Best Christmas Chutneys (Xmas Chutney Guide): Pairings, Gifts & Recipe Tips

A (Very) Short Chutney Origin Story

Chutney originates in India, where fruits, herbs, and spices were blended into savoury–sweet accompaniments. In the 19th century, the British adapted the idea with apples, plums, and vinegar. They were, and still are, perfect for preserving produce through the winter.

Quick Picks: 

Christmas Chutneys (or Xmax chutneys as they're commonly known as online) are the unsung heroes of festive food. Sweet, tangy, and spiced, they bring life to a Christmas cheese board, balance out roast turkey, and make thoughtful foodie gifts. Here’s a fast guide to the best pairings.

For Cheese Boards

Cheese Type	Best Chutney / Relish	Why It Works
Mature Cheddar	Apple Chutney	Cuts through sharpness with mellow sweetness and gentle spice
Brie & Camembert	Cranberry Relish	Adds festive tang and citrusy zest to creamy soft cheeses
Stilton & Blue Cheese	Fig & Port Chutney	Deep, fruity notes stand up to bold, salty flavours
Smoked Cheddar	Chilli Jam	Sweet heat balances the smokiness and adds a lively kick
Goat's Cheese	Red Onion Relish	Caramelised onion sweetness complements tangy goat’s cheese

For Roast Turkey, Ham & Nut Roasts

Dish	Best Chutney / Relish	Why It Works
Roast Turkey	Cranberry Relish	Classic Christmas match: tart fruit against rich meat.
Glazed Ham	Damson & Mulled Wine	Sweet spice pairs perfectly with sticky ham glaze
Coal Roast Beef	Red Onion Relish	Onion sweetness with a savoury edge, also pairs well with horseradish
Boxing Day Leftovers	Chilli Jam	Adds a sweet-spicy kick to turkey or ham sandwiches, as well as giving that bubble and squeak a twist.
Nut Roast	Apple Chutney	Depth and fruitiness without overpowering vegetarian centrepieces.

For Foodie Gifts & Hampers

• Mini-jar Gift Sets (perfect stocking fillers, table favours or corporate gifting).
• Luxury Hamper Selections (3-4 jars, plus cheese, crackers and mulled wine spice sachets).

What Is Chutney? (And How It Differs from Relish & Jam at Christmas)

At Christmas, Chutney often gets confused with relish, or even jam. Here's a simple breakdown explaining the differences:

Preserves	What It Is	Christmas Use
Chutney	Chunky, slow-cooked fruit with spices & vinegar giving a sweet–savoury balance	Served with cheese, turkey, and Boxing Day leftovers
Relish	Fresher, lightly cooked or uncooked, with more crunch	Great with burgers and cold meats
Jam	Pure fruit + sugar, no vinegar or spices	Breakfast tables and sweet bakes

 

If you'd like more details on the difference between Chutney, Relish and Jam, we've written a full guide 👉 chutney vs relish vs jam guide.

Essential Ingredients for Christmas Chutneys

Seasonal Fruits

Fruit	Why It Belongs in Xmax Chutneys
Cranberries	Tart, festive, and the classic turkey pairing
Apples	Gentle sweetness, bulk, and body
Figs	Luxurious, jammy richness, which is perfect with cheese
Plums / Damsons	Deep flavour that stands up to meats

 

Festive Spices (Cinnamon, Clove, Star Anise, Allspice)

Christmas chutneys echo the flavours of mulled wine. Cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise bring warmth, while allspice adds a subtle peppery depth that ties everything together.

Vinegar, Sugar & Acidity (Safe Preserving Basics)

Vinegars like apple cider vinegar and sugars like brown sugar don’t just add flavour; they’re also natural preservatives. This balance of sweet and sharp gives chutney its signature tang and ensures jars last right through the festive season.

(At Boddington’s, we keep it simple with no artificial additives, just real fruit, vinegar, sugar, and spices. That’s what makes our Christmas chutneys taste homemade but with professional consistency.)

Gifting Christmas Chutneys

Christmas chutneys (or Xmas chutneys if you’re hunting online) make thoughtful, practical gifts that always get eaten and rarely even make it past that Boxing Day Cheeseboard. Whether you’re filling a hamper or just looking for a stocking filler, here are some of our ideas:

Gift Sets, Stocking Fillers & Christmas Hamper Ideas

• Mini jars (28–48g): Perfect stocking fillers, table favours, or additions to a Christmas Eve box.
• Luxury hampers: Pair chutneys with Cornish cheese, crisp biscuits, and a bottle of wine or mulled cider.
• Showstopper jars: A single jar of Christmas Chutney or an outside the box Christmas jar of Chocolate Orange Marmalade makes an easy, elegant foodie gift.
• Personal touch: Some people add fabric covers or handwritten tags, but ready-made gift packs take the work out while still looking festive.

How Much Chutney do I need Per Guest / Hamper?

Occasion	Recommended Amount
Individual Gift	Smaller 113g jars as part of a larger gift, or a 227g main jar
Family Hamper	3 x 227g jars of different varieties
Party Platter	1 x 227g jar per 6 - 8 guests

 

Storage & Shelf Life for Christmas Chutney

Bottling/Canning/Jarring Tips

• Always sterilise jars in boiling water or a hot oven before filling.
• Fill the jars whilst the chutney is still hot, leaving 7% of headspace (~1cm from the top of the jar).
• Seal immediantly to lock in the freshness.

How Long Will My Chutney Last?

As long as you have the correct sugar content and acidity levels, unopened jars of preserves should last between 6 and 24 months. Once opened, they should last between 4 to 6 weeks. If there are any signs of mould, fizzing, bulging lids or off smells, they will need discarding.

Common Mistakes (and Easy Fixes)

Problem	Fix
Too runny	Simmer longer, or stir in chopped dried fruit
Too think	Loosen with a splash of vinegar or orange juice
Too sharp	Balance with brown sugar or dates
Too sweet	Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice
Muted spice	Add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger

 

FAQs

Can I freeze chutney?

Yes, it can be frozen, but due to the long natural shelf life, it is rarely worth doing.

How long should chutney mature for before opening?

Chutneys can be enjoyed right away, but 2–4 weeks lets the flavours blend beautifully.

Is chutney gluten-free?

Most recipes are gluten-free, but not all. The main ingredient to keep an eye out to avoid that is common in chutneys is Malt Vinegar, as it is made from Barley.

Is chutney vegan?

Yes, all of our chutneys here at Boddington's Preserves are vegan.

What's the best chutney for a cheese board?

This varies depending on the cheese; we have a comparison table above which shows the best pairings.

What's the difference between Xmas Chutney and Christma Chutney?

No difference at all, Xmas is simply a shorter way to write Christmas, popularly used online in recipes and other searches.

👉 Ready to stock up? Explore our Christmas Gift Range and bring Cornish tradition to your festive table.