Pear, Brie Nachos with Hot Honey & Walnut Crunch – The Perfect Appetizer for Entertaining

In just 15 minutes, you can pull together this ridiculously easy appetizer that looks like you spent an hour plating. Sweet pear, creamy melted Brie, spicy hot honey, and crunchy walnuts come together on crispy wonton chips for a bite that hits every texture and flavor note. I first made these nachos for a casual wine night with my neighbor Clara, and we ended up eating the entire tray standing over the kitchen island.

The magic is in how the warm Brie softens the pear slices while the hot honey cuts through the richness. It is one of those recipes that feels fancy but requires almost no actual cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comes together in under 15 minutes with zero oven time
Sweet, spicy, creamy, and crunchy all in one bite
Perfect for holiday parties, game day, or date night at home
Easily scalable from a small snack to a full party platter
Feels indulgent and special without complicated techniques

Ingredients

1 bag wonton chips or crispy wonton strips
8 ounces Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small cubes
2 ripe pears, thinly sliced (Bartlett or Anjou work well)
1/2 cup walnut halves, roughly chopped
3 tablespoons hot honey
Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Flaky sea salt for finishing

Instructions

Arrange wonton chips in a single layer on a large serving platter or sheet pan.
Scatter the cubed Brie evenly over the chips, making sure each chip gets some cheese.
Layer the pear slices over the cheese and chips in a single even layer.
Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the top.
Warm the hot honey slightly in the microwave (about 10 seconds) so it drizzles easily, then drizzle generously over the entire platter.
Broil on high for 2-3 minutes, watching closely, until the Brie is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven, finish with fresh thyme and flaky sea salt, and serve immediately.

Pro Tips

Remove the Brie rind before cubing for a smoother melt, but you can leave it on for extra texture if you prefer.
Watch the nachos closely under the broiler – Brie burns quickly, and you want it melted, not browned.
Use a mandoline or sharp knife to get pear slices that are thin and even for the best texture.
If your hot honey is too thick to drizzle, warm it for a few seconds in the microwave or in a small saucepan.
Assemble the nachos right before serving so the chips stay crunchy and the Brie stays warm.

Variations

Swap walnuts for pecans or pistachios for a different crunch profile.
Add a handful of fresh arugula on top after broiling for a peppery fresh contrast.
Replace Brie with Camembert or a soft triple-cream cheese for a richer flavor.
Use regular honey mixed with a pinch of red pepper flakes if you do not have hot honey on hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these pear Brie nachos ahead of time? These are best assembled and broiled right before serving. The chips will get soggy if they sit too long.
What is the best pear to use for this recipe? Bartlett or Anjou pears work best because they are sweet, juicy, and hold their shape when sliced thin.
Can I use a different chip instead of wonton chips? Yes, sturdy tortilla chips or pita chips also work well, though wonton chips give the lightest crunch.
How do I store leftover nachos? Leftovers do not reheat well, but you can store the components separately and assemble fresh later.
Is there a substitute for hot honey? Regular honey mixed with a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes is a perfect substitute.
Can I skip the broiler and just serve these cold? The Brie will not melt without heat, so broiling is key for the creamy texture, but you can serve them at room temperature if you prefer.

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