Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite party appetizer: Almond-Crusted Brie Bites with Raspberry Honey Glaze. Imagine buttery, melty brie tucked inside a crispy almond shell, kissed with a sweet-tart fruit glaze that makes each bite irresistibly moreish. This dish delivers on all fronts: elegance, flavor, and a dramatic reveal when you bite in and discover gooey cheese within! Trust me, these are the sort of bites that disappear in minutes, no matter the occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about letting a handful of top-notch ingredients shine. Each component has a job—whether bringing crunch, richness, sweetness, or a burst of color, every element in Almond-Crusted Brie Bites with Raspberry Honey Glaze pulls its weight for an appetizer that’s truly memorable.
- Brie cheese (8 ounces, cut into small cubes): The luscious, creamy center that makes these bites so luxurious.
- Sliced almonds (1/2 cup): Adds a golden, toasty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cheese.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Helps the egg and nuts stick, forming the perfect crispy crust.
- Large egg, beaten (1): Binds the almond coating to the brie and ensures a crisp finish.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Adds floral sweetness and gloss to the glaze.
- Raspberry preserves or fresh raspberry puree (1/4 cup): Brings tart brightness and gorgeous color to the finishing drizzle.
- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish): Pops of green that make your platter look extra inviting.
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting): A delicate finish for a touch of elegance and extra sweetness.
How to Make Almond-Crusted Brie Bites with Raspberry Honey Glaze
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) so it’s at the perfect temperature for melting the cheese just enough without turning your bites into puddles. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper—trust me, this makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your brie bites come off easily.
Step 2: Coat the Brie
Now for the assembly line! Take each cube of brie and give it a light toss in the flour, so the surface is dry and ready for sticking. Next, dip it into the beaten egg, letting any excess drip off. Finally, roll and gently press the brie into the sliced almonds, making sure every side gets a good crunchy coating. Each layer matters for flavor and firmness.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden
Arrange your almond-encrusted brie cubes on the prepared baking sheet. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. You’re watching for the almonds to turn lightly golden and for the brie to be soft inside—gooey, but still holding its shape. Don’t walk away; over-baking will turn these into cheesy puddles!
Step 4: Make the Raspberry Honey Glaze
While the brie bites are in the oven, stir together the honey and raspberry preserves or puree in a small saucepan over gentle heat. The goal is to meld the flavors into a smooth, pourable glaze—no need to simmer, just warm enough to blend. This sauce is what turns your Almond-Crusted Brie Bites with Raspberry Honey Glaze from good to utterly swoon-worthy.
Step 5: Glaze and Garnish
Once the brie bites are golden and fresh from the oven, transfer them to a serving platter. Immediately drizzle the raspberry honey glaze generously over the top. The warmth helps the glaze seep into all the nooks and crannies! Finish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of green and, if you like, a dusting of powdered sugar for that final touch of elegance.
How to Serve Almond-Crusted Brie Bites with Raspberry Honey Glaze
Garnishes
Dress up your platter with plenty of fresh mint leaves—they brighten every bite with a cool, herbal pop and seriously level up the presentation. A dusting of powdered sugar, though optional, adds a hint of sweetness and makes each bite sparkle, inviting guests (and you!) to dive in.
Side Dishes
Pair Almond-Crusted Brie Bites with Raspberry Honey Glaze alongside crisp apple slices, crunchy crostini, or lightly dressed greens for a gorgeous spread. Their creamy, tangy-sweet flavor loves simple sides that let them shine without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the bites on a wooden cheese board with scattered fresh berries and clusters of grapes for a rustic-chic look. Mini skewers make them easy to pick up at cocktail parties, and if you’re feeling fancy, serve each bite in a petite pastry cup for extra crunch. However you present them, these are sure to be the star of your starter table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If by some miracle you have leftover Almond-Crusted Brie Bites with Raspberry Honey Glaze, let them cool to room temperature, then place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to two days. For best results, keep the glaze and the bites separate until you’re ready to serve.
Freezing
You can freeze the uncooked almond-crusted brie bites: arrange in a single layer on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When ready to bake, cook them straight from the freezer (adding a few extra minutes to the bake time). Freezing after baking is not recommended—they can become soggy on reheating and lose their irresistible crunch.
Reheating
To reheat leftover bites, place them on a lined baking sheet in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 5 minutes, just until warmed through and the exterior is crispy again. Avoid microwaving, which can cause the almonds to lose their crunch and the brie to over-melt.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While brie is perfect for its creamy texture and mild flavor, you could try camembert or a soft goat cheese for a different twist. Just make sure the cheese you choose can hold its shape when baked.
What’s the best way to cut the brie into cubes?
For tidy, clean cuts, chill your brie in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp knife wiped clean between slices to prevent sticking and preserve the shape of each cube.
Can I make Almond-Crusted Brie Bites with Raspberry Honey Glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bread the brie bites and freeze or refrigerate them (uncooked) until you’re ready to bake. The glaze comes together in minutes and can be made ahead and gently rewarmed.
What if I don’t have raspberry preserves?
Feel free to substitute with strawberry preserves, blackberry, or even a quick homemade puree with fresh berries and a touch of honey. Each variation gives its own fruity flair to the recipe.
Are Almond-Crusted Brie Bites with Raspberry Honey Glaze gluten-free?
As written, the recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can easily swap this for a gluten-free flour blend to make a celiac-friendly version that everyone will love.
Final Thoughts
If you want to charm a crowd or simply treat yourself, give Almond-Crusted Brie Bites with Raspberry Honey Glaze a spot on your next menu. The blend of crunchy almonds, molten brie, and tangy-sweet glaze is pure delight. I hope you enjoy sharing (and savoring!) these as much as I do—don’t be surprised when everyone asks you for the recipe!