This is a super quick, no-fuss appetizer: whipped cream cheese gets topped with sharp cheddar, mango chutney, and green onions. It takes about five minutes to assemble and is perfect for setting out with crackers before a meal or at a gathering.

Five‑Minute Chutney Cheese Appetizer

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s nostalgic, effortless, and always a crowd pleaser. It has a retro charm (my grandma used to make a version of this), yet you don’t need to chill or blend anything. You just layer — no extra tools, no messy prep. The strong flavor of sharp cheddar and the sweet-spicy kick of mango chutney make every bite interesting.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Whipped cream cheese (about half of an 8‑ounce tub)
Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about ½ cup)
Mango chutney (about half of an 8.5‑ounce jar)
Green onions (1 tablespoon, thinly sliced)

Directions

Spread the whipped cream cheese evenly in a serving dish.
Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar over the cream cheese layer.
Spoon the mango chutney over the cheddar layer, spreading gently.
Garnish with the sliced green onions on top.
Serve immediately with crackers alongside a spreading knife.

You can double (or more) the amounts and use a larger dish if you’re serving more people.

Servings and timing

Serves: about 4 people (as an appetizer)
Prep time: ~5 minutes
No cooking time

Variations

Swap the mango chutney for any fruit chutney you like (e.g. peach, apricot)
Use a spicy chutney for extra kick
Mix in a bit of curry powder or hot sauce into the cream cheese for flavor depth
Use a different sharp cheese like aged Gouda or sharp white cheddar
Add chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) on top for crunch

storage/reheating

Because this is a cold appetizer, it’s best eaten fresh.
You can refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container, though texture may change (cream cheese gets firmer, chutney may seep).
Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving again so it softens.
Do not reheat — this is meant to be served cold or at room temp.

FAQs

What kind of chutney works best?

I prefer a mango chutney (Major Grey’s–style) because its sweetness and mild spice balance the sharp cheddar. But any fruit chutney you enjoy would work well.

Can I use regular (non‑whipped) cream cheese?

You could, but you’d need to let it soften before spreading. The whipped version is ideal because it’s scoopable and spreadable straight from the tub, which saves time.

How far ahead can I prepare this?

You can assemble it a few hours before serving, but I don’t recommend doing it the night before — the layers may blend, and the texture gets less crisp.

Can I make this vegan or dairy‑free?

Yes — use a plant‑based cream cheese and vegan cheddar alternative, and choose a chutney without animal products. The method remains the same.

Can I add other flavors or mix‑ins?

Absolutely. I sometimes stir in a little cayenne or hot sauce, or sprinkle toasted nuts or seeds on top. Just be careful not to overwhelm the balance of cream cheese + cheese + chutney.

Conclusion

I enjoy making this chutney cheese appetizer when I need something fast but flavorful. It’s one of those dishes that feels special yet is unbelievably simple. Whenever guests arrive, I know there’s a tasty nibble ready with almost no effort on my part. If you try it, let me know what chutney or variation you like best.