Fig and Bacon Baked Brie Bites – Easy New Year’s Eve Appetizer

 

---

When it comes to New Year’s Eve appetizers, we often think of elaborate and time-consuming recipes. But what if you could create a sophisticated and delicious appetizer with minimal effort? These Fig and Bacon Baked Brie Bites are the answer. They’re the perfect combination of creamy brie cheese, salty bacon, and a touch of sweetness from the fig jam, all nestled in a crispy phyllo tart shell. Whether you’re hosting a New Year’s Eve party or simply enjoying a cozy night in, these bite-sized treats are sure to impress. They are also a perfect brie and fig appetizer to serve any time of year.

The Tradition of “Good Luck” New Year’s Eve Dinner

Many people follow the tradition of eating specific foods on New Year’s Eve for good luck in the coming year. Collard greens, pork, black-eyed peas, and cornbread are all common staples of this “good luck” dinner. While these dishes are undeniably comforting, they’re not exactly known for their health benefits.

If you’re looking for a lighter option for your New Year’s Eve celebration, finger foods and mini appetizers are a great choice. They allow you to sample a variety of flavors without overindulging. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good appetizer?

A Simple and Classy New Year’s Eve Appetizer

I’ll admit, I’m not much of a party-goer on New Year’s Eve. I usually prefer to stay in and relax. But that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy a good New Year’s Eve appetizer, or a brie and fig appetizer any time of year. These Fig and Bacon Baked Brie Bites are my go-to recipe. They’re incredibly easy to make and require minimal ingredients.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You simply fill phyllo tart shells with brie cheese, fig spread, and bacon crumbles, then bake them until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The result is a flavorful and elegant appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion.

Tips and Tricks

Elevate your Fig and Bacon Baked Brie Bites, or any brie and fig appetizer, with these simple tips:

• For a richer flavor, use a good quality brie cheese.
• If you don’t have fig spread, you can use fig jam or chopped dried figs.
• You can also add other toppings to your tarts, such as chopped walnuts, a drizzle of honey, or fresh rosemary or thyme.
• Experiment with different cheeses for a unique twist on this classic appetizer combination.

Serving Suggestions

These Fig and Bacon Baked Brie Bites are delicious on their own but can also be served with a variety of accompaniments. 

Try serving them with crackers, baguette slices, crostini, fresh fruit such as figs, pears, or grapes, or a side of mixed greens. 

For a more decadent experience, drizzle with honey and sprinkle with chopped walnuts. These easy appetizers are also delicious with a glass of white wine or champagne.

Make-Ahead Tip

You can assemble the tarts ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them.

Variations:

• Baked Brie in a Cast Iron Skillet: For a more rustic presentation, bake the brie whole in a cast-iron skillet. Top with fig spread, bacon crumbles, and any other desired toppings, and bake until the cheese is melty and bubbly. Serve with crackers, baguette slices, or crostini for dipping.
• Pear and Brie Crostini: Top baguette slices with slices of pear, brie cheese, and a dollop of fig jam. Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

No matter how you serve them, these fig and brie appetizers are sure to be a hit! The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible, and the easy preparation makes them perfect for any occasion.

Commonly Asked Questions

Similar Recipes

If you like appetizer recipes like this, then you will enjoy the recipes below:

• Pear and Prosciutto Flatbread Pizzas
• Loaded Baked Potato Bites
• Mexican Lasagna Bites
• Bacon and Cranberry Goat Cheese Crostini
• Bruschetta Recipe with Bacon and Peaches

Print