This easy apple cranberry chutney is full of rich, sweet and savory flavors and perfectly compliments cozy meals and appetizers! It comes together in minutes and can be made in advance to simplify your holiday prep.
Quick Look at the Recipe
- 🍽️ Flavor: Rich balance of sweet, savory, and tart flavors with a hint of spice.
- ⏱️ Prep Time: 5 minutes
- 🔥 Cook Time: 25 minutes
- 🕒 Ready In: 30 minutes
- 👥 Amount: 2 1/2 cups
- 🥣 Main Ingredients: Cranberries, apples, onion, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar
- 📖 Dietary Info: Gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, vegan
- ❄️ Freezer Friendly: Yes
- 👩🍳 Tip: Crystalized ginger gives this chutney a bright, slightly sweet and spicy flavor that perfectly compliments the other ingredients.
A Cranberry Recipe So Good, I Have to Share (Before I Eat It All!)
I’ve been perfecting healthy cooking for years, and nothing makes me happier than creating holiday recipes everyone will love – healthy eaters or not! When it comes to clean holiday food, cranberries are one of my all-time favorite ingredients. They’re packed with incredible nutrition, and are a classic addition to every fall and winter table.
This rich apple and cranberry chutney has a bold blend of sweet and savory flavors that make it one of my favorite cranberry recipes. The only problem is that I can eat just about the whole batch by myself, so if you want some, you better hurry!
What Makes this Cranberry Apple Chutney Special?
- Quick & easy to make – just combine the ingredients and simmer!
- Rich sweet and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with any cozy meal.
- Made with simple, healthy ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Ingredients
Tools Needed
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: First, add all the ingredients to a medium saucepan and stir to combine.
Step 2: Then bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently. Reduce the heat slightly and simmer gently for 20 minutes, continuing to stir frequently.
Step 3: Finally, pour the chutney into a glass serving dish and serve immediately or place in the fridge to chill.
Expert tip: The flavors will continue to deepen as the chutney sits in the fridge. For the richest taste, make it at least a day before serving and let chill overnight.
How to Serve Holiday Chutney
- Paired with meat (warm) – Roasted turkey, chicken and pork are classic options.
- Holiday side dish (warm or cold) – Gourmet alternative to traditional cranberry sauce.
- On a charcuterie board (cold) – It pairs perfectly with various types of cheese and crackers! For a special, easy dip, spread it over brie or cream cheese.
- Sandwich topping (warm or cold) – The perfect way to take leftover turkey sandwiches or grilled cheese to the next level!
If you’re looking for more cranberry side dish recipes, check out my honey fermented cranberries and simple cranberry compote!
Tips for Success
Choose apples based on desired flavor – For a sweeter apple chutney, choose sweet apples like Honeycrisp, and for a more tart flavor, use apples such as Granny Smith. You can also combine apple varieties for a more unique, balanced flavor.
Chop ingredients into uniform pieces – This will help the chutney cook evenly and give the dish the perfect texture.
Pick out damaged cranberries – Before making the chutney, go through the cranberries and remove any that are wrinkled, shriveled, or discolored. These can give the chutney an unpleasant, bitter flavor.
Adjust time based on desired texture – If you prefer a smoother, saucier chutney, cook a little bit longer. For a chunkier, fresher texture, reduce the time slightly.
FAQs
You can store apple cranberry chutney in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. It can be served cold or reheated.
Yes, homemade chutney can be frozen for 2-3 months.
Cranberry sauce has a sweeter taste and typically contains fewer ingredients. Cranberry chutney, on the other hand, uses a few additional ingredients such as vinegar and onions to give it a more complex sweet and savory flavor.
Apples and cranberries both contain a high amount of pectin which thicken the chutney as they cook.
Traditionally, chutney contains a mix of fruits and vegetables flavored with vinegar, some type of sugar, and spices and/or herbs.
If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments! Tag me on Instagram @violet_rightathome
Apple Cranberry Chutney
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cups cranberries 12 ounces
- 2 apples peeled and chopped
- 1/2 onion finely chopped
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons crystalized ginger finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a medium saucepan and stir to combine.3 cups cranberries, 2 apples, 1/2 onion, 1/2 cup maple syrup, 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons crystalized ginger, 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently.
- Reduce the heat slightly and simmer gently for 20 minutes, continuing to stir frequently.
- Pour the chutney into a glass serving dish and serve immediately or place in the fridge to chill.
Notes
Ingredient Notes
- You can use fresh or frozen cranberries (no need to thaw).
- Feel free to leave out the crystalized ginger if you don’t like it.
Storage
- The flavors continue to deepen as it sits in the fridge, making this a perfect make-in-advance recipe.
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer up to 3 months.
Nutrition
If you tried this apple chutney recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Please make sure to come back and leave a comment and a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating.
