If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s both comforting and elegant, you’re going to love this Baked Brie with Honey, Garlic, and Pistachios Recipe. It balances creamy, melty brie with the sweet heat of hot honey, a hint of garlic, and the satisfying crunch of pistachios. Trust me, this little dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser — perfect for parties, casual get-togethers, or just because you want to treat yourself to something delicious. Stick with me and I’ll walk you through how to nail it every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The creaminess of brie, kick of garlic and red pepper flakes, plus the sweet heat from hot honey create an irresistible combo.
- Easy & Quick: A simple prep that takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish—ideal when you want something fuss-free but impressive.
- Elegant Yet Approachable: It looks fancy, but honestly, it’s so easy to make; even beginner cooks can pull it off.
- Versatile for Entertaining: Pairs beautifully with breads, meats, and fruit for a complete appetizer spread that guests rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this baked brie recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role — from the luscious double crème brie to the aromatic fresh thyme and crunchy pistachios. When I shop, I always look for good quality brie and fresh herbs to get the best flavor.
- Double crème brie: Look for a creamy, high-quality wheel; I used Alouette brand and it melts like a dream.
- Hot honey: This adds a sweet-but-spicy twist; if you can’t find hot honey, mix regular honey with a pinch of chili flakes.
- Garlic: Fresh, finely diced — it wakes up the flavor without overpowering.
- Red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle heat; you can adjust to your spice tolerance.
- Fresh thyme leaves: They bring an herby brightness that cuts through the richness.
- Chopped pistachios: A wonderful textural contrast and subtle nutty flavor.
Variations
I love mixing things up depending on the season and what’s in my pantry. This recipe is so flexible — feel free to swap out ingredients to make it your own. It’s your kitchen, after all!
- Swap the nuts: Sometimes I swap pistachios for toasted almonds or walnuts for a different crunch and flavor profile — both work beautifully.
- Alternative sweeteners: Try maple syrup or fig jam instead of hot honey if you want a milder sweetness or a richer flavor.
- Add herbs: Rosemary or sage can replace thyme for a slightly earthier note — I tried rosemary once and it was divine.
- Adjust spice level: If you prefer more heat, sprinkle extra red pepper flakes or drizzle a bit more hot honey for that spicy-sweet kick.
How to Make Baked Brie with Honey, Garlic, and Pistachios Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Brie Wheel
First, preheat your oven to 350ºF. Next, place your brie on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze. Now slice about five slashes across the wheel, about a quarter-inch deep, then rotate and do five more to create a crisscross pattern. This helps the flavors soak in and the cheese to melt evenly. Just be careful not to cut all the way through!
Step 2: Layer on Honey, Garlic, and Spice
Drizzle one tablespoon of hot honey over the brie, spreading it evenly so every bite is sweet with a hint of heat. Sprinkle the finely minced garlic and half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes on top. This combination is where the magic happens — the garlic is subtle but adds a savory punch, while the chili flakes give a gentle fiery warmth that balances the honey beautifully.
Step 3: Bake Until Perfectly Melty
If your brie is at room temperature, it’ll only need about 10 minutes in the oven. If you take it straight from the fridge, plan on 12 to 15 minutes. You want the top to look shiny and melty but not totally collapsed. I usually keep an eye on it towards the end — brie can go from melty to oozing mess quickly if you overbake!
Step 4: Add Fresh Thyme, Pistachios, and More Honey
Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves and the chopped pistachios on top. Then drizzle with the remaining two tablespoons of hot honey for an extra burst of flavor and beautiful gloss. The contrast between the warm melty cheese and the crunchy nuts is so satisfying — I always double-check with a spoon to get every bit on my plate.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
This baked brie with honey, garlic, and pistachios is best served warm with crusty bread, crunchy crackers, slices of prosciutto, and fresh grapes for a well-rounded appetizer spread. It’s simple to put together, but guests always think you’ve been working on it for hours.
Pro Tips for Making Baked Brie with Honey, Garlic, and Pistachios Recipe
- Room Temp Brie Works Best: I learned that letting brie come to room temperature before baking helps it melt faster and more evenly.
- Go Easy on the Slicing: Cutting shallow slits lets the flavors soak in without the brie losing its shape or leaking too much during baking.
- Watch the Oven Close: Brie can go from perfect melty to wrinkly if left too long — check at 10 minutes and adjust as needed.
- Use Parchment for Easy Cleanup: Baking on parchment prevents sticky cheese drips and saves time scrubbing your pan later.
How to Serve Baked Brie with Honey, Garlic, and Pistachios Recipe
Garnishes
I like to finish the brie with a few extra fresh thyme sprigs and a final honey drizzle right before serving. It’s simple but adds a fresh, inviting aroma. Sometimes I toss on a pinch of flaky sea salt too for that perfect salty-sweet balance.
Side Dishes
This pairs so well with a charcuterie board featuring prosciutto, salami, and mixed olives. For something fresh, add slices of crisp apple or pear, grapes, and some crusty baguette slices. I even like serving it alongside a light salad with a citrus vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve set the baked brie right in its wooden box (just line it with parchment) and added edible flowers on top for a gorgeous centerpiece. Wrapping the whole wheel in puff pastry before baking is a fun twist too, turning it into a golden, flaky parcel — although that’s a slightly different recipe adventure.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which rarely happens in my house!), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the fridge. It’s best eaten within 1-2 days since fresh cheese and nuts don’t stay at their peak beyond that.
Freezing
I don’t recommend freezing the baked brie with toppings because the texture of the nuts and honey can change. However, unbaked whole brie wheels can be frozen wrapped tightly for up to 2 months — just thaw fully before assembling and baking.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, pop the brie in a 300ºF oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and melty again. Avoid the microwave as it tends to get rubbery or overcook the cheese.
FAQs
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Can I use any type of brie for this Baked Brie with Honey, Garlic, and Pistachios Recipe?
You want to use double crème brie – it has a higher fat content that results in a creamier, more melty texture. Regular brie works, but it won’t be quite as luscious or rich.
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What if I don’t have hot honey? What can I use instead?
If you can’t find hot honey, mix regular honey with a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne to taste. That way, you control the spice level and still get that sweet-heat combo.
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Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can assemble the brie with honey, garlic, and spices, cover it, and keep it in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just add the fresh thyme and pistachios after baking for the best texture and flavor.
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What do I serve with baked brie?
Crusty bread, crackers, grapes, sliced apples or pears, and cured meats like prosciutto are classic and delicious pairings that complement the creamy baked brie perfectly.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Baked Brie with Honey, Garlic, and Pistachios Recipe turns out every single time. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is truly easy to make, and the crowd-pleasing combo of sweet, spicy, creamy, and crunchy keeps everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just want a cozy snack, give this a try—you won’t regret it. And honestly, once you make it, this baked brie might just become your new go-to appetizer recipe to share with friends and family.
Print
Baked Brie with Honey, Garlic, and Pistachios Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baked Brie with Honey is a delightful appetizer featuring creamy double crème brie baked with hot honey, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Topped with fresh thyme, chopped pistachios, and an extra drizzle of honey, it offers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Serve it warm alongside crusty bread, crackers, prosciutto, and grapes for an elegant starter.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces double crème brie (such as Alouette brand)
- 1 tablespoon hot honey (for drizzling before baking)
- 2 cloves garlic, finely diced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios
- 2 tablespoons hot honey (for drizzling after baking)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the brie: Place the whole 8-ounce brie wheel on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to make 5 thin slices across the top of the wheel, cutting about ¼ inch deep. Then rotate the wheel and make another 5 slices in the opposite direction, forming a crisscross pattern.
- Add honey and seasoning: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of hot honey evenly over the surface of the scored brie. Sprinkle the finely diced garlic and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes on top to infuse the cheese with flavor as it bakes.
- Bake the brie: If the brie is at room temperature, bake for approximately 10 minutes until warm and soft. If chilled, bake for 12 to 15 minutes until fully warmed and gooey.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the baked brie from the oven and immediately sprinkle the fresh thyme leaves and chopped pistachios over the top. Drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of hot honey for added sweetness and a glossy finish. Serve warm with crusty bread, crackers, prosciutto, and grapes.
Notes
- Sweet and salty, this baked brie with hot honey makes a quick and easy appetizer suitable for any gathering.
- For extra flavor, you can experiment with different nuts or herbs like rosemary instead of thyme.
- Ensure the brie is not frozen before baking to achieve the perfect gooey texture.
- Serve immediately for the best warm and melty experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 175 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 241 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 38 mg
