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Fried Brie Bites with Pistachio Crust

Gooey fried brie bites with a crunchy pistachio crust, topped with tart cranberry and a sweet honey drizzle. The perfect party appetizer.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Freezing Time 45 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8 bites (4 appetizer servings)
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, French
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Brie Bites
  • 1 wheel (8 oz) brie, cold Do not remove rind
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs lightly beaten
  • 0.75 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 0.5 cup shelled pistachios finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 3-4 cups vegetable oil for frying
Quick Cranberry Compote
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp water
For Serving
  • 0.25 cup honey or maple syrup, for drizzling

Equipment

  • Shallow bowls (for breading)
  • Baking sheet
  • Heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
  • Slotted spoon
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. Slice cold brie wheel into 8 equal wedges. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes until solid.
  2. Meanwhile, make compote: Combine cranberries, sugar, and water in a small saucepan. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until cranberries burst and sauce thickens. Set aside to cool.
  3. Set up 3 shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko, chopped pistachios, and parsley.
  4. Dredge each frozen brie wedge: first in flour, then egg, then the pistachio-panko mixture. Press to coat firmly.
  5. Optional: For a thicker crust, dip back in egg and back in the pistachio-panko mixture (double-dredge).
  6. Place breaded wedges back on the baking sheet and freeze for another 15-20 minutes.
  7. Heat 3 inches of oil in a heavy pot to 350°F (175°C).
  8. Working in small batches, fry frozen brie bites for 60-90 seconds per side, until deep golden brown.
  9. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack.
  10. Serve immediately. Top with a dollop of cranberry compote and a generous drizzle of honey.

Notes

Freezing the brie is critical. Do not skip the freezing steps to prevent the cheese from leaking during frying. For a baked version, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes.