Brie and Fig Jam Bites with Bacon (Easy Phyllo Appetizer!)

 

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When it comes to party appetizers, I’m all about maximum flavor with minimum effort. These brie and fig jam bites hit that sweet spot perfectly. The combination of creamy brie cheese, salty bacon, and a touch of sweetness from the fig jam, all nestled in a crispy phyllo tart shell, is simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, girls’ night, or just want to impress your in-laws, these bite-sized treats are foolproof. And the best part? They come together in under 20 minutes with just four ingredients.

Why This Flavor Combination Works

There’s a reason brie and fig is such a classic pairing – the mild, creamy brie lets the sweet-tart fig jam shine through, while the bacon adds that salty crunch that balances everything out. The phyllo shell keeps things elegant and adds textural contrast. It’s sophisticated without trying too hard, which is exactly my style. This brie and fig appetizer combination works for literally any occasion – from casual game nights to fancy holiday gatherings.

Choosing Your Ingredients

Brie Cheese: Look for a wheel of brie that feels soft when you gently press the center. Avoid rock-hard brie – it won’t melt as nicely. Any size wheel works since you’re cutting it into small pieces. You can leave the rind on or remove it – I usually leave it on because it melts beautifully and adds extra creaminess.

Fig Jam/Spread: Fig preserves, fig jam, fig spread – they all work! I usually grab whatever’s on sale. Brands like Dalmatia or Bonne Maman are solid choices, but store brands work just as well. They all have that perfect sweet-tart flavor that makes these brie and fig jam bites irresistible.

Bacon: Pre-cooked bacon crumbles are your friend here. Hormel Real Bacon Bits or Costco’s bacon crumbles save so much time and cleanup. If you’re cooking bacon fresh, make sure it’s super crispy – soggy bacon won’t work in these bites.

Phyllo Shells: Athens Foods phyllo shells are in most grocery store freezers near the puff pastry. They come pre-baked and ready to fill, which is why this recipe is so ridiculously easy. No rolling, no cutting, no fuss.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Brie and Fig Bites

Elevate your brie and fig jam bites with these simple tips:

• Let the phyllo shells come to room temperature before filling – they’re less likely to crack when you’re working with them.
• Don’t overfill the shells or they’ll overflow when the cheese melts. A little goes a long way!
• If your brie is super cold, let it sit out for 10 minutes before cutting – it’s way easier to work with and won’t crumble as much.
• For a richer flavor, splurge on a good-quality brie cheese. The better the brie, the better these taste.
• Get creative with toppings – try chopped walnuts, a drizzle of honey, or fresh rosemary or thyme on top for extra flavor.
• Experiment with different cheeses like camembert or goat cheese for a unique twist on this classic brie and fig appetizer.

Serving Suggestions

These brie and fig jam bites are delicious on their own, but you can also create a full appetizer spread around them. Here are some ideas:

Try serving them alongside crackers, baguette slices, or crostini for guests who want to build their own bites. Add a platter of fresh fruit like figs, pears, or grapes for a beautiful contrast. A side of mixed greens or bacon and cranberry goat cheese crostini rounds out the spread nicely.

For a more decadent experience, drizzle with honey and sprinkle with chopped walnuts right before serving. These easy appetizers are also perfect with a glass of white wine or champagne – or honestly, whatever you’re drinking!

Make-Ahead Tip

Prep Ahead: You can assemble the brie and fig bites up to 4 hours ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. Just pop them in the oven when guests arrive. I don’t recommend making them more than 4 hours ahead because the phyllo shells can get soggy.

Storing Leftovers: Keep any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a 325°F oven for about 5 minutes to crisp up the phyllo shells again. They won’t be quite as good as fresh, but they’re still tasty!

Can You Freeze Them? I don’t recommend freezing these brie and fig jam bites because phyllo shells don’t freeze and reheat well – they tend to get soggy and lose their crispness. These are definitely best made fresh or assembled a few hours ahead and baked right before serving.

Delicious Variations

Want to switch things up? Try these twists on the classic brie and fig appetizer:

• 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 thin slices of pear, brie cheese, and a dollop of fig jam. Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly for an elegant variation.
• Walnut and Honey Version: Skip the bacon and add toasted walnuts with a drizzle of honey for a vegetarian option.
• Prosciutto Instead of Bacon: Swap the bacon for thin strips of prosciutto for a more sophisticated Italian twist.

No matter how you serve them, these brie and fig jam bites 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

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