Description
This Cranberry Apple Chutney is a vibrant, sweet-tart condiment made with fresh cranberries, apples, warm spices, and tangy vinegar. It’s the perfect holiday side for turkey, chicken, or ham, and a versatile spread for sandwiches, cheese boards, and more. Easy to make, customizable, and freezer-friendly, this chutney adds bold flavor to every festive table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (about 8 oz)
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup orange juice
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prep fruit: Peel, core, and chop apples. Rinse cranberries and remove stems or damaged berries.
- Sauté aromatics: In a saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Cook onion and ginger for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add fruit and liquids: Stir in cranberries, apples, sugar, vinegar, orange juice, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes until fruit softens and mixture thickens.
- Cool: Remove from heat and let sit for 15–20 minutes. The chutney will thicken as it cools.
- Store: Transfer to clean jars or containers. Refrigerate once cooled. Serve warm, room temp, or chilled.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries when possible for best flavor.
- Taste and adjust sweetness — apples vary in natural sugar.
- Add pears, citrus zest, or extra ginger for fun variations.
- Chutney thickens more as it cools — don’t overcook.
- Make ahead — flavors improve after resting a few hours.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Condiment, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Cranberry Apple Chutney, Holiday Chutney, Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes, Cranberry Sauce Alternative, Festive Condiments