Introduction

This elegant Cheese Rosettes in Whipped Fig Brie recipe creates a beautiful and flavorful appetizer that is sure to impress. Combining creamy brie, sweet fig preserves, and delicate herb oil, it’s perfect for entertaining or a special treat.

A white plate holds a mound of fluffy white and light green ruffled layers, resembling finely shredded cabbage or a delicate flower cluster. Scattered across the mound are small, rounded purple flower buds, adding a contrasting color and soft texture to the top layer. The plate sits on a piece of light brown paper with printed text and small black illustrations, all laid on a white marbled surface. In the blurred background, there is a green textured cup, some food items on a white plate, and purple flowers to the right. The scene is brightly lit by natural sunlight, creating sharp shadows and highlights, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup basil leaves (packed)
1/3 cup chives (chopped about an inch long)

1 cup olive oil
8 oz triple creme brie

4 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
3 tbsp fig preserves

4 oz chilled semi-hard small cheese wheel (P’tit Basque, Gruyere, or Manchego)
1/2 tsp chive blossoms

Instructions

Step 1: Make the herb oil by bringing a small pot of water to a boil. Blanch the basil and chives for 30 seconds, then drain and squeeze out all excess moisture. Place the herbs in a blender with the olive oil and blend on high for 3 to 5 minutes until completely smooth.

Step 2: Pour the blended oil through a coffee filter into a bowl and let it sit for a few hours, stirring occasionally. Do not press the oil through. Once clarified, transfer the herb oil to a bottle and refrigerate.
Step 3: Prepare the brie by cutting off the rind while it is still cold, then let the brie come to room temperature.
Step 4: Combine the room temperature cream cheese and brie in a food processor and process until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and gently fold in the fig preserves, leaving visible streaks for a pretty effect.

Step 5: Use a girolle cheese shaver to create thin rosettes from the chilled semi-hard cheese wheel by spinning and shaving thin layers.
Step 6: Spoon the whipped brie mixture into a mound on a small serving plate. Arrange the cheese rosettes all over the mound, starting from the bottom and working upwards until covered.
Step 7: Drizzle the herb oil over the cheese mound and garnish with fresh chive blossoms. Serve immediately with toasted bread.

Tips & Variations

If you don’t have a girolle cheese shaver, carefully slice thin layers of cheese with a vegetable peeler to form rosettes.
Try different fig preserves or use apricot jam for a slightly different fruity twist.
Substitute the semi-hard cheese with a favorite variety, such as aged cheddar, for another flavor dimension.

For a more intense herb flavor, let the herb oil steep longer before straining.

Storage

Store any leftover whipped brie mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The herb oil can be refrigerated for up to one week. Assemble the rosettes and plate just before serving to maintain their shape and freshness. Reheat is not recommended as it may alter the texture.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a wedge salad served on a white plate, showing a thick, layered wedge of pale green lettuce with ruffled edges. The top layer has a creamy dressing with a few brown spots on it, and small purple edible flowers are placed decoratively on the sides of the wedge. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with blurred elements in the background, including a large glass and a hint of a roasted brown item. The lighting highlights the texture and freshness of the lettuce layers and dressing. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the herb oil in advance?

Yes, the herb oil can be made a day or two ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before drizzling over the cheese.

What can I use if I don’t have chive blossoms?

If chive blossoms are unavailable, you can garnish with finely chopped chives or edible flowers like nasturtiums or violets for a similar delicate look.