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Crispy Fried Brie with Pepper Honey, Lemon-Herb Olives & Prosciutto — Gourmet Appetizer Recipe

4.6 from 54 reviews

This gourmet appetizer features a crispy fried Brie wheel served with warm lemon-herb olives, crispy prosciutto, and a drizzle of peppered honey for a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. Ideal for entertaining, this dish combines crunchy textures with rich, melty cheese and fragrant herbs for an unforgettable starter.

Ingredients

Scale

Peppered Honey

  • ¼ cup honey
  • ½1 teaspoon black pepper, plus extra for serving

Fried Brie

  • 1 wheel Brie (810 ounces)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup olive oil (divided)

Warm Lemon-Herb Olives

  • 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

Prosciutto

  • 46 slices prosciutto, cooked until crisp

For Serving

  • Crackers or sliced bread

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Peppered Honey: Mix the honey and black pepper in a small jar. Set aside while preparing the rest of the dish to allow the flavors to meld.
  2. Bread the Brie: Place the beaten egg in one shallow bowl and the panko breadcrumbs in another. Dip the Brie wheel into the egg, letting any excess drip off, then press it thoroughly into the panko until fully coated. Freeze the coated Brie for 15–20 minutes to help it maintain its shape during frying.
  3. Crisp the Prosciutto: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the prosciutto slices and cook until they become crisp around the edges. Transfer them to a plate and tear into bite-sized pieces once slightly cooled.
  4. Fry the Olives: Using the same skillet, heat ¼ cup olive oil over medium heat. Add the olives and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking while stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes. Stir in the lemon zest, capers, and thyme leaves, then cook for another 5 minutes until the lemon zest turns lightly golden. Transfer the olives to a bowl.
  5. Fry the Brie: Add the remaining ¼ cup olive oil to the skillet. When hot, carefully place the chilled Brie into the oil and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. If the Brie cracks during cooking, continue frying as it will still achieve a crispy, delicious crust. Transfer the fried Brie to a serving plate.
  6. Serve: Top the warm Brie with the lemon-herb olives, crispy prosciutto pieces, and drizzle with the peppered honey. Garnish with fresh thyme and a sprinkle of black pepper. Serve immediately alongside crackers or warm bread for a delightful appetizer experience.

Notes

  • Freezing the breaded Brie before frying is essential to help it keep its shape and prevent melting too quickly.
  • You can adjust the amount of black pepper in the honey to your preferred spice level.
  • For a vegetarian option, omit the prosciutto and add extra olives or some roasted nuts.
  • Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point if you prefer instead of olive oil for frying.
  • Be careful while frying the Brie, as the cheese can melt quickly and cause oil splatter.
  • Serve immediately to enjoy the Brie warm and gooey with crispy coating.

Keywords: fried Brie, peppered honey, lemon-herb olives, crispy prosciutto, gourmet appetizer, cheese appetizer