Skillet Brie with Fig Chutney: Cozy Fall Appetizer Everyone Loves

Skillet Brie with Fig Chutney is one of those recipes that brings people together, just like it did for me years ago. My love for cooking started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where the scent of bubbling preserves and melting cheese meant something special was happening. Later, as I cooked my way through diners and street markets around the world, I found that the simplest dishes often had the most heart.

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This one melty brie nestled in a warm skillet and topped with a sticky-sweet fig chutney is a reader favorite for good reason. It’s rustic yet elegant, easy yet impressive. And it’s one of those recipes that feels like fall in every bite.

You can almost hear the sizzle as it comes out of the oven, bubbling with golden cheese and fragrant chutney. Serve it with crusty bread or crisp apple slices, and you’ve got a cozy appetizer that’ll make any gathering feel a little more special. Just like our Baked Brie en Croûte with Fig Jam Center or Mini Brie Bites with Fig and Rosemary, this dish delivers on both comfort and wow factor.

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Skillet Brie with Fig Chutney in cast iron skillet

Skillet Brie with Fig Chutney


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  • Author: Matteo
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Melty brie topped with warm, sticky-sweet fig chutney this rustic yet elegant appetizer brings cozy fall vibes to any gathering.


Ingredients

  • 1 whole brie wheel (8 oz)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ⅓ cup dried figs, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon chopped shallots
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme (optional)
  • Handful of chopped walnuts or pistachios (optional)
  • Pomegranate seeds (optional)
  • Fresh baguette slices, apple or pear slices, whole grain crackers for serving


Instructions

  1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine chopped figs, honey, vinegar, ginger, cinnamon, shallots, salt, and water. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens. Set aside.
  2. Heat a small oven-safe skillet over medium heat and add olive oil to coat the bottom.
  3. Place the brie wheel in the center of the skillet and let it warm on the stovetop for 2–3 minutes until it begins to soften.
  4. Spoon the chutney over the top of the brie and add optional toppings like nuts or thyme.
  5. Transfer skillet to a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 10–12 minutes until the brie is melty and the chutney is bubbly.
  6. Carefully remove from the oven and serve hot with crackers, bread, or fruit slices.

Notes

Let the brie come to room temperature before baking for even melting. Use a cast iron skillet to retain heat and keep the cheese warm longer. Don’t overload the chutney just enough to complement the creamy brie.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients for Skillet Brie with Fig Chutney

You’ll only need a few ingredients, but each one counts. This recipe relies on good quality brie and a flavorful fig chutney, so use the best you can find.

For the base:

  • 1 whole brie wheel (8 oz)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the chutney:

  • ⅓ cup dried figs, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon chopped shallots
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 2 tablespoons water

Optional toppings:

  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • Handful of chopped walnuts or pistachios (for crunch)
  • Pomegranate seeds (for color)

To serve:

  • Fresh baguette slices
  • Apple or pear slices
  • Whole grain crackers

For a sweet and savory board, this pairs beautifully with apple pumpkin streusel muffins or a slice of brown sugar pumpkin loaf.

Ingredients for Skillet Brie with Fig Chutney

Step by Step Instructions

This cozy appetizer comes together in under 30 minutes. Here’s how to make it from scratch.

1. Prepare the chutney

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine chopped figs, honey, vinegar, ginger, cinnamon, shallots, salt, and water. Let it simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the figs soften and the mixture thickens. Set aside.

2. Warm the skillet

Heat a small oven safe skillet (cast iron works best) over medium heat. Add olive oil to coat the bottom.

3. Add the brie

Place the brie wheel in the center of the skillet. Let it warm on the stovetop for 2–3 minutes so it begins to soften.

4. Top and bake

Spoon the chutney over the top of the brie, spreading gently. Add optional toppings like nuts or thyme. Transfer the skillet to a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 10–12 minutes until the brie is melty and the chutney is bubbly.

5. Serve

Carefully remove from the oven and serve hot with crackers or bread. It’s lovely paired with sweet sourdough pumpkin bread or apple cinnamon bread for a cozy fall appetizer board.

Homemade fig chutney simmering in saucepan

Tips for Success

Let the brie soften first

Room temperature brie bakes more evenly. Let it sit out for 15 minutes before using.

Don’t skip the skillet

Use a small oven safe skillet for best results. Cast iron keeps the cheese warm longer at the table.

Balance your toppings

Don’t overload the chutney. A thin layer allows the creamy brie to shine. Add pomegranate seeds or nuts for texture and a pop of color.

If this is your first time making Skillet Brie with Fig Chutney, you’ll be surprised how simple and satisfying it is to get restaurant style results at home.

Delicious Variations

Gluten-free serving ideas

Swap baguette slices for gluten free crackers or apple slices. For more ideas, pair with our gluten-free chicken nuggets for a savory snack platter.

Change up the chutney

No figs? Try dried apricots or cranberries. You can even top with homemade peach jelly or a fall fruit preserve.

Add a crunchy topping

Chopped pistachios or pecans on top before baking add texture and flavor.

Wrap in pastry

Wrap the brie in puff pastry for a baked version. See our Baked Brie en Croûte with Fig Jam Center for a step up in presentation.

Baked Skillet Brie with Fig Chutney and garnish

Storage and Reheating

Have leftovers from your Skillet Brie with Fig Chutney? Good news it’s easy to store and reheat.

  • Storage: Let cool, then store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes until soft again. Or microwave in short 20-second bursts.
  • Avoid freezing: Brie doesn’t freeze well and may change texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a show stopping appetizer this season, Skillet Brie with Fig Chutney is your answer. It’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for sharing. Keep it in your rotation alongside fall favorites like apple pumpkin streusel muffins and our mini brie bites.

This recipe is more than just cheese it’s about creating moments around the table. And when something this simple tastes this luxurious, it’s sure to become a seasonal staple.

Can I make Skillet Brie with Fig Chutney ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chutney a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble and bake just before serving for best texture.

What size brie wheel should I use?

An 8 oz (225g) brie wheel fits perfectly in an 8-inch skillet. If using a larger brie, increase the chutney accordingly.

Can I use fig jam instead of chutney?

Absolutely. If you have store bought fig jam, spread it on top before baking. You can add a bit of fresh thyme or chopped nuts to elevate it.

What can I serve with Skillet Brie with Fig Chutney?

Try fresh bread, crackers, sliced pears or apples, or alongside pumpkin soup for a beautiful fall spread.

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