Hot Honey Baked Brie with Pistachios (Easy Baked Brie Appetizer)
This Hot Honey Baked Brie with Pistachios is the ultimate effortless appetizer. It’s a warm, creamy cheese wheel drizzled with sweet-spicy honey, topped with crunchy pistachios and fresh herbs for a stunning appetizer that works for the holidays or any cozy get-together year-round.
There’s something magical about serving a baked Brie — it feels elegant and effortless all at once. This Hot Honey Baked Brie with Pistachios and Thyme is the kind of appetizer that fits any season: cozy enough for the holidays but just as welcome on a summer wine night or outdoor grazing board.
It’s made with just a handful of ingredients and takes about 25 minutes from start to finish. The warm, creamy Brie becomes perfectly gooey in the oven, the hot honey adds a touch of heat and floral sweetness, and the pistachios give the whole dish a satisfying crunch. A sprinkle of fresh thyme ties everything together with a pop of freshness.
Whether you’re hosting a Christmas Eve gathering, a bridal shower, or an easy weekend get-together, this simple baked Brie looks stunning on any cheese board — and disappears fast.
🧀 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and impressive. Only 5 minutes of prep for a beautiful, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- Balanced flavors. Creamy cheese, spicy-sweet honey, earthy thyme, and crunchy pistachios are perfection.
- Customizable. Use Camembert for a slightly earthier flavor, or swap pistachios for walnuts or pecans.
- Evergreen appeal. Ideal for holiday entertaining but equally lovely with rosé and crackers in July.
Ingredient Notes & Tips
- Brie: Use an 8-ounce wheel of good-quality Brie. For a stronger, earthier flavor, try Camembert instead.
- Hot Honey: You can use store-bought or make your own by gently warming honey with red pepper flakes.
- Pistachios: Add color, texture, and a delicate nutty flavor — chop them roughly for best presentation.
- Thyme: Fresh thyme leaves balance the sweetness. Rosemary or oregano works beautifully, too.
- For Serving: Offer sturdy crackers or baguette slices to scoop up every bit of melted cheese.
How to Make Hot Honey Baked Brie
- Preheat the oven and line a small baking dish with parchment paper.
- Score the Brie. Slice a shallow crisscross on top of the rind to help the honey soak in and the cheese melt evenly. No pastry needed!
- Add toppings. Drizzle with hot honey and scatter chopped pistachios on top.
- Bake until the center is soft and gooey but still holds its shape.
- Finish and serve. Drizzle with a little extra hot honey, sprinkle with fresh thyme, and serve immediately with crackers or baguette slices.
Serving Ideas
- Serve warm on a holiday charcuterie board with grapes, nuts, and prosciutto.
- Pair with roasted tomatoes or fig jam for a sweet-savory twist.
- Add to a summer picnic spread alongside rosé, crostini, and marinated olives.
- For brunch, serve with sliced pears, figs, or apples and extra honey for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
- Serve immediately while warm and gooey — that’s when it’s at its best.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
- Freezing is not recommended. Brie becomes grainy when frozen and loses its creamy texture.
More Brie Cheese Appetizers
Hot Honey Baked Brie
Baked Brie is one of those simple yet show-stopping appetizers that feels instantly festive. The hot honey adds subtle heat and floral sweetness that perfectly complement the creamy, buttery cheese, while the pistachios add crunch and a beautiful pop of green.
Ingredients
- 1 wheel (8 oz) Brie cheese
- 2 tablespoons hot honey, plus more for drizzling
- 2 tablespoons roughly chopped pistachios
- fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
- crackers or toasted baguette slices, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a small ovenproof dish or baking dish with parchment paper.
- Place the wheel of Brie in the dish and use a sharp knife to cut a shallow criss-cross pattern across the top rind. This helps the honey soak in and allows the cheese to melt evenly.
- Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of hot honey and scatter the chopped pistachios over the top.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and soft in the center but still holding its shape.
- Remove from the oven, drizzle with a little extra hot honey, and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves. Serve immediately with crackers or toasted baguette slices for dipping. Enjoy!
Notes
To make homemade hot honey, gently warm ½ cup runny honey in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring in 1–2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Heat until fragrant but not boiling (about 2–3 minutes). Let it cool, then strain if you prefer a smooth finish. It keeps for weeks in a sealed jar at room temperature and can be drizzled over everything from fried chicken to roasted vegetables, or your holiday baked Brie.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1/6 recipeAmount Per Serving: Calories: 59Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 52mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 0gSugar: 4gProtein: 2g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated by Nutritionix. I am not a nutritionist and cannot guarantee accuracy. If your health depends on nutrition information, please calculate again with your favorite calculator.
