20 Minute Cranberry Chutney Recipe - Went Here 8 This (2024)

By Danielle on November 15, 2019, Updated January 28, 2024 32 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure.

This 20 Minute Cranberry Chutney recipe has the perfect combination of sweet, tart and savory flavors for a great addition to dips, sandwiches, and meats - or you may just want to eat it by the spoonful!

This recipe was originally published in August 2018. It has been updated for content and photos.

The tart of the cranberries, the sweet of the mandarin oranges, the tang of the vinegar, spice of the chilies...combined these flavors make the most delicious cranberry orange chutney.

It's great served with both sweet and savory dishes. I could literally put this stuff on anything. it's SO YUM. Like mouthgasm yum.

Seriously guys, you NEED to make this chutney!

Why This Recipe Works

1. The combination of sweet and savory spices make the flavors explode;
2. Simmering all the ingredients over low heat allows them to meld and results in a sweet and sticky concoction;
3. It's SUPER easy to make, and only takes 20 minutes - plus it has so many different uses (keep reading to see all the ways it can be used).

What is Chutney and How Do You Use it?

Some of you may be wondering what chutney is. Well, chutney is basically a mix of fruits and/or vegetables combined with vinegar, spices and sugar. It originated in India, but has become widely available in many different types and flavors. Chutney can be sweet or savory, or even both (like this cranberry orange chutney).

Chutney was originally served as a side to Indian food to be eaten with spicy curries. With it's wide availability today, chutney also makes an amazing sandwich spread, a great dip when mixed with cream cheese, served with meats such as lamb, pork and duck, as a glaze....and the list goes on.

This cranberry orange chutney is amazing served in place of cranberry sauce at Thanksgiving dinner. Seriously, do it. Your guests will love you.

What is the Difference Between Jam and Chutney?

Basically, jam is sweet and chutney is savory. While chutney does have a lot of sweet components (particularly when using fruit), it also uses savory spices and vinegar. In addition, jam is smoother, while chutney tends to be chunkier. Jam is typically made with one ingredient (usually fruit) while chutney is made with multiple ingredients to include fruit and/or vegetables.

The Ingredients

All the ingredients are easy to find at the grocery store. If you're not feeling like running up and down the aisles though, you can buy most of them on Amazon below (affiliate links):

• Fresh or frozen cranberries
• Coconut sugar
• Rice vinegar
• Lemon zest
• Thai chilies
• Ginger paste
• Ground cloves
• Shallot
• Garlic
• Saigon cinnamon
• Mandarin oranges

Step By Step Instructions

Let me tell you, you guys are going to love how easy this is. The recipe literally consists of throwing ingredients into a pot and letting them simmer for 20 minutes.

Really. That's it. That's all you do. You can store it in the fridge in an airtight container for about 2 weeks.

Expert Tips

1. If you like a spicier chutney, add additional Thai chilies;
2. Dice the ingredients in small pieces for a more uniform chutney;
3. Jalapenos or serrano peppers can be used as a substitute for the Thai chilies
4. If the chutney starts to stick to the pan, add additional liquid;
5. If your chutney is too thin after 20-30 minutes, continue cooking until a thick consistency is reached.

Serving Options

• Put it in jars and give away as gifts. Note it is perishable and will need to be refrigerated.
• Mix it with cream cheese to make a dip;
• Use it as a spread on sandwiches (including burgers) - think leftover turkey sandwich....YUMMMMM;
• Serve it on turkey or mix it into ground chicken or turkey for extra flavor;
• Use it on a meat and cheese platter;
• Use it in this Baked Brie recipe;
• Serve it alongside Indian style curries.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is chutney served hot or cold? For warm savory dishes like pork chops or ham, I would recommend serving it warm. For dips, sandwiches and cheese, I would recommend serving it cold.
2. How do I store chutney? Chutney can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Chutney can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 12 months. It can be thawed and heated in the microwave or in a saucepan over medium heat.
3. How long will cranberry chutney keep? It should keep for about 2 weeks stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
4. Can you freeze chutney? Freeze chutney for up to 12 months in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

More Holiday Recipes

• Chinese Roast Duck;
• Mexican Cornbread Stuffing;
• Oyster Stuffing;
• Instant Pot Creamed Corn;
• Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes (these are the best mashed potatoes EVER!!);
• Crispy Roasted Potatoes.

Did you make this cranberry chutney recipe? Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out!

Recipe