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Simple and delicious, this Balsamic Cranberry Apple Chutney Recipe is a great addition to any holiday meal. Juicy apples, golden raisins, orange zest, and a touch of brown sugar and cinnamon will compliment your festive dinner!

Cranberry Chutney with pecans and orange zest.
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There is no need to buy a can of cranberry sauce this year–unless you really love it, and I know some people do. Opt for a chutney instead!

This Cranberry Apple Chutney is so simple to make. If you have room on the stove top, then don’t skip this one!

Why I love this cranberry apple chutney recipe:

  • It so simple! It’s really a matter of bringing everything together in a pot to boil and then allowing it to simmer until thick.
  • The balsamic vinegar adds a fun twist on a classic. Typically chutney is made with apple cider vinegar. Using the balsamic instead of that a different richness to the chutney.
  • It’s the perfect holiday meal compliment. Whether you love them or not, cranberries are pretty much part of all holiday feasts. Try something that is more than just the can and people may actually eat it, right?!
  • You can use it beyond just turkey! This cranberry apple chutney is also great on these Brie Crostini, over baked brie, on top of baked chicken and so much more!

Ingredients:

  • cranberries
  • balsamic vinegar
  • orange juice
  • orange zest
  • brown sugar
  • apple
  • golden raisins
  • cinnamon
Balsamic Cranberry Chutney recipe with bread bowl and spoon.

How to Make this Chutney:

  1. Add all the ingredients to a sauce pan and stir to combine.
  2. Heat at medium-high and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally until the cranberries begin to pop.
  3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 10-15 minutes until it thickens, stirring occasionally.
  4. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

So very simple and really worth the little bit of effort as it will be the perfect compliment to your meal.

Balsamic Cranberry Chutney with Orange zest, pecans, and rosemary.

What is the difference between cranberry sauce and chutney?

This answer was not as easy to find as I had hoped. From what I could piece together though, cranberry sauce is typically sweeter than a chutney.

Chutneys tend to have a slight savory flavor to them–this can come from vinegars. A chutney can be much chunkier with the addition of other fruits or even vegetables.

I have made a cranberry chutney before that is somewhat similar to this one, but this go I decided to add in balsamic vinegar and give it a whirl. Then you toss in big juicy chunks of apples, golden raisins, brown sugar and a touch of cinnamon and you are ready to roll!

Let me tell you I ate this cranberry chutney by the spoonful! No Turkey dinner needed.

Overhead view of cranberry chutney.

If you are looking to find some balance as well this holiday, try this Farmhouse Feast and let someone else do the work!

Try these other simple holiday recipes:

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5 from 2 votes

Cranberry Apple Chutney Recipe

Simple and delicious, this Balsamic Cranberry Chutney Recipe is a great addition to any holiday meal. Juicy apples, golden raisins, orange zest, and a touch of brown sugar and cinnamon will compliment your festive dinner!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients 

  • 1 12 oz. package fresh cranberries
  • 2 T balsamic vinegar
  • 3/4 c orange juice (freshly squeezed or store bought)
  • zest of one orange
  • 3/4 c brown sugar
  • 1 apple small diced
  • 1/2 c golden raisins
  • 1/2 – 1 tsp of cinnamon (more to taste)
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Instructions 

  • In a sauce pan, combine all ingredients for the chutney and stir. Bring to a boil on medium high, stirring occasionally until cranberries begin to pop.
  • Reduce the heat to low and allow to heat for approximately 15 minutes stirring occasionally or until thickened.
  • Transfer to a bowl and chill until cooled. You can make the chutney 1-2 days ahead of time. Top with extra orange zest or chopped pecans if desired

Notes

  • This is great served chilled, but it can be served warmed if you prefer.

Nutrition

Calories: 139kcal, Carbohydrates: 36g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 9mg, Potassium: 182mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 30g, Vitamin A: 72IU, Vitamin C: 18mg, Calcium: 28mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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