Mediterranean Pistachio-Crusted Brie Bites

These Mediterranean Pistachio-Crusted Brie Bites are the perfect mix of creamy, crunchy, and lightly sweet. Each bite features rich, melty Brie wrapped in a crisp pistachio and panko crust, with a drizzle of honey for balance. They make an elegant appetizer for gatherings or a quick indulgent snack that looks fancy but comes together effortlessly.

Total Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Servings: About 12 bites

Ingredients

200 g Brie cheese, cut into bite-sized cubes

¼ cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped

¼ cup panko breadcrumbs

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 tbsp honey

1 tbsp olive oil (for baking)

Fresh thyme (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a small baking tray with parchment paper. Lightly brush or spray it with olive oil.

Prepare the Coating
In a shallow bowl, mix the finely chopped pistachios and panko breadcrumbs.

Coat the Brie Bites
Dip each Brie cube into the beaten egg, letting any excess drip off, then roll it in the pistachio-panko mixture until well coated. Gently press to help the coating stick.

Arrange and Bake
Place the coated Brie bites on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle or lightly brush the tops with olive oil to help them crisp.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese just begins to soften. Be careful not to overbake, or the cheese will melt out completely.

Finish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool for a minute or two. Drizzle with honey, sprinkle with fresh thyme (if using), and serve warm.

Tips:

Use cold Brie: Brie is easier to cut and coat when it’s well-chilled. If it’s too soft, pop it in the freezer for 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Finely chop the pistachios: The smaller the pieces, the better they’ll stick to the cheese and form an even crust.

Work quickly when coating: Brie softens fast at room temperature, so coat the cubes right after cutting.

Avoid overbaking: Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes—Brie melts quickly. You want it gooey inside, not oozing out onto the pan.

For extra crunch: Lightly toast the pistachios before chopping, or air-fry the bites briefly after baking.

Serving tip: Let the bites rest for 1–2 minutes after baking to firm up slightly before transferring to a plate.

Variations:

Nut swaps: Try crushed almonds, walnuts, or pecans for a different texture and flavor.

Herb upgrade: Mix fresh thyme, rosemary, or oregano into the pistachio-panko coating for a Mediterranean herbal touch.

Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the crumb mix for a hint of heat.

Sweet twist: Drizzle with fig jam, apricot preserves, or pomegranate molasses instead of honey for a rich Mediterranean contrast.

Cheese alternatives: Camembert, Manchego, or even goat cheese cubes can work if you prefer something sharper or less creamy.

For pan-frying: Instead of baking, shallow-fry the coated Brie bites in a little olive oil over medium heat for 1–2 minutes per side until golden. Drain on paper towels and drizzle with honey.

Serving Ideas:

Pair them with crackers, grapes, and olives for a simple Mediterranean appetizer board.

Serve over arugula or mixed greens with a balsamic drizzle for an elegant starter salad.

Add a few bites to a holiday grazing platter with nuts, fruits, and prosciutto.

Serve warm with a side of herbed yogurt dip or spicy honey for contrast.

Q&A

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the Brie bites a few hours in advance and store them in the fridge on a parchment-lined tray. When ready to serve, bake them straight from the fridge—just add 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.

Q: Can I air-fry instead of baking?
A: Definitely. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 6–8 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping halfway through. They’ll come out beautifully crisp without extra oil.

Q: How do I keep the Brie from leaking out?
A: Make sure your coating is even and well-pressed onto each cube. Baking on parchment paper helps contain any small leaks. Avoid overbaking—remove them as soon as they start to soften.

Q: Can I use another type of nut?
A: Yes. Chopped almonds, cashews, or hazelnuts all work. For a Mediterranean twist, try mixing pistachios with a bit of sesame seed or pine nut.

Q: What’s the best way to serve them?
A: Serve them warm with honey, fruit jam, or a light drizzle of balsamic glaze. They’re also delicious alongside a crisp salad or a glass of white wine.

Nutrition

(per 2 bites, approximately)

Calories: 180

Protein: 7 g

Carbohydrates: 7 g

Fat: 14 g

Fiber: 1 g

Sugar: 3 g

(Values may vary based on the type of cheese, nuts, and amount of honey used.)

Conclusion

These Mediterranean Pistachio-Crusted Brie Bites are a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and sweet. The nutty pistachio crust pairs beautifully with soft, buttery Brie, while a drizzle of honey ties it all together. They’re elegant enough for entertaining but easy enough to make anytime you crave a little indulgence. Whether you bake or air-fry them, serve these golden bites warm for the best texture and flavor—and watch them disappear in minutes.