Cranberry Chutney

Name: Cranberry Chutney
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 ounces (1 bag) cranberries, fresh or frozen; 1 cup dried apricots, chopped; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup orange juice; ½ cup water; 1 small onion, diced; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom

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Brighten your holiday table with this sweet and savory Cranberry Chutney. This tangy condiment made from tart cranberries, sweet dried apricots, and savory aromatics offers a flavorful and complex alternative to traditional cranberry sauce. Plus, it's an easy recipe that comes together in just over 30 minutes!

Sweet and savory Cranberry Chutney is a tangy condiment made from tart cranberries, sweet dried apricots, and savory aromatics. Ready in 30 minutes! | aheadofthyme.com

Thanksgiving dinner wouldn’t be the same without cranberries, and this cranberry orange chutney brings a unique flair to the table that’s sure to impress. Unlike traditional cranberry sauce with its sugar-sweet flavor, this chutney has just enough sweetness to mellow out the tartness of the cranberries without making it taste like dessert. It's tangy, savory, tart, and fragrant, making it the perfect addition to Roast Turkey, slathering on Leftover Turkey Sandwiches, or spooned over Cranberry Baked Brie. I promise this delicious cranberry chutney will become a new holiday staple for your Thanksgiving table!

Why You'll Love This Cranberry Chutney

Perfect for the holidays. This homemade cranberry chutney has all those wintry flavors you know and love, like fresh cranberries, warm spices, and oranges, but it also has a tangy, savory flavor that cuts through the richness of roasted meats and hearty holiday sides.
Easy to make ahead. Not only does this chutney save time by allowing you to prepare it in advance, but it also tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Perfect for Thanksgiving day or family gatherings, you can easily whip it up ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you're ready to serve.
Impressive homemade gift. This cranberry chutney makes a thoughtful and delicious gift during the holiday season or for special occasions. Package it in decorative, small jars with a personalized label for a charming, homemade touch that friends and family will appreciate.

Ingredient Notes

To make this delicious Cranberry Chutney, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

cranberries - fresh or frozen whole cranberries.
dried apricots - adds a natural sweetness and fruity note. Be sure to chop them into small pieces for even distribution.
granulated sugar - for a bit of sweetness to mellow out the tart flavor of the cranberries.
orange juice
aromatics - onion and garlic are the savory elements give the chutney a rich, layered flavor that makes it taste more like a savory condiment than a sweet sauce.
fresh ginger - adds a zesty kick that complements the other spices.
apple cider vinegar - this adds a tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of meats and hearty sides.
spices - stick with warm spices like ground cinnamon and ground cardamom.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, a large saucepan or Dutch oven, a wooden spoon, a sharp knife, and a cutting board.

How to Make the Best Cranberry Chutney

Boil. In a large pot, add all the ingredients and mix well. Heat over medium-high heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
Simmer. Reduce heat to low and cover with the lid. Simmer until thickened to a desired consistency, stirring occasionally, 30 to 40 minutes. If it gets too thick, add a little bit of water or orange juice. The chutney should be syrupy and coat the back of a spoon without dripping.

Recipe Variations

Try different dried fruit. Substitute the dried apricots with dried cherries for a slightly tart twist, golden raisins for a more mellow sweetness, or figs for a richer flavor.
Amp up the orange flavor. Add a teaspoon of orange zest to enhance the bright, citrusy flavor.
Get a richer flavor. Use light brown sugar instead of regular white sugar for a deeper flavor. Prefer a sweeter chutney? Add more sugar to taste.
Play with spice. For a spicy cranberry chutney, add some red pepper flakes. You can also replace some of the spices with garam masala or Chinese Five Spice for a highly fragrant, cozy flavor.

How to Serve

This Cranberry Chutney is delicious served on the side of some of my favorite entrees including:

For more recipes, see our 40 Best Thanksgiving Main Dishes.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Watch the set. Cranberries are naturally high in pectin, which helps them thicken into a glossy sauce without any additional pectin. It's also easy to overdo it. Once you see the sauce coating the spoon without dripping, it's done. It will continue to thicken in the fridge, too!
Cook it down. Once the vinegar cooks down, it adds a tangy, subtle sweetness that brings the whole recipe together. If you pull it off the stove too quickly, it will have a sharp vinegar flavor that tastes more like pickles. Give it time to concentrate down for the best flavor.
Serve warm or cold. This chutney is versatile and can be served warm right after cooking or chilled for a firmer texture. Both options taste delicious, depending on your preference or the occasion.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Store your leftover chutney in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to two weeks. For best results, let it cool completely before transferring to the container to avoid excess moisture.

How to Freeze

Cranberry chutney freezes well for up to three months. Once cooled to room temperature, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to use.

FAQ

What is the difference between cranberry chutney and cranberry sauce?

Traditional cranberry sauce is made by cooking fresh cranberries with sugar, water, and sometimes spices until it reaches a jam-like consistency. Cranberry chutney starts with similar ingredients but adds vinegar, onions, garlic, and dried fruits for a slightly sweet but mostly savory condiment. They can both be used as garnishes for your holiday meals, but chutney is the best fit for people who prefer savory sides.

How long does cranberry chutney last?

Cranberry chutney can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. You can also freeze it for up to three months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

What does cranberry chutney taste like?

Chutneys are similar to pickles but with less of the mouth-puckering sharpness as the vinegar cooks down during the cooking process. This tangy cranberry chutney has the warm spices, orange juice, and sweetness you expect in cranberry sauce, but with savory notes from the apple cider vinegar, onions, and garlic and a bright heat from the ginger. It's the perfect accompaniment to any holiday appetizer, meal, or plate of leftovers!

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