Irresistible Fig & Brie Pastry Pops: Your Elegant Sweet and Savory Appetizer for Any Occasion

For all discerning palates and those who appreciate a delightful blend of flavors, these Fig & Brie Pastry Pops offer a sophisticated twist on the classic lollipop concept. Combining the luscious sweetness of fig jam with the rich, creamy notes of Brie cheese, all encased in a flaky puff pastry, these delightful bites are perfectly balanced between sweet and savory. They are an absolute showstopper, making them the ideal grown-up treat to complement a glass of holiday cheer or to elevate any special gathering.

Whether you choose to craft them into whimsical shapes or stick to traditional rounds, adding a lollipop stick transforms these pastries into festive, hand-held delights. The stick not only makes them incredibly fun to eat but also adds an element of charm to your presentation, inviting guests to grab and enjoy. Of course, they are equally delicious served without the stick, making them versatile for various occasions.

The Magic of Puff Pastry: A Culinary Shortcut for Gourmet Bites

One of the greatest advantages of these delightful treats is their reliance on prepared puff pastry. This fantastic ingredient is a true shortcut, making what might seem like a gourmet endeavor incredibly easy and accessible. During the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, or any time you need a quick yet impressive appetizer, puff pastry is your best friend. Its buttery, flaky layers create a perfect textural contrast to the soft fig and creamy Brie, all without the laborious process of making pastry from scratch.

While I often use the readily available Pepperidge Farm brand, it’s worth noting that these Fig & Brie Pastry Pops can effortlessly be made gluten-free. For those with dietary restrictions or preferences, a brand like GeeFree offers an excellent gluten-free puff pastry option, which is conveniently available in most well-stocked food stores. This ensures that everyone can enjoy these scrumptious bites, regardless of their dietary needs.

For the festive lollipop sticks, you can typically find them in the baking or craft section of your local supermarket or craft store. If you have any difficulty locating them, they are also easily accessible online, for instance, on Amazon. The 4-inch size is ideal for these pastry pops, providing enough stability without being overly long or cumbersome for an appetizer.

Preparing Your Ingredients for Optimal Flavor and Texture

Before you begin the assembly of your pastry pops, a little preparation goes a long way. When working with Brie, I highly recommend trimming the white protective rind from the outer edge. While edible, the rind can become slightly tougher when baked and may interfere with the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture you want from the cheese inside the pastry. Removing it also helps make the Brie more pliable, which is beneficial when shaping and sealing the pastry pops. This small step ensures a smoother, more enjoyable bite every time.

Once your ingredients are prepped, the assembly process is straightforward:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
2. On a lightly floured surface, carefully unroll your puff pastry sheets. You’ll want to roll them out slightly to achieve an even thickness of about ¼-inch. This ensures consistent baking and a perfectly crisp texture.
3. Using a 2½-inch round cookie cutter, cut out 12 circles from each pastry square. You’ll have two sets of 12 circles in total.
4. Set one set of these circles aside; these will be the tops of your pastry pops.
5. Don’t let any excess pastry go to waste! Gather the scraps, reroll them lightly, and cut them into smaller shapes with mini cookie cutters or simply slice them into squares or strips. Bake these alongside your pops to create delicious “pastry croutons.” These little baked bits are fantastic as a simple snack with your favorite jam, or as a crunchy topping for your next bowl of soup or salad.

Assembling Your Fig & Brie Pastry Pops

Now for the fun part – assembling these sweet and savory treats. Precision here helps ensure a beautiful, well-sealed pastry pop.

• Start with one of your first sets of pastry rounds. Place approximately 1 teaspoon of fig jam or spread directly into the center of each round. Don’t overload it, as too much filling can make sealing difficult.
• Next, take a pre-cut piece of Brie. Gently flatten it slightly between your fingers to make it a bit more compact and easier to manage. Then, carefully skewer the Brie piece with a lollipop stick, pushing the stick through the center until it’s secure.
• Place the skewered Brie, stick and all, directly into the center of the fig jam on your pastry round. The stick should extend outwards.
• Repeat this process with all the pastry rounds in your first set.

While these instructions focus on a round fig version, it’s worth noting that these treats can also be made into larger squares. An inspiring recipe from PureWow demonstrates how to cut each pastry sheet into 9 equal square sections. If you choose this variation, you would naturally increase the amount of fig jam and cut your Brie pieces larger to match the increased pastry size.

Sealing Your Pastry Pops for a Perfect Bake

Proper sealing is crucial to prevent the delicious filling from oozing out during baking. This step ensures your pastry pops hold their shape and remain beautiful.

• In a small bowl, whisk one egg with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. This acts as a ‘glue’ and helps create a golden-brown crust.
• Lightly brush a small amount of this egg wash around the entire edge of each pastry round that has the jam and Brie.
• Take a circle from your second set of pastry rounds. Gently stretch it just a bit, then carefully drape it over the Brie and fig filling, aligning its edges with the bottom pastry round.
• Press down gently but firmly around the entire edge to seal the two pastry rounds together, forming your pastry pop.
• For an extra secure seal and a decorative touch, use the tines of a fork to press all around the edges of the sealed pastries. Pay extra attention and take care when sealing around the lollipop sticks, ensuring the pastry adheres firmly to the stick to prevent it from coming loose during baking or handling.

Baking to Golden Perfection and Serving Suggestions

With your pastry pops assembled and sealed, they are ready for their transformation in the oven.

• Brush each pastry pop once more with the egg wash. This final coating will give them that beautiful, glossy golden-brown finish we all love.
• For an added touch of gourmet flair and a subtle crunch, garnish each pop with a sprinkle of flaky salt, such as Maldon sea salt. This enhances the savory notes of the Brie and beautifully contrasts with the sweet fig.
• Carefully transfer your prepared pops to baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Ensure there’s enough space between each pop for even baking.
• Bake in your preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up and has turned a lovely golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
• Allow the pastry pops to cool for at least 5 minutes before serving. This brief cooling period helps the cheese set slightly and prevents burns from the hot filling.

Don’t fret if a small amount of filling, particularly the Brie, oozes out during baking. This is quite common with cheese-filled pastries. Once cooled down a bit, these small bits will firm up and can be easily broken off, leaving your pastry pops looking picture-perfect. These golden, flaky beauties are ready to impress! Serve them proudly on their own as a standalone appetizer, or integrate them as a sophisticated addition to your holiday cheese board. Their unique flavor profile and charming presentation will surely make them a memorable part of any spread.

Elevating Your Presentation: Creative Serving Ideas

The beauty of these Fig & Brie Pastry Pops extends beyond their delicious taste to their charming presentation. You can even fancy things up a bit by displaying your pops in a creative way, such as arranging them like a bouquet. Simply stand them upright in a decorative vase or jar, using dried beans, rice, or even decorative stones as an anchor to keep them in place. This transforms your appetizers into a captivating centerpiece that will surely draw compliments.

Why These Fig & Brie Pastry Pops Will Be Your New Favorite Appetizer

These Fig & Brie Pastry Pops truly encapsulate the best of both worlds: they’re incredibly easy to make thanks to store-bought puff pastry, yet they present as a sophisticated, gourmet appetizer. The delightful combination of sweet fig and creamy, savory Brie, encased in golden, flaky pastry, offers a taste experience that is both comforting and exciting. Perfect for holiday entertaining, a elegant brunch, or even a casual gathering with friends, these pops are versatile, customizable, and always a crowd-plepleaser. They add a touch of whimsy with the lollipop stick presentation, making them an instant conversation starter and a memorable part of any feast.

Crowd Favorites & More Inspiration

If you loved these sweet and savory pastry pops, be sure to explore more delightful recipes that are guaranteed to impress your guests and add a special touch to your table. Here are some of our other crowd favorites:

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