the balsamic glaze over the Brie and figs, reserving a little for drizzling after baking. - Bake the tart:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and puffed, and the Brie is melted and bubbly. - Garnish and serve:
Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool slightly. Drizzle with the remaining balsamic glaze and garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary leaves. Slice and serve warm!
Tips
- Use a high-quality fig jam: If you’re using jam, choose a high-quality fig jam for the best flavor. It will give the tart a rich, fruity sweetness that complements the Brie and balsamic perfectly.
- Don’t overfill: Be careful not to overfill the tart with too much fig jam, as the pastry needs space to puff up around the edges.
- Customize the herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary pairs beautifully with the figs, but you can experiment with other herbs like basil or sage for a unique twist.
Substitutions and Variations
- Different cheeses: If you prefer a stronger flavor, try using goat cheese or blue cheese in place of the Brie. Both cheeses pair wonderfully with the figs and balsamic.
- Other fruits: While figs are classic, you can also use sliced pears, apples, or even dried apricots for a different flavor profile.
- Vegan version: For a vegan version, use a plant-based Brie substitute and a vegan puff pastry to keep the dish dairy-free.
Make a Healthier Version
- Lower-fat option: Use reduced-fat Brie or a lower-fat cheese alternative to reduce the fat content of this dish.
- Use whole wheat puff pastry: Swap the regular puff pastry for a whole wheat version to add fiber and a slightly nutty flavor.
Closing
And there you have it! Balsamic Fig & Brie Puff Pastry Tart is the perfect combination of rich, creamy Brie, sweet figs, and tangy balsamic, all nestled in a flaky, golden puff pastry. It’s an easy, elegant dish that will impress your guests and delight your taste buds. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, a party snack, or a light meal, this tart is sure to be a favorite. Don’t forget to let us know how your tart turns out, and be sure to check out more of our festive appetizer recipes for even more delicious ideas!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this tart ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the tart ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve. - Can I use frozen puff pastry?
Yes, frozen puff pastry works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it according to the package instructions before using. - Can I substitute the figs with something else?
Yes! You can substitute the figs with other fruits like pears, apples, or even dried apricots for a different flavor. - Can I freeze this tart?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled tart before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and bake it directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. - How do I store leftover tart?
Leftover tart can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore the crispiness. - Can I use a different cheese for this tart?
Yes, you can substitute Brie with other cheeses like goat cheese, camembert, or even a mild blue cheese for a stronger flavor. - Can I make this tart vegan?
Yes, you can make this tart vegan by using plant-based Brie and vegan puff pastry. - How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?
Make sure the Brie cheese is not too runny before adding it to the tart. If you’re using fresh figs, make sure to remove excess moisture from them before placing them on the pastry. - How do I serve this tart?
Serve this tart warm, garnished with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. It pairs well with a light salad or a glass of white wine. - Can I add nuts to this tart?
Yes! Adding some toasted walnuts, pecans, or almonds on top before serving can add a crunchy element that complements the creamy Brie and sweet figs.
Balsamic Fig & Brie Puff Pastry Tart
Course: All Word Recipes4
servings30
40
minutes300
kcal0
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
1 sheet 1 puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
1 tablespoon 1 olive oil
8 oz 8 Brie cheese, sliced
1/2 cup 1/2 fig jam or fresh figs, chopped
2 tablespoons 2 balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon 1 honey
Fresh thyme or rosemary leaves (optional, for garnish)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Prepare the puff pastry:
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to smooth it out to an even thickness. Transfer the pastry to the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, lightly score a border around the edge of the pastry, about 1 inch from the edge. This will help the crust puff up nicely during baking.
- Make the balsamic fig glaze:
- In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar and honey. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and becomes syrupy, about 5-7 minutes. If you’re using fresh figs, add them to the glaze and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to soften them. If you’re using fig jam, simply stir it into the glaze.
- Assemble the tart:
- Spread the fig jam (or the cooked figs if you’re using fresh ones) evenly over the puff pastry, inside the scored border. Arrange the Brie slices on top of the fig mixture. Drizzle some of the balsamic glaze over the Brie and figs, reserving a little for drizzling after baking.
- Bake the tart:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and puffed, and the Brie is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve:
- Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool slightly. Drizzle with the remaining balsamic glaze and garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary leaves. Slice and serve warm!
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