Mediterranean Pistachio-Crusted Brie Bites with Raspberry Honey Drizzle
Mediterranean Pistachio-Crusted Brie Bites with Raspberry Honey Drizzle are the kind of appetizer that disappears quickly but gets talked about long after. They balance creamy, crunchy, savory, and sweet in one small bite. Soft Brie is coated in finely chopped pistachios, baked just until warm and melty, then finished with a light drizzle of raspberry honey that adds brightness without tipping into dessert territory. These bites feel special enough for holidays and gatherings, yet they are simple to prepare and easy to scale for a crowd.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 to 6 (about 16 bites)
Ingredients
For the Brie bites:
225 g Brie cheese, chilled
1/2 cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped
1/2 cup breadcrumbs or panko
1 large egg
1 tablespoon milk
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the raspberry honey drizzle:
1/2 cup raspberries, fresh or frozen
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon water
Pinch of salt
Optional garnish:
Fresh thyme leaves
Extra chopped pistachios
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 200°C and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Cut the chilled Brie into bite-sized cubes or wedges. Return them to the fridge while preparing the coating.
Place chopped pistachios and breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl and mix well.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg with milk until smooth.
Dip each piece of Brie quickly into the egg mixture, then roll gently in the pistachio mixture to coat all sides.
Place the coated Brie bites on the prepared tray, leaving space between them.
Lightly brush or spray the tops with olive oil to encourage browning.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the coating is golden and the cheese is just softened.
While the Brie bakes, simmer raspberries, honey, water, and salt over low heat for 5 to 7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Drizzle the warm raspberry honey over the Brie bites just before serving and garnish if desired.
Tips
Keep the Brie well chilled before coating to prevent melting too fast.
Chop pistachios finely so the coating adheres evenly.
Work quickly when coating the cheese to maintain structure.
Use parchment paper to avoid sticking and tearing.
Do not overbake or the cheese may leak out.
Brush lightly with oil instead of soaking the coating.
Keep the drizzle warm but not hot for smooth pouring.
Serve immediately for the best texture contrast.
Add garnish sparingly to keep the bites neat.
Test bake one piece if unsure about oven timing.
Variations
Replace pistachios with almonds or walnuts.
Use panko for extra crunch.
Add lemon zest to the coating for brightness.
Swap raspberry for fig or blackberry drizzle.
Add a pinch of chili flakes to the nut coating.
Use Camembert instead of Brie for a deeper flavor.
Add fresh rosemary to the pistachio mix.
Make them gluten-free using gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Serve with a balsamic reduction instead of honey.
Pan-sear briefly instead of baking for a crisp exterior.
Q & A
Can these be made ahead of time?
They are best baked just before serving, but can be coated and chilled earlier.
Will the cheese melt completely?
No, if baked briefly it softens without collapsing.
Can I fry them instead of baking?
Yes, shallow frying works but requires careful timing.
Are they sweet or savory?
They are savory with a light sweet finish.
Can I skip the honey?
Yes, the raspberry sauce works without it.
How do I prevent leaking cheese?
Keep Brie cold and avoid overbaking.
What can I serve alongside them?
A simple salad or vegetable crudités balance richness.
Are these kid-friendly?
Older kids usually enjoy them, though flavors are refined.
Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes, thaw slightly before simmering.
How long do leftovers last?
They are best eaten fresh and do not reheat well.
Nutrition
(Approximate per serving)
Calories: 290
Protein: 9 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fat: 20 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sodium: 260 mg
Conclusion
Mediterranean Pistachio-Crusted Brie Bites with Raspberry Honey Drizzle strike a thoughtful balance between indulgence and elegance. They deliver rich, creamy cheese, nutty crunch, and a fresh pop of fruit in a way that feels intentional rather than heavy. Perfect for entertaining or special occasions, these bites prove that a few well-chosen ingredients can come together into something memorable, satisfying, and genuinely enjoyable to share.