Pistachio-Crusted Brie Bites with Cranberry Honey Glaze

🧀 Pistachio-Crusted Brie Bites with Cranberry Honey Glaze

Ingredients:

• 1 wheel Brie cheese, cut into bite-sized cubes

• ½ cup crushed pistachios (unsalted)

• ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs

• 1 egg, lightly beaten

• 2 tbsp flour (for coating)

• 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing or frying)

For the Cranberry Honey Glaze:

• ½ cup cranberry sauce

• 2 tbsp honey

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth of flavor)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Brie:
   Cut the Brie into small cubes and place them in the freezer for 15 minutes so they firm up — this helps with coating.

2. Set up the coating station:
   Place flour in one bowl, beaten egg in another, and a mix of crushed pistachios + panko in the third.

3. Coat the Brie bites:
   Roll each Brie cube first in flour, then in egg, and finally coat with the pistachio-panko mixture. Press lightly so it sticks well.

4. Cook:

   • Option 1 (Oven): Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a tray with parchment and lightly brush with olive oil. Bake Brie bites for 8–10 minutes until golden and melty inside.

   • Option 2 (Air fryer): Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 6–7 minutes.

5. Make the Cranberry Honey Glaze:
   In a small pan, heat cranberry sauce, honey, lemon juice, and balsamic vinegar for 2–3 minutes, until smooth and glossy.

6. Serve:
   Drizzle the warm glaze over the Brie bites or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios and fresh thyme if desired.

🍯 Q & A 

Q1: Can I use another nut instead of pistachios?
Yes! You can use crushed almonds, pecans, or walnuts — but pistachios give the best color and flavor contrast.

Q2: What can I use instead of Brie?
You can try Camembert or goat cheese, but Brie melts most smoothly for bite-sized appetizers.

Q3: Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble and freeze them before baking. Bake straight from frozen, adding 2 extra minutes to the time.

Q4: How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out while baking?
Freezing the Brie cubes before coating helps a lot. Also, make sure the coating fully covers each piece.

Q5: What pairs best with these bites?
They pair beautifully with a glass of white wine, fresh grapes, or crusty bread slices for an elegant appetizer platter.