Brie Prosciutto Herbed Honey Peaches: A Delicious Summer Recipe

Brie prosciutto herbed honey peaches – prepare to meet your new favorite appetizer! Imagine this: the creamy, decadent richness of brie, perfectly balanced by the salty, savory prosciutto, all nestled atop a juicy, grilled peach drizzled with herbed honey. Sounds divine, right? This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience, a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

The combination of sweet and savory has a long and storied history in culinary traditions around the world. Think of the classic pairing of melon and prosciutto in Italy, or the sweet and sour sauces of Asian cuisine. This recipe for brie prosciutto herbed honey peaches builds upon that foundation, elevating it with the addition of creamy brie and fragrant herbs. Peaches themselves have been cultivated for thousands of years, originating in China and eventually making their way to Europe and the Americas. Their sweet, slightly tangy flavor makes them a perfect counterpoint to richer, saltier ingredients.

People adore this dish for its incredible flavor profile, the delightful contrast of textures, and its sheer elegance. It’s sophisticated enough to serve at a dinner party, yet simple enough to whip up for a casual gathering. The grilled peaches offer a slight char and caramelized sweetness, the prosciutto provides a salty bite, the brie melts into a creamy dream, and the herbed honey ties it all together with a touch of floral sweetness. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to customize! Use different herbs in your honey, experiment with various types of prosciutto, or even try grilling nectarines instead of peaches. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this unforgettable appetizer!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Peaches:
• 4 ripe but firm peaches, halved and pitted
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Brie and Prosciutto:
• 8 ounces brie cheese, rind on or off (your preference!), cut into wedges
• 4 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto
• For the Herbed Honey:
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
• Optional Garnishes:
• Fresh basil leaves
• Balsamic glaze
• Toasted baguette slices or crackers, for serving

Preparing the Peaches:

1. Get the Peaches Ready: Start by washing your peaches thoroughly. Pat them dry with a clean towel. This helps the oil and seasonings adhere better.
2. Halve and Pit: Carefully slice each peach in half, following the natural line. Twist the halves gently to separate them. Use a spoon or a small knife to remove the pit. Make sure you get all the pit fragments out!
3. Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. This marinade is going to infuse the peaches with a wonderful sweet and savory flavor.
4. Marinate the Peaches: Add the peach halves to the bowl and gently toss them to coat evenly with the marinade. Make sure every surface is covered! Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour in the refrigerator. The longer they marinate, the more flavorful they’ll become. If refrigerating, bring them back to room temperature before grilling or pan-searing.

Cooking the Peaches:

You have two options for cooking the peaches: grilling or pan-searing. Both methods work great, so choose the one that suits your preference and equipment.

Grilling the Peaches:

1. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350-400°F or 175-200°C). Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
2. Grill the Peaches: Place the peach halves cut-side down on the grill grates. Grill for 3-5 minutes, or until they have nice grill marks and are slightly softened. Be careful not to burn them!
3. Flip and Grill Briefly: Flip the peach halves and grill for another 1-2 minutes on the skin side, just to warm them through.
4. Remove from Grill: Remove the grilled peach halves from the grill and set aside.

Pan-Searing the Peaches:

1. Heat the Pan: Heat a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan.
2. Sear the Peaches: Once the oil is hot, place the peach halves cut-side down in the skillet. Sear for 3-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and slightly caramelized.
3. Flip and Sear Briefly: Flip the peach halves and sear for another 1-2 minutes on the skin side, just to warm them through.
4. Remove from Pan: Remove the seared peach halves from the pan and set aside.

Preparing the Herbed Honey:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the honey, chopped fresh thyme leaves, chopped fresh rosemary leaves, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Heat Gently: Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, until the honey is warm and the herbs are fragrant. This should only take a minute or two. Be careful not to boil the honey.
3. Let Steep: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the herbed honey steep for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The longer it steeps, the more flavorful it will become.
4. Strain (Optional): If you prefer a smoother honey, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the herb leaves. However, I like to leave them in for added flavor and visual appeal.

Assembling the Brie Prosciutto Herbed Honey Peaches:

Now for the fun part – putting it all together! This is where you can get creative and arrange the components in a way that looks appealing and is easy to eat.

1. Arrange the Peaches: Place the grilled or seared peach halves on a serving platter or individual plates.
2. Add the Brie: Top each peach half with a wedge of brie cheese. The warmth of the peaches will slightly soften the brie, making it extra creamy and delicious.
3. Drape with Prosciutto: Drape a slice of prosciutto over the brie on each peach half. You can fold or arrange the prosciutto in a decorative way.
4. Drizzle with Herbed Honey: Generously drizzle the herbed honey over the brie and prosciutto. Don’t be shy – the honey adds a wonderful sweetness and herbal complexity.
5. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, if desired. These additions add a pop of color and extra flavor.
6. Serve Immediately: Serve the Brie Prosciutto Herbed Honey Peaches immediately, while the peaches are still warm and the brie is soft. Serve with toasted baguette slices or crackers for dipping and scooping.

Tips and Variations:

• Peach Variety: Feel free to experiment with different varieties of peaches, such as white peaches or donut peaches. Just make sure they are ripe but firm.
• Cheese Options: If you’re not a fan of brie, you can substitute it with other soft cheeses like goat cheese, mascarpone, or even a creamy blue cheese.
• Prosciutto Alternatives: If you don’t have prosciutto, you can use other cured meats like speck or Serrano ham.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs in the honey, such as lavender, sage, or oregano.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the herbed honey for an extra kick.
• Make it Vegetarian: Omit the prosciutto for a delicious vegetarian appetizer.
• Add Nuts: Sprinkle toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds over the peaches for added crunch and flavor.
• Serving Suggestions: These Brie Prosciutto Herbed Honey Peaches are perfect as an appetizer, a light lunch, or even a dessert. They also make a great addition to a cheese board or charcuterie platter.

Make Ahead Tips:

• Peaches: The peaches can be marinated ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
• Herbed Honey: The herbed honey can be made several days in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Assembly: While it’s best to assemble the peaches just before serving, you can prepare all the components ahead of time and assemble them when you’re ready to eat.

Conclusion:

This Brie, Prosciutto, Herbed Honey Peaches recipe is truly a must-try, and I’m not just saying that! The combination of creamy, decadent brie, salty prosciutto, sweet and juicy peaches, and the aromatic herbed honey creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s an unexpected yet utterly delightful pairing that elevates a simple appetizer into something truly special. The slight tang of the brie perfectly complements the sweetness of the peaches, while the prosciutto adds a savory depth that keeps you coming back for more. And that herbed honey? It’s the magic ingredient that ties everything together, adding a touch of floral sweetness and herbaceous complexity.

Think of it as a sophisticated twist on a classic cheese board, perfect for impressing guests at your next gathering or simply treating yourself to a little bit of luxury. It’s also surprisingly easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor payoff. You can whip this up in under 30 minutes, leaving you more time to enjoy the company of your friends and family (or just relax and savor every bite!).

Beyond being an amazing appetizer, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Serve it on toasted baguette slices for a delightful crostini, or use it as a topping for grilled chicken or pork for a sweet and savory main course. For a vegetarian option, skip the prosciutto and add some toasted walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch. You could even dice everything up and toss it with some mixed greens for a vibrant and flavorful salad.

Looking for variations? Try using different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or mascarpone, for a different flavor profile. Experiment with different herbs in the honey, such as rosemary, thyme, or even a pinch of chili flakes for a little kick. And don’t be afraid to swap out the peaches for other seasonal fruits, like figs, nectarines, or plums. The possibilities are endless!

I truly believe that this Brie, Prosciutto, Herbed Honey Peaches recipe will become a new favorite in your repertoire. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and creamy, and it’s guaranteed to impress anyone who tries it. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way it allows high-quality ingredients to shine. It’s a testament to how a few carefully chosen components can create something truly extraordinary.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any variations? What did you think? Share your photos and stories with me in the comments below. I can’t wait to see what you create! Let me know if you have any questions or need any help along the way. Happy cooking! I hope you enjoy this delightful combination of Brie, Prosciutto, Herbed Honey Peaches as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!