Name: Crispy Fried Brie: Irresistible Appetizer with Pepper Honey
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon black pepper, plus extra for garnish; 1/4 cup honey

When it comes to making a lasting impression on your guests, nothing quite hits the mark like Crispy Fried Brie with Pepper Honey. This appetizer has an irresistible allure that seamlessly blends the crunch of the coating with the oozing warmth of the Brie, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors. Inspired by a delightful experience at a Napa Valley wine bar, this dish has been perfected over time, making it a standout favorite in my culinary repertoire.

I vividly recall the moment when I introduced this delectable creation at my friend Sarah’s dinner party. The rave reviews and requests for the recipe that followed were a true testament to the magic of this dish. The combination of tangy olives, crispy prosciutto, and the subtle kick of pepper honey has the power to captivate even the most discerning palates. It’s no wonder that this recipe has become a cherished staple, earning its spot as the go-to crowd-pleaser that leaves everyone craving for more.

Table of Contents

Quick Benefits

Impress guests with a unique and indulgent appetizer
Versatile recipe with room for personalization and variations
Easy to prepare ahead of time for stress-free entertaining
Perfect balance of flavors and textures with warm, gooey Brie, tangy olives, and crispy prosciutto

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Fried Brie: Irresistible Appetizer with Pepper Honey Recipe

Impressive Appetizer: Perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties or gatherings.
Delicious Combination: The contrast of crunchy fried Brie with gooey cheese, tangy olives, crispy prosciutto, and sweet pepper honey is a flavor explosion.
Adaptable Recipe: Easily customizable with various ingredient substitutions and additions to suit different tastes.
Memorable Dish: The unique flavors and textures of this dish will have people talking about it long after the meal is over.
Perfect Pairings: Goes well with a variety of accompaniments like crackers, bread, fruit, and wine, making it a versatile option for any occasion.
Make-Ahead Tips: With some prepping ahead, you can save time and still serve a fresh, delicious dish. Just be cautious with leftovers!

Ingredients for Crispy Fried Brie: Irresistible Appetizer with Pepper Honey

For the Peppered Honey

1/2 to 1 teaspoon black pepper, plus extra for garnish
1/4 cup honey

For the Fried Brie

1 wheel Brie cheese (8 to 10 ounces)
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 cup olive oil, divided
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

For the Warm Lemon-Herb Olives

2 cups mixed olives, pitted
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for garnish
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons lemon zest, cut into thin strips
2 tablespoons capers, drained

For the Prosciutto and Serving

4 to 6 slices prosciutto
Crackers or sliced bread for serving

How to Make Crispy Fried Brie: Irresistible Appetizer with Pepper Honey

Step 1: Make the Peppered Honey

Combine honey and black pepper in a small jar or bowl. Set aside.

Step 2: Coat the Brie

Prepare two shallow bowls, one with beaten egg and the other with panko breadcrumbs. Dip the Brie wheel in the egg, allowing excess to drip off, then coat it with panko breadcrumbs. Place in the freezer for 15-20 minutes to maintain its shape during frying.

Step 3: Make the Crispy Prosciutto

Preheat a dry skillet over medium heat. Cook prosciutto slices until crispy around the edges. Transfer to a plate, cool slightly, and tear into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Cook the Olives

In the same skillet over medium heat, warm 1/4 cup of olive oil. Stir in olives and red pepper flakes, cooking for 5 minutes. Add lemon zest, capers, and thyme, cook for another 5 minutes until zest is golden. Transfer to a bowl.

Step 5: Fry the Brie

Pour the remaining olive oil into the skillet. Place the chilled Brie in the hot oil and fry for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the fried Brie to a serving plate.

Step 6: Put It All Together

Place warm lemon-herb olives over and around fried Brie. Top with crispy prosciutto, drizzle with peppered honey, sprinkle with fresh thyme and black pepper. Serve immediately with crackers or warm sliced bread.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the crispy fried Brie with pepper honey, it is best enjoyed fresh and warm right after making it. However, if you need to prep ahead, you can freeze the breaded Brie for up to a day before frying. The honey can be stored at room temperature indefinitely, and the olive mixture can be made a few hours in advance and reheated before serving. The prosciutto will stay crispy for about an hour if left out, so it’s best to add it just before serving to maintain its texture.

Leftover fried Brie may not retain its original crispy texture, as the cheese can harden and the coating may become soft. If you have leftovers, you can try reheating them in a preheated 350-degree oven for around 8 minutes, but note that it may not be as delicious as when freshly made. It’s recommended to enjoy this dish fresh for the best taste and texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have black pepper on hand or prefer a different level of heat, you can easily substitute cayenne pepper in the honey mixture for a spicier kick. This adjustment can cater to different spice preferences and add a unique flavor profile to the dish.

For a vegetarian-friendly version of this crispy fried Brie, you can omit the prosciutto and instead incorporate toasted walnuts or pecans for added texture and nutty flavors. Pomegranate seeds can be a colorful and flavorful replacement for the prosciutto as well, offering a burst of sweetness and visual appeal. These substitutions ensure that the dish remains satisfying and delicious while accommodating different dietary preferences or restrictions.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate the presentation of this irresistible Crispy Fried Brie with Pepper Honey, consider serving it on a rustic wooden board adorned with a variety of accompaniments. Arrange the warm, gooey Brie in the center, surrounded by piles of tangy olives, crispy prosciutto, and lemon zest ribbons. Sprinkle additional fresh thyme leaves on top for a pop of color and freshness. Offer a selection of plain crackers, toasted baguette slices, and a bowl of sliced pears or grapes on the side for a well-rounded tasting experience. Don’t forget to pour glasses of Sauvignon Blanc or rosé to complement the richness of the dish with a refreshing acidity.

For a customizable twist, provide various topping options for your guests to experiment with. Offer cayenne pepper as an alternative to black pepper in the honey for a spicy kick, or suggest swapping out the prosciutto for salami or chorizo for a smokier flavor profile. For vegetarian guests, recommend adding toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans as a savory substitution. Pomegranate seeds scattered on top not only add a burst of color but also introduce a delightful texture and flavor contrast. Encourage creativity by suggesting herb alternatives such as oregano or rosemary, and consider incorporating toasted fennel seeds into the olive mixture for a unique hint of licorice. With these serving suggestions, your guests are sure to be impressed by the interactive and flavor-packed experience of enjoying this delectable appetizer.

FAQs for Crispy Fried Brie: Irresistible Appetizer with Pepper Honey

Can I make this recipe without frying the Brie?

While frying the Brie gives it a crispy texture that complements the dish well, you can try baking the Brie instead. Coat the Brie with breadcrumbs and bake it in a preheated oven at 375°F until it is golden and gooey. The texture will be different, but it can still be delicious.

Can I substitute the Brie cheese with another type of cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses if you prefer. Camembert or another soft, creamy cheese can be used as a substitute for Brie. Keep in mind that the flavor and melting properties may vary, so choose a cheese that you enjoy and that melts well.

How can I store leftovers of this dish?

Leftover fried Brie is best enjoyed fresh, as the cheese can harden and the coating may lose its crispiness. If you have leftovers, you can try reheating them in a 350°F oven for about 8 minutes to revive the texture. Store any remaining olive mixture in the refrigerator and warm it up before serving again.

Can I make any parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare certain components in advance to save time. You can bread the Brie and freeze it a day before frying. The honey can be stored at room temperature, and the olive mixture can be made a few hours ahead and reheated. However, keep in mind that the prosciutto tends to lose its crispiness if left out for too long, so you may want to add that just before serving.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Crispy Fried Brie with Pepper Honey has a way of bringing people together and sparking conversations. The combination of warm, gooey Brie with the crispy coating, tangy olives, and savory prosciutto creates a flavor explosion that is hard to resist. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, gathering with friends, or simply treating yourself to a special snack, this dish is sure to impress and delight.

Don’t be afraid to customize this recipe to suit your preferences and dietary needs. From adding different spices to swapping out ingredients, there are endless possibilities to make this dish your own. So gather your loved ones, pour a glass of wine, and enjoy this delightful creation that is as delicious as it is unforgettable. Cheers to indulging in the decadent goodness of Crispy Fried Brie with Pepper Honey!

Crispy Fried Brie: Irresistible Appetizer with Pepper Honey

Irresistible Crispy Fried Brie with Pepper Honey: Warm, gooey Brie with a crunchy coating, tangy olives, and crispy prosciutto—a show-stopping appetizer everyone will love!

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Prep Time10 Minutes

Cook Time15 Minutes

Total Time25 Minutes

CuisineFrench

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings

Ingredients

For the Peppered Honey

1/2 to 1 teaspoon black pepper, plus extra for garnish
1/4 cup honey

For the Fried Brie

1 wheel Brie cheese (8 to 10 ounces)
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 cup olive oil, divided
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

For the Warm Lemon-Herb Olives

2 cups mixed olives, pitted
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for garnish
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons lemon zest, cut into thin strips
2 tablespoons capers, drained

For the Prosciutto and Serving

4 to 6 slices prosciutto
Crackers or sliced bread for serving

Instructions

Make the Peppered Honey: Combine honey and black pepper in a small jar or bowl. Set aside.
Coat the Brie: Prepare two shallow bowls, one with beaten egg and the other with panko breadcrumbs. Dip the Brie wheel in the egg, allowing excess to drip off, then coat it with panko breadcrumbs. Place in the freezer for 15-20 minutes to maintain its shape during frying.
Make the Crispy Prosciutto: Preheat a dry skillet over medium heat. Cook prosciutto slices until crispy around the edges. Transfer to a plate, cool slightly, and tear into bite-sized pieces.
Cook the Olives: In the same skillet over medium heat, warm 1/4 cup of olive oil. Stir in olives and red pepper flakes, cooking for 5 minutes. Add lemon zest, capers, and thyme, cook for another 5 minutes until zest is golden. Transfer to a bowl.
Fry the Brie: Pour the remaining olive oil into the skillet. Place the chilled Brie in the hot oil and fry for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the fried Brie to a serving plate.
Put It All Together: Place warm lemon-herb olives over and around fried Brie. Top with crispy prosciutto, drizzle with peppered honey, sprinkle with fresh thyme and black pepper. Serve immediately with crackers or warm sliced bread.