ko.pairings
Simple and delicious in all the right ways! This crunchy, creamy, sweet, salty, crispy and spicy bite has got it all! Oh and it is only 5 ingredients. (7 if you make your own hot honey!). These hot honey brie cheese bites truly are pear-fect!
Pear-fect hot honey brie cheese bites! It is all in the name, and it is all delicious. It is even better when paired with this Elderflower Vodka Soda. This appetizer combination came out of the desire to use brie cheese because I was craving it.
I first found brie when I was 16 working at a farm stand around my hometown. This farm stand started with a pick-your-own-tent and through hard work built into an incredible farm stand that now has triple the space as when I worked there. Everyday they crush out fresh food, pastries, reheat-able appetizers, sides and meals. Of course, they also have a massive selection of produce and jams.
When I worked there, the sandwiches were grab-and-go and made daily. They rotated the sandwiches regularly and there was one that my sister and I LOVED at first bite. They even named it after us for a period of time. The one with brie was not that sandwich. But, it grew on me the longer I worked there until it was one of my favorites.
The sandwich I have been lengthily building up to was a brie and pear wrap in a flour tortilla. There was some arugula and walnuts on it as well as a nice light balsamic dressing. It was good, once I liked it. This sandwich was my growing to love brie experience. Back then I thought it tasted too musty, earthy with an intense sour tang. And I hated it!
At first. Now I have grown to LOVE all the same attributes I originally hated. These all add to the character and flavor experience of the brie. BUT, also with brie’s fat to coat the palate, it can be a lighter cheese while also standing up really well to a drink pairing. All that to say, get the stinkiest brie you can manage and it’ll work, or go with an extremely delicately sweet brie and it will still work because this cheese has an incredible affinity towards many ingredients.
These hot honey brie cheese bites are seriously pear-fect! All jokes aside, these bites are incredible! Honestly, so delicious I made it a meal for myself the night I first made it. The only thing that makes them better is serving them with this Elderflower Vodka Soda.
Recipe Notes & Substitutions
Crackers– In the picture are rice crackers, but you can use whatever crackers you want. I will say stay away from crackers that have too many seeds or an intense flavor. Too intense crackers will overshadow the flavor of the brie. Stick with lightly herbed crackers especially rosemary or sage. Or choose plain crackers.
Brie– I went with triple creme brie. It has a bit more intense earthy and nutty flavor than double. A bit more flavor will work well here, however go with the one you most enjoy.
Pear– I used bosc because I like the crunchy texture it adds. I also leave the skin on because it adds a slight earthy bitterness that adds depth. If you prefer red pear or d’anjou pears those will work well too.
Hot Honey– The recipe I used to make it is included. However, buy it if you prefer there are some nice ones on the market. Make sure to use fresher chilis because the heat is incredible and needed in the recipe. You could sub agave, maple or date syrup but the flavor will be different. Agave and Maple syrup will also be a little more runny than desired but they will work if you prefer.
Rosemary– I used dried rosemary with this because I prefer the texture of dried here. Dried can be crumbled, fresh is a bit more woody. If using fresh rosemary, make sure to chop it finely and sprinkle on top.
Pear-fect Hot Honey Brie Bites
Equipment
- 1 Platter for Serving
- 1 Knife
Ingredients
- 1 box Crackers, Plain, Rosemary, Sage
- 4 oz Brie Triangle
- 1-2 Pears
- 2-4 Tbsp Hot Honey More if you like sweeter
- 1.5 tsp Rosemary dried or fresh
Hot Honey
- 4 Tbsp Honey
- 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- 2 tsp Vinegar Apple cider or white wine
Instructions
Make Hot Honey- If using store bought Hot Honey skip to next step:
- Add honey and chili flakes to a microwave safe dish. Heat for about 15 seconds, just to heat the honey and make it more runny. The heat also helps pull out heat of chili pepper.
- Once heated, add vinegar, mix and taste. If too acidic for you add a little more honey if too sweet add a little more vinegar. If need more spice add a little more chili flakes or sprinkle some on top of the bites. Once satisfied with flavor set aside.
Constructing the bites
- Cut up the pear into pieces that will fit on your crackers. Try not to make them too thick, but also not too thin. I’d say ⅛ to ¼ inch thick is the best range.
- Cut the brie into pieces similar in size to the pears, and place on a cracker. Then place one piece of pear on on top of the brie.
- Drizzle the hot honey over the top, making sure each has a few chili flakes.
- Then sprinkle with rosemary and the bite is done! If using fresh rosemary, mince before sprinkling on top of the bite. For dried rosemary either crush between fingers when sprinkling or place on full leaves.
- Taste before serving to make sure the balance is there, and you made it you deserve a reward!
