Caramelized Onion and Bacon Baked Brie with Fig Jam: A Decadent Delight

Baked brie is always a crowd-pleaser, but this recipe takes it to the next level. The combination of sweet fig jam, savory caramelized onions and bacon, and creamy brie creates an explosion of flavor in every bite. This appetizer is perfect for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or even a cozy night in. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and the results are simply divine. Get ready to impress your guests (or yourself!) with this incredibly delicious and sophisticated dish.

## Why This Recipe Works

* **Flavor Contrast:** The interplay between the sweet fig jam, salty bacon, and savory caramelized onions creates a complex and balanced flavor profile that tantalizes the taste buds.
* **Texture Variety:** The creamy brie, crispy bacon, and soft, yielding onions provide a delightful textural experience.
* **Ease of Preparation:** Despite its impressive presentation, this baked brie is surprisingly simple to make, requiring minimal effort and readily available ingredients.
* **Versatility:** This appetizer can be served with a variety of accompaniments, such as crusty bread, crackers, or apple slices, making it adaptable to different preferences and dietary needs.
* **Crowd-Pleasing Appeal:** Its rich and decadent flavors make it a guaranteed hit at any gathering, satisfying even the most discerning palates.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **1 (8-ounce) wheel of Brie cheese:** Make sure it’s a good quality brie for the best flavor and melting properties. You can use a double or triple cream brie. Avoid brie that is too ripe or has a very strong ammonia smell. Let the brie sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking; this will help ensure even melting.
* **1 tablespoon olive oil:** Used for caramelizing the onions. Extra virgin olive oil is a good choice, but any olive oil will work.
* **1 large onion, thinly sliced:** Yellow or sweet onions are best for caramelizing. Red onions can also be used, but they will have a slightly sharper flavor.
* **4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled:** Crispy bacon is key! Cook the bacon until it’s nice and crispy, then drain off the excess grease and crumble it into small pieces. You can use regular bacon or thick-cut bacon, depending on your preference. For a vegetarian option, consider using vegetarian bacon crumbles, although the taste will be different.
* **1/4 cup fig jam:** High-quality fig jam is crucial for the best flavor. Look for a fig jam that is not overly sweet and has a good fig flavor. You can find fig jam at most grocery stores or specialty food stores. If you can’t find fig jam, you can substitute with other fruit preserves, such as apricot jam or cherry jam, but the flavor will be different.
* **1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar:** Adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness. Use a good quality balsamic vinegar for the best flavor. If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can substitute with a small squeeze of lemon juice.
* **1 tablespoon brown sugar:** Enhances the caramelization process of the onions and adds sweetness. You can use light or dark brown sugar. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can substitute with granulated sugar, but the flavor will be slightly different.
* **Fresh thyme sprigs (optional):** For garnish and added flavor. Fresh thyme adds a subtle, earthy flavor to the baked brie. If you don’t have fresh thyme, you can substitute with dried thyme, but use only about 1/2 teaspoon, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
* **Crusty bread, crackers, or apple slices, for serving:** For dipping and spreading. Crusty bread is a classic accompaniment to baked brie, but crackers or apple slices also work well. Choose your favorite and have a variety on hand for your guests.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Oven:** To bake the brie.
* **Small skillet or saucepan:** To caramelize the onions and cook the bacon.
* **Baking sheet:** To bake the brie on. Line with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
* **Parchment paper (optional):** For lining the baking sheet.
* **Knife:** To slice the brie (optional, if removing rind).
* **Cutting board:** For prepping the ingredients.
* **Spatula or spoon:** For stirring the onions and spreading the toppings.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

**1. Prepare the Bacon:**

Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces. Set aside.

**2. Caramelize the Onions:**

* Heat the olive oil in the same skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 30-45 minutes, or until they are deeply golden brown and caramelized. This process takes time, so be patient and don’t rush it. The key is to cook the onions slowly over low heat, allowing them to release their natural sugars and caramelize properly. Stir frequently to prevent burning, and add a splash of water if the onions start to stick to the pan.
* During the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar. This will add a touch of sweetness and acidity to the onions and further enhance their flavor. Cook until the balsamic vinegar has reduced and the onions are glazed.
* Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

**3. Prepare the Brie:**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
* Place the wheel of brie on the prepared baking sheet. You can leave the rind on, or you can score the top of the rind with a knife to help it melt easier. Some people prefer to remove the rind altogether, but leaving it on helps the brie hold its shape during baking.

**4. Assemble the Baked Brie:**

* Spread the fig jam evenly over the top of the brie.
* Top with the caramelized onions and crumbled bacon, distributing them evenly over the fig jam.

**5. Bake the Brie:**

* Bake in the preheated oven for 8-12 minutes, or until the brie is soft and melted. The baking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of the brie, so keep a close eye on it. You want the brie to be soft and gooey, but not completely melted and runny. If the toppings start to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the brie with aluminum foil.

**6. Garnish and Serve:**

* Remove the baked brie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs, if desired.
* Serve immediately with crusty bread, crackers, or apple slices for dipping and spreading. The warm, melted brie and flavorful toppings are best enjoyed while they are still hot.

## Tips for Success

* **Don’t rush the caramelization process:** Caramelizing onions takes time and patience. Cook them over low heat, stirring frequently, until they are deeply golden brown and sweet.
* **Use high-quality fig jam:** The fig jam is a key component of this recipe, so use a good quality jam for the best flavor.
* **Don’t overbake the brie:** Overbaking the brie will result in a runny, messy dish. Bake it just until it’s soft and melted.
* **Let the brie sit at room temperature before baking:** This will help ensure even melting.
* **Score the rind (optional):** Scoring the top of the rind will help the brie melt easier and prevent it from bursting.
* **Watch the toppings:** If the toppings start to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the brie with aluminum foil.
* **Serve immediately:** Baked brie is best enjoyed while it’s still warm and melted.
* **Experiment with different toppings:** Feel free to experiment with different toppings to customize this recipe to your liking. Some other delicious options include chopped walnuts, pecans, dried cranberries, or honey.

## Variations

* **Vegetarian:** Omit the bacon and use vegetarian bacon crumbles or sautéed mushrooms instead.
* **Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the caramelized onions for a touch of heat.
* **Sweet and Savory:** Drizzle with honey or maple syrup after baking for an extra touch of sweetness.
* **Different Cheese:** While brie is the classic choice, you can also use Camembert or other similar soft cheeses.
* **Different Jam:** If you don’t have fig jam, try using apricot, cherry, or raspberry jam.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Crusty Bread:** A classic accompaniment for baked brie. Slice the bread thinly and serve it alongside the brie for dipping and spreading.
* **Crackers:** Choose a variety of crackers, such as water crackers, wheat crackers, or flavored crackers.
* **Apple Slices:** Thinly sliced apple slices provide a refreshing and slightly tart contrast to the rich brie.
* **Pears:** Similar to apples, pear slices offer a sweet and juicy complement to the baked brie.
* **Grapes:** A cluster of grapes adds a touch of sweetness and color to the serving platter.
* **Nuts:** A small bowl of toasted nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, provides a crunchy and flavorful addition.
* **Wine:** Pair with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, or a light-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir.

## Make Ahead Instructions

You can caramelize the onions and cook the bacon ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble the baked brie just before baking.

## Storage Instructions

Leftover baked brie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

## Nutrition Information (approximate)

* Calories: 350-450 per serving (depending on portion size and ingredients)
* Fat: 25-35g
* Saturated Fat: 15-20g
* Cholesterol: 70-90mg
* Sodium: 300-400mg
* Carbohydrates: 15-25g
* Sugar: 10-15g
* Protein: 10-15g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Conclusion

This Caramelized Onion and Bacon Baked Brie with Fig Jam recipe is a show-stopping appetizer that is sure to impress. The combination of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors is simply irresistible. It’s easy to make, versatile, and perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy this decadent delight!

Enjoy!