Description
These Savory Pistachio-Crusted Brie Bites are a luxurious appetizer featuring creamy brie wrapped in flaky puff pastry and coated with a crunchy pistachio and thyme crust. A honey-thyme glaze adds a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, making these bites an impressive yet easy-to-make treat for brunch or entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) wheel of brie, cut into 12 equal cubes
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
Pistachio Crust
- ¾ cup unsalted pistachios, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, minced
- ½ tsp sea salt
Honey-Thyme Glaze
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Seasonings & Extras
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Egg wash: 1 egg + 1 tbsp water
Instructions
- Prepare the Brie: Cut the brie wheel into twelve equal cubes, each about 1½ inches on each side. Lightly pat the cubes with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, which helps avoid soggy pastry.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to approximately ¼-inch thickness. Cut the pastry into twelve 3-inch squares, sized to comfortably encase each brie cube.
- Make the Pistachio Crust: In a shallow bowl, combine the finely chopped unsalted pistachios, minced fresh thyme leaves, and sea salt. Stir until the mixture is well combined. This crust will add crunch and flavor to the pastry exterior.
- Apply Egg Wash: Whisk together one egg with one tablespoon of water in a small cup to create an egg wash. Using a brush, lightly coat both sides of each puff pastry square with the egg wash. This helps the pistachio mixture stick to the pastry.
- Coat with Pistachio Mixture: Press the pistachio-thyme-salt blend onto the top side of each brushed pastry square, ensuring an even and thorough coating that will bake to a crunchy crust.
- Assemble Brie Bites: Place one brie cube in the center of each prepared pastry square. Fold the corners of the puff pastry up and over the brie, gently pinching the edges together to seal the bite, with the pistachio coating facing outward for maximum texture.
- Prepare and Apply Glaze: In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, fresh lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Brush a thin layer of this honey-thyme glaze over the sealed pastry bites to add a glossy, caramelized finish as they bake.
- Bake: Arrange the assembled bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed and golden brown and the pistachios are toasted with a deep amber hue and nutty aroma.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the bites rest for 3-4 minutes to allow the brie to soften without spilling out. Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper over each bite for subtle heat and serve warm, optionally with extra honey-thyme glaze drizzled on top.
Notes
- Use unsalted pistachios to control saltiness and allow the flavors of the cheese and herbs to shine.
- Letting the bites rest briefly after baking ensures a luscious melted brie without mess.
- Cut puff pastry carefully to ensure even wrapping and avoid leakage during baking.
- These bites can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving for convenience.
- For a variation, add finely chopped fresh rosemary or basil to the pistachio crust for a different herbal note.
