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–+ servings
Baked brie appetizer finished with honeycomb, pistachios, and thyme in a white ceramic dish.

Pistachio Baked Brie

An elegant baked brie appetizer featuring a glossy orange-honey glaze, a lightly caramelized pistachio crust, and a luxurious finish of fresh honeycomb and thyme. Perfectly balanced between sweet, savory, creamy, and aromatic - yet incredibly easy to prepare!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American, French
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 wheel brie cheese 8–12 oz / 225–340 g, double-cream preferred
  • ⅓ cup shelled pistachios finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons runny honey
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
  • Pinch red pepper flakes
  • Small pieces fresh honeycomb
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

Method
 

Prepare the Brie
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place the brie in the center of a small baking dish.
  3. Using a sharp knife, lightly score the top in a shallow crosshatch pattern, cutting only through the rind. This helps the glaze adhere and allows even heat penetration.
Make the Orange Honey Glaze
  1. In a small bowl, combine:
  2. honey
  3. orange zest
  4. red pepper flakes
  5. Stir until smooth and fragrant.
Create the Pistachio Crust
  1. Spoon the honey mixture over the scored brie, spreading evenly across the surface.
  2. Sprinkle chopped pistachios on top and gently press them into the glaze so they adhere well.
Bake
  1. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until:
  2. the cheese feels soft to the touch
  3. honey is bubbling
  4. pistachios are lightly toasted
  5. Do not overbake - the brie should remain creamy and intact, not collapsed.
Finish and Rest
  1. Remove from oven.
  2. Immediately add small pieces of honeycomb on top while the brie is hot so they soften slightly.
  3. Sprinkle with fresh thyme.
  4. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly.

Notes

  • Use high-quality honey for best flavor - floral varieties like wildflower or orange blossom work beautifully.
  • Score only the rind, not deeply into the cheese, to prevent leaking.
  • Allow resting time before serving so the cheese stays creamy but not runny.

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