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
- The combination of sweet and savory spices make the flavors explode;
- Simmering all the ingredients over low heat allows them to meld and results in a sweet and sticky concoction;
- 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
- If you like a spicier chutney, add additional Thai chilies;
- Dice the ingredients in small pieces for a more uniform chutney;
- Jalapenos or serrano peppers can be used as a substitute for the Thai chilies
- If the chutney starts to stick to the pan, add additional liquid;
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- How long will cranberry chutney keep? It should keep for about 2 weeks stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
- 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!
Cranberry Chutney Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups cranberries fresh or frozen
- 1 shallot minced
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1-3 Thai chilies minced
- ½ cup coconut sugar
- ¼ cup rice vinegar unseasoned
- 1 tsp. ginger paste
- ½ tsp. lemon zest
- ¼ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. ground cloves
- ¼ tsp. cinnamon
- 1-11 oz. can mandarin oranges drained
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Cook, uncovered, for 20 minutes.
- Let the chutney cool and store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Expert Tips:
- If you like a spicier chutney, add additional Thai chilies;
- Dice the ingredients in small pieces for a more uniform chutney;
- Jalapenos or serrano peppers can be used as a substitute for the Thai chilies
- If the chutney starts to stick to the pan, add additional liquid;
- If your chutney is too thin after 20-30 minutes, continue cooking until a thick consistency is reached.
Nutrition
Jamie
I love all the spices in here and the Thai chilis definitely gave this a kick. Saving this recipe to make this again!
Danielle
Thanks!
Leslie
Yummmmm! I love cranberry chutney! And I never knew you could freeze it. It's definitely time to make a batch. Thanks for all the helpful tips!
Danielle
You're welcome Leslie!
Angela
My absolute favorite thing on the Thanksgiving table. Love all of the flavors you use here. Thanks so much for sharing!
Danielle
You're welcome Angela!
Paula Montenegro
This is one of my favorite chutney recipes. So full of flavor and easy to make! Will be making it again this holiday season!
Danielle
Thanks Paula!
Helen of Fuss Free Flavours
Cranberry is one of those flavours that needs a boost, something to compliment it, and this is the perfect mix of flavours to do just that. Such a lovely addition for festive meals.
Danielle
Thanks Helen!
Littleredladybird
Hi, this chutney looks awesome!! My mum is the chutney maker in our family but I'd like to make some for HER for a change & this recipe would be fab as she loves cranberry sauce. Can this be made in the Instant Pot as I really am rubbish at cooking (I burn water!!)?
Danielle
Hi! So, I've actually never made this in the Instant Pot. If I was doing it, I would combine all the ingredients (except the coconut sugar) in the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then use the manual release for the rest. Add the coconut sugar to the chutney and stir until it dissolves. However, because the Instant Pot has a larger cooking surface, you may need to double the recipe to prevent it from burning. Just not, I haven't tried this, so I can't guarantee how it turns out! Good luck, I'd really love to know how it turns out for you 🙂
Healthy World Cuisine
You are on a roll with getting us all prepared for the holiday season. Love how super easy and delicious this cranberry orange chutney is. Also thinking quite delicious on a couple of scones with a little spiced tea on the side. Just pinned!
Danielle
This would be super awesome with scones!
Thao @ In Good Flavor
I need to make this for the holiday season! I love how versatile it is and how incredibly easy it is to make!!
Danielle
Thanks Thao! I hope you do make it 🙂
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary
I love chutneys! Well, I basically have a weird obsession with any kind of condiment. Lol. I can never get enough! And this cranberry orange chutney looks and sounds marvelous! Lucky for me I always have cranberries on hand in the freezer. 😉 So you know this chutney is in my future! Cheers!
Danielle
That's because condiments are the best Cheyanne! I'm a sucker for sauces myself. Hope you get to try this 🙂
Susie
My mouth is watering for this recipe! I foresee a turkey and cranberry chutney sandwich in my future!
Danielle
Totally! Thanks Susie 🙂
Lisa
I'm so looking forward to cranberry season. I've got a bag of frozen ones from last season so I'm giving this a go.
Danielle
Hope you love it Lisa!!
kim
These flavors are some of my favorites! I can only imagine how amazing this would be spread on a turkey sandwich. Can't wait to try!
Danielle
So good on a turkey sandwich! Hope you love it if you give it a try.
Caroline
I make an easy cranberry sauce that we love and uses orange as well, but I also love the idea of adding in ginger, chili and aromatics. Looks great!
Danielle
Thanks Caroline! I like the extra kick those spices add 🙂
Lauren Vavala @ DeliciousLittleBites
I am so happy cranberry season is almost here! I want to use this chutney on everything!! Your photos are beautiful!
Danielle
Thanks Lauren! I love using this instead of cranberry sauce during the holidays 🙂
Demeter
This sounds so good! Seems like a fantastic thing to keep around during the holidays for all of those leftover sandwiches!
Danielle
It's great for that! I like it better than regular cranberry sauce.