If you’re looking to add a burst of sweet, tangy, and warmly spiced flavor to your meals, this Homemade Peach Chutney Recipe is your new kitchen hero. Made with fresh peaches, zesty vinegar, and a carefully balanced blend of spices, it’s a versatile condiment that brings a sunshine glow to everything from grilled meats to cheese boards. The delightful texture from raisins and cranberries paired with the mellow heat of crystallized ginger makes this chutney irresistibly addictive—and the perfect way to celebrate peach season all year long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role to build layers of flavor and texture, while keeping things refreshingly simple. From the juicy sweetness of peaches to the tang of apple cider vinegar, every component contributes to the perfect balance of this chutney.
- 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced: The star of the recipe, delivering juicy sweetness and soft texture.
- 3/4 cup apple cider vinegar: Adds bright acidity to balance the sweetness and preserve the chutney.
- 1/4 cup lemon juice: Enhances freshness and gives a subtle citrus zing.
- 1 cup raisins: Offers concentrated sweetness and chewy texture.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: Provides a tart contrast, complementing the other fruits.
- 1/3 cup sweet onion, diced: Adds savory depth and a touch of crunch.
- 1 jar McCormick crystallized ginger (about 2 oz or 1/4 cup chopped): Brings a warming spice and lively bite.
- 1 tablespoon sea salt: Balances flavors and enhances natural sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon allspice: Infuses subtle warmth and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds cozy, aromatic notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves: Introduces a bold, fragrant touch.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Ties in the crystallized ginger with a gentle spice.
- 7 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Crucial to achieving the perfect chutney sweetness and aiding preservation.
- 1 pouch Certo liquid fruit pectin: Helps the chutney set with the right texture and thickness.
How to Make Homemade Peach Chutney Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Peaches
Start by peeling and dicing fresh peaches until you have about 4 cups – usually around 6 to 7 medium-sized peaches. This step may take a bit of elbow grease, but the juicy, fresh flavor you’ll unlock is so worth it.
Step 2: Combine All Ingredients Except Pectin
Next, gather all your ingredients except the Certo liquid fruit pectin. In a large pot, combine the diced peaches, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, raisins, dried cranberries, diced sweet onions, chopped crystallized ginger, sea salt, allspice, cinnamon, cloves, ground ginger, and the cane sugar. Make sure everything is well mixed to start melding those flavors together.
Step 3: Bring to a Boil and Stir
Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. It’s important to stir regularly to prevent the chutney from sticking to the bottom or scorching. Once it hits that full boil, keep stirring constantly for one minute—this ensures all the ingredients start to marry perfectly.
Step 4: Add Pectin and Cool Slightly
Take the pot off the heat and immediately stir in your Certo liquid fruit pectin. Stir continuously for about 5 minutes so the chutney cools just enough while thickening up to that luscious, spreadable consistency that makes the Homemade Peach Chutney Recipe truly special.
Step 5: Ready to Enjoy or Store
Serve your chutney at room temperature as a delightful topping for pork, ham, chicken, or turkey. It’s also fantastic as a dip for crackers or a unique sandwich spread. If you’re not eating it right away, transfer it into airtight containers and refrigerate or freeze to enjoy later.
How to Serve Homemade Peach Chutney Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped herbs like cilantro or mint over the chutney when serving for a burst of color and added freshness. A few toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts can also add an extra layer of crunch and flavor.
Side Dishes
This chutney pairs beautifully with savory dishes such as roasted or grilled meats, especially pork and chicken. It’s equally wonderful beside creamy cheeses and charcuterie spreads, turning your appetizer platter into a show-stopping conversation starter.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider swirling it into plain yogurt for a quick dip, layering it on a burger instead of ketchup, or even using it as a finishing touch on flatbreads and pizzas. The playful texture and vibrant taste of the Homemade Peach Chutney Recipe invite endless culinary creativity!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your chutney in airtight containers in the refrigerator, where it will stay delicious for up to two weeks. This allows the flavors to develop even further with time.
Freezing
If you want to make a larger batch or save some for off-season enjoyment, freeze the chutney in freezer-safe containers for up to four months. This way, you can bring a taste of summer to your table any time of year.
Reheating
Thaw frozen chutney overnight in the refrigerator, then bring it to room temperature by taking it out about 30 minutes before serving. If desired, gently warm it on the stove to refresh its flavors without overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen peaches work well in this Homemade Peach Chutney Recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before using to maintain the right consistency.
Is the chutney very sweet?
This chutney balances sweetness with tang and spice. If you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce the sugar slightly, but keep in mind the sugar also helps in preservation and texture.
How long does this chutney last once opened?
When stored in the refrigerator in airtight containers, it should last up to two weeks. Always use clean utensils to avoid contamination and prolong freshness.
Can I adjust the spices in this recipe?
Definitely! The spice blend can be customized to your taste. If you like more warmth, add extra cinnamon or ginger. For milder flavors, reduce the cloves or allspice accordingly.
What is the purpose of the fruit pectin in this recipe?
The Certo liquid fruit pectin helps the chutney thicken to the ideal consistency, ensuring it spreads nicely without being runny. It’s especially useful when using fresh or frozen fruit.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about making your own Homemade Peach Chutney Recipe. The way the vibrant flavors come together and transform simple ingredients into something spectacular is deeply satisfying. Whether you’re new to chutneys or a longtime fan, I can’t recommend this recipe enough. It’s a perfect way to celebrate peaches and add a unique touch of warmth and sweetness to your meals. Give it a try and watch how it quickly becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen!
Print
Homemade Peach Chutney Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10.10 cups (about 40 servings)
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Homemade Peach Chutney recipe combines fresh peaches with a vibrant mix of spices, dried fruits, and a touch of sweetness to create a versatile condiment. Perfect as a topping for meats like pork, ham, chicken, or turkey, or as a flavorful dip or sandwich spread, this chutney is both easy to make and wonderfully delicious.
Ingredients
Fruits
- 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (about 6–7 peaches)
- 1 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 jar McCormick crystallized ginger (about 2 oz or 1/4 cup chopped)
Liquids
- 3/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
Vegetables
- 1/3 cup sweet onion, diced
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Sweeteners and Thickeners
- 7 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 pouch Certo liquid fruit pectin
Instructions
- Prepare the Peaches: Peel and dice fresh peaches to measure 4 cups, which requires approximately 6 to 7 peaches. Set aside for use in the chutney mixture.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, add the diced peaches, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, raisins, dried cranberries, diced sweet onion, chopped crystallized ginger, sea salt, allspice, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground ginger, and granulated sugar. Do not add the pectin at this stage.
- Boil the Mixture: Bring the pot contents to a rolling boil over medium heat, stirring frequently to avoid sticking or scorching. Once boiling, continue stirring constantly for one full minute to blend the flavors and dissolve the sugar.
- Add Pectin and Thicken: Remove the pot from the heat and immediately stir in the Certo liquid fruit pectin. Continue stirring for about 5 minutes as the chutney cools slightly. This process helps the chutney thicken properly to achieve the right consistency.
- Serve: Serve the peach chutney at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully as a topping for pork, ham, chicken, or turkey, and can also be used as a dip or sandwich spread for added flavor and texture.
- Store Properly: Transfer the chutney into airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 4 months using a freezer-safe container. When ready to serve from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and remove from fridge 30 minutes before serving to bring to room temperature.
Notes
- Peeling peaches is easier when they are blanched briefly in boiling water, then shocked in ice water.
- Stirring constantly during boiling prevents the mixture from burning and helps dissolve the sugar fully.
- Do not add pectin until after removing from heat to avoid clumping or loss of thickening effect.
- This chutney tastes even better after resting for a day, allowing flavors to meld.
- Use sterilized jars or containers for longer shelf life and safety during storage.
