Crispy Fried Brie with Pepper Honey, Warm Lemon-Herb Olives & Prosciutto is a show-stopping appetizer that pairs crunchy panko coating with oozy, melty Brie, a touch of peppered sweetness, briny warmed olives, and prosciutto for savory balance, all while offering a protein-forward bite that works for small-plate entertaining or a weekend treat. This recipe highlights fresh herbs and lemon zest to brighten the dish and keeps prep simple, making Crispy Fried Brie with Pepper Honey, Warm Lemon-Herb Olives & Prosciutto a memorable yet approachable starter. Try it alongside a warm bread bowl or light salad, and see a fresh twist on baked cheese in our baked brie in a bread bowl for more party inspiration.
Why make this Crispy Fried Brie with Pepper Honey, Warm Lemon-Herb Olives & Prosciutto recipe
- High in protein and rich in flavor, perfect for sharing at gatherings.
- Quick prep with an easy breading station, ready in about 30 minutes.
- Crowd pleasing, ideal for holiday platters, casual dinners, or date-night apps.
- Uses pantry staples like panko and prosciutto while feeling gourmet.
"A delightful balance of crisp texture and creamy melt, this became the star of our dinner party."
How to make Crispy Fried Brie with Pepper Honey, Warm Lemon-Herb Olives & Prosciutto
This section gives a quick process overview and tools you will need. Expect brief prep, a short flash-freeze to help the Brie hold its shape, and a shallow fry to get a crisp golden crust. Tools: sharp knife, three shallow bowls for the breading station, a frying pan, tongs, and a small sauté pan for the olives. For more quick appetizer ideas that pair well with this dish, see this crunchy pairing suggestion in our crispy beef taquitos with melted cheese.
Ingredients
- Brie cheese
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Flour
- Eggs
- Pepper honey
- Olives
- Lemon zest
- Fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary)
- Prosciutto
- Olive oil for frying
- Salt and pepper to taste
Notes and substitutions, short and practical. Use a young Brie for the best ooze but not so runny that it breaks during breading. If you prefer a gluten-free version of Crispy Fried Brie with Pepper Honey, Warm Lemon-Herb Olives & Prosciutto, swap gluten-free panko and flour. For a dairy-free alternative, try a plant-based melting cheese, though flavor and texture will differ.
Directions
- Cut the Brie cheese into wedges and freeze for about 30 minutes.
- Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each Brie wedge first in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat with panko.
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the Brie wedges until golden brown on both sides. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In a small pan, heat olives with lemon zest and herbs until warm.
- To serve, plate the crispy Brie with a drizzle of pepper honey, warm olives on the side, and slices of prosciutto, and enjoy your Crispy Fried Brie with Pepper Honey, Warm Lemon-Herb Olives & Prosciutto.
Try a crunchy chicken side for variety.
How to serve Crispy Fried Brie with Pepper Honey, Warm Lemon-Herb Olives & Prosciutto
Plating and pairing ideas to impress guests. Arrange the crispy Brie wedges on a warm serving board. Spoon the warm lemon-herb olives into a small bowl, fold prosciutto into ribbons, and drizzle pepper honey over each wedge just before serving to keep the crust crisp. Pair with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé, or for nonalcoholic options try sparkling water with lemon. For a fuller platter, add sliced apples, toasted nuts, and a few fresh herb sprigs. Nutrition note, a typical serving provides a satisfying protein boost from the Brie and prosciutto while remaining best enjoyed as an indulgent appetizer rather than a full meal. See our take on elevated mains like elegant filet mignon with creamy peppercorn sauce for main course ideas that pair beautifully.
How to store
Refrigerator: Store leftover crispy Brie in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep the warm lemon-herb olives in a separate container to prevent sogginess. Freezer: You can freeze un-fried breaded Brie wedges on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheating: For best texture, reheat in a 375 F oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until warmed through, or use an air fryer at 350 F for 4 to 6 minutes. Avoid microwaving, it will make the crust soggy.
Tips to make
- Freeze the Brie for about 30 minutes before breading to help it hold shape while frying.
- Press panko firmly onto each wedge, and double-dip with egg and panko for a thicker crust.
- Maintain medium heat; too hot and the crust burns before the cheese melts.
- Use a thermometer or test with a small wedge to dial in time if your pan runs hot.
- For a shortcut, make the pepper honey ahead and store in the fridge. For complementary savory sides check this stir-fry idea at black pepper beef mushroom green bean stir fry.
Variations
- Gluten-free: use gluten-free panko and gluten-free flour.
- Herb-forward: mix finely chopped rosemary or thyme into the panko.
- Spicy: stir a pinch of cayenne into the panko or use a hot honey instead of pepper honey.
- Vegetarian swap: omit prosciutto and add roasted red peppers or marinated artichokes for briny contrast.
- Plated brunch: serve the crispy Brie with a fried egg and arugula for a luxe brunch bite.
FAQs
How long does frying Brie take?
Frying each Brie wedge usually takes 2 to 3 minutes per side over medium heat, until the panko is golden and crisp, so total fry time is about 4 to 6 minutes.
Can I prepare Crispy Fried Brie with Pepper Honey, Warm Lemon-Herb Olives & Prosciutto ahead of time?
You can bread and freeze the wedges in advance. Fry from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cooking time. Warm the olives right before serving.
What type of honey is best for the pepper honey drizzle?
Use a mild honey and stir in crushed black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes to taste. A store-bought pepper honey works well too.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes. Remove or reduce the pepper content in the honey if serving to children. The crispy texture and melty center are often popular with younger eaters.
Can I bake the Brie instead of frying it?
Yes, you can bake breaded Brie at 400 F for 10 to 12 minutes until golden. The texture will be slightly different from shallow frying but still delightful.
Conclusion
For more recipe inspiration and variations similar to Crispy Fried Brie with Pepper Honey, Warm Lemon-Herb Olives & Prosciutto see this Crispy Fried Brie with Pepper Honey, Warm Lemon-Herb Olives & Prosciutto guide that offers a visual take and serving suggestions.
If you like creative baked cheese ideas, this Pan Fried Brie with Peppered Honey and Olives write-up has beautiful photos and flavor notes that pair well.
For a sweet-meets-salty bread bowl approach that echoes the prosciutto and honey combo, check this Garlic Prosciutto and Hot Honey Baked Brie Bread Bowl feature.
If you want menu inspiration for serving fried Brie at a restaurant or event, explore this Main Menu from bb’s Restaurant and Bar for plating and course ideas.
For additional menu examples and presentation concepts that inspire party platters, view Menu ideas from BCW.
Crispy Fried Brie with Pepper Honey, Warm Lemon-Herb Olives & Prosciutto is easy to make, elegant to serve, and guaranteed to disappear fast, so try it this weekend and leave a comment to share how yours turned out or a twist you loved.
Crispy Fried Brie with Pepper Honey, Warm Lemon-Herb Olives & Prosciutto
Ingredients
For the Brie
- 8 ounces Brie cheese Use a young Brie for the best ooze.
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs For a gluten-free version, substitute with gluten-free panko.
- 1/2 cup Flour Use gluten-free flour if needed.
- 2 large Eggs Beaten, for breading.
- 2 tablespoons Pepper honey Store-bought or homemade.
- 1/2 cup Olives For warming with herbs.
- 1 teaspoon Lemon zest Freshly grated.
- 2 tablespoons Fresh herbs Like thyme or rosemary.
- 4 slices Prosciutto Savory complement.
- 1 cup Olive oil For frying.
- to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cut the Brie cheese into wedges and freeze for about 30 minutes.
- Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
Breading and Frying
- Dredge each Brie wedge first in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat with panko.
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the Brie wedges until golden brown on both sides. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Preparing the Olives
- In a small pan, heat olives with lemon zest and herbs until warm.
Serving
- Plate the crispy Brie with a drizzle of pepper honey, warm olives on the side, and slices of prosciutto, and enjoy!