Hey fam, I’m Shaym, the cook, creator, and flavor-chaser behind SoolFood. If you’re into bold bites, crave-worthy textures, and recipes that slap without taking all day, you’re in the right place. This dish is pure food joy, easy, epic, and guaranteed to hit every time. And if you’re already loving vibes like my Lemon Meringue Tart or Cheesy Kielbasa Potato Skillet, this Crispy Fried Brie is going to be your new obsession.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Fried Brie
- Golden, melty brie with a shatteringly crisp crust
- Drippy, peppery hot honey that hits sweet, floral, and spicy notes
- Citrus-herb olives for a punchy, briny balance
- A next-level appetizer that tastes straight from a restaurant
- Perfect for holiday spreads or snack boards
- Can be prepped ahead and fried last minute
- Crowd-pleasing and 100% cheese-lover approved
- Instagrammable. Let’s be real.
The Ingredient Breakdown
Brie wheel: Rich, buttery, and ultra-creamy. Once fried, the inside turns molten while the rind holds it all together. Go for an 8 oz wheel, double cream is gold.
Panko breadcrumbs: The crisp game-changer. These give you those gorgeous golden flakes and serious crunch.
Egg + flour: The glue and base. Standard breading station that locks in the coating.
Hot honey: Use your favorite or make your own with wildflower honey and chili flakes. Sweet heat that kisses the brie.
Black pepper: Cracked fresh, it cuts through the richness and blooms in the honey. Don’t skip it.
Mixed olives: Castelvetrano, kalamata, or whatever you love. Adds briny contrast to the creamy fried cheese.
Orange zest + lemon zest: This duo lifts everything. Sharp, floral, citrusy brightness.
Fresh thyme + parsley: Earthy and green, these herbs soften the saltiness of the olives.
How to Make Crispy Fried Brie (Without Losing Your Mind)
First up: freeze the brie. Just 30 minutes. It keeps the center from leaking when you fry.
Set up a breading station: one bowl flour, one bowl beaten egg, one bowl panko. Dredge the chilled brie wheel in flour, dunk in egg, then pack it in panko. Press that breadcrumb coat on firmly.
Chill again. Quick 10-minute freeze while your oil heats. This is key to keeping the cheese inside during frying.
Heat neutral oil in a small saucepan. You want the oil to hit about 350°F. Use a thermometer if you can.
Gently lower in the brie. Fry until golden and crisp, about 1 to 2 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to flip and remove.
Rest it on a paper towel for 30 seconds. That crust? Unreal.
While it rests, mix together your olive topping: chopped olives, citrus zest, thyme, parsley, a touch of olive oil. Toss until glistening.
Warm your hot honey, crack in some pepper.
Now plate. Pour that peppery honey right over the fried brie. Spoon olives around the edges. Serve immediately.
Tips, Swaps & Flavor Upgrades
- Swap brie for camembert if you’re feeling French
- Add crushed pistachios to the panko for color and crunch
- Use truffle honey or chili crisp honey for a gourmet spin
- Don’t overcrowd the pan, fry one brie at a time
- No thermometer? Test with a breadcrumb, if it sizzles and rises fast, you’re good
- Can’t do fried? Bake at 400°F for 10-12 min, but the crust won’t be as epic
What to Serve With Crispy Fried Brie
This app deserves a full flavor moment. Pair it with:
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Cutlets
- Creamy Cheddar Potato Chowder for the coziest night in
- Air Fryer Pasta Chips for added crunch and dipping fun
- A sparkling wine or spicy ginger beer to cut the richness
Storage & Reheating
Fried brie is best fresh, but leftovers? Still dreamy.
- Store cooled brie in an airtight container in the fridge up to 2 days
- Reheat in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 5–7 minutes
- Do not microwave unless you want brie soup
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Bread the brie and freeze it until you’re ready to fry. Don’t fry until right before serving.
Can I use pre-sliced brie? Whole wheel only. Slices will leak everywhere when fried.
What oil is best for frying? Neutral oil like canola, sunflower, or grapeseed. Olive oil smokes too fast.
Is the rind edible? Absolutely. It holds everything together and adds a subtle earthiness.
Can I skip the olives? Sure, try roasted grapes or spiced nuts instead for that contrast.
Print
Crispy Fried Brie with Pepper Honey – The Ultimate Holiday Appetizer
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Golden, gooey, crispy brie with spicy honey drizzle and citrus-herb olives, your new favorite appetizer.
Ingredients
1 wheel of brie (8 oz)
1/2 cup flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/3 cup honey
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
1/2 cup mixed olives, chopped
Zest of 1 orange
Zest of 1/2 lemon
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
1 tbsp chopped parsley
Neutral oil for frying
Instructions
1. Freeze the brie for 30 minutes.
2. Set up a breading station with flour, egg, and panko.
3. Dredge the brie in flour, dip in egg, and coat with panko.
4. Freeze the breaded brie for 10 more minutes.
5. Heat oil in a small pot to 350°F.
6. Fry the brie until golden, about 1–2 minutes per side.
7. Remove and drain on paper towel.
8. In a bowl, combine olives, citrus zest, thyme, parsley, and a little olive oil.
9. Warm the honey and stir in red pepper flakes and black pepper.
10. Plate the brie, drizzle with pepper honey, and scatter olives around.
Notes
Make ahead tip: Bread and freeze the brie until ready to fry.
Try with truffle honey or swap olives for roasted grapes.
Best served immediately after frying for max crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Crispy Fried Brie, Flavor Icon
This recipe is a flex. It’s indulgent, dramatic, and ridiculously simple when broken down. If you want that first-bite gasp from your guests, this fried brie delivers every time.
Now go melt something magical.