Name: Crispy Fried Brie with Pepper Honey, Lemon-Herb Olives & Prosciutto — Gourmet Appetizer Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: French-inspired
Ingredients: ¼ cup honey; ½–1 teaspoon black pepper, plus extra for serving; 1 wheel Brie (8–10 ounces); 1 large egg, beaten; ½ cup panko breadcrumbs; ½ cup olive oil (divided); 2 cups mixed olives, pitted; 2 tablespoons thin strips of lemon zest; Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes; 2 tablespoons drained capers; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for serving; 4–6 slices prosciutto, cooked until crisp; Crackers or sliced bread

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Introduction

This Crispy Fried Brie with Pepper Honey, Warm Lemon-Herb Olives, and Prosciutto is a stunning, gourmet appetizer that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. The contrast of creamy, crispy Brie with savory olives and sweet, spicy honey will wow your guests and elevate any gathering.

A golden-brown, round fried cheese patty sits at the center with a crispy outer layer showing coarse breadcrumbs and herbs like thyme and pepper on top. A wedge is cut out, revealing soft, melted white cheese oozing out. On top, there are two crispy bacon strips with green herb sprigs standing up vertically. Around the cheese, there are scattered small white cheese crumbles, dark shiny olives, and herbs, all resting on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. There is a drizzle of olive oil and more herbs and spices sprinkled over everything. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

¼ cup honey
½–1 teaspoon black pepper, plus extra for serving
1 wheel Brie (8–10 ounces)
1 large egg, beaten
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup olive oil
2 cups mixed olives, pitted
2 tablespoons thin strips of lemon zest
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons drained capers
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for serving
4–6 slices prosciutto, cooked until crisp
Crackers or sliced bread, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Peppered Honey by mixing the honey and black pepper in a small jar. Set aside while preparing the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Bread the Brie by placing the beaten egg in one shallow bowl and the panko in another. Coat the Brie in the egg, letting excess drip off, then press it into the panko until fully coated. Freeze for 15–20 minutes to help it hold its shape while frying.
Step 3: Crisp the Prosciutto by heating a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the prosciutto slices and cook until crisp around the edges. Transfer to a plate and tear into pieces once slightly cooled.
Step 4: Fry the Olives by heating ¼ cup olive oil in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the olives and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for about 5 minutes. Stir in the lemon zest, capers, and thyme. Cook another 5 minutes, until the lemon zest turns lightly golden. Transfer to a bowl.
Step 5: Fry the Brie by adding the remaining ¼ cup olive oil to the skillet. Place the chilled Brie in the hot oil and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown. If the Brie cracks, continue cooking—it will still crisp beautifully. Move the fried Brie to a serving plate.
Step 6: Serve by topping the warm Brie with the lemon-herb olives, crispy prosciutto pieces, a drizzle of peppered honey, fresh thyme, and black pepper. Serve immediately with crackers or warm bread.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the panko breadcrumbs before coating the Brie.
If you prefer a spicier peppered honey, increase the black pepper to taste or add a small pinch of cayenne pepper.
Use a mix of green and black olives for more complex flavor in the warm lemon-herb olive topping.
Serve with a drizzle of balsamic reduction instead of honey for a tangy twist.

Storage

Fried Brie is best enjoyed fresh for optimal crispiness. If you need to store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Reheat gently in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 5–7 minutes to regain some crispness. The lemon-herb olives and peppered honey can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.

How to Serve

A single round, golden-brown fried cheese patty with a crunchy textured crust sits on a white plate. The patty has a thick layer of smooth, melting cheese inside that is oozing out from a cut on one side. On top, crispy bacon strips and sprigs of fresh green herbs are placed as garnish. Surrounding the patty are scattered white crumbled cheese pieces and shiny dark olives, all drizzled with a glossy herb-infused oil sprinkled with coarse mustard seeds and small green herb leaves. The white marbled texture background adds a clean and elegant look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the peppered honey ahead of time?

Yes, the peppered honey can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in a sealed jar at room temperature. This actually allows the flavors to meld even better.

What is the best way to prevent the Brie from melting too much while frying?

Freezing the breaded Brie for 15–20 minutes before frying helps it hold its shape and reduces melting. Also, using a moderate frying temperature ensures the outside crisps up quickly without the cheese oozing out too soon.