This Cranberry Relish is a must-have for your holiday meal, offering a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. Made with fresh cranberries, orange, and a touch of cinnamon, it’s a refreshing addition to any Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. This easy homemade relish can be prepared ahead of time and served chilled or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, ham, or as a topping for your favorite desserts. This cranberry relish recipe is a delicious, vibrant, and flavorful side dish for festive occasions.

Ingredients:
- 1 orange (unpeeled, cut into 4 or 8 wedges)
- 1 tart apple (cored and chopped)
- 1 12-ounce bag of cranberries (fresh or frozen)
- ¾ to 1 cup sugar (adjust as needed, see Notes)
- 1 pinch cinnamon
Instructions:
- Add the orange wedges to a food processor and pulse until the peel is chopped into small pieces.
- Add the chopped apple and cranberries to the processor. Pulse again until all the fruits are roughly chopped.
- Transfer the cranberry mixture to a large bowl. Stir in the sugar and cinnamon.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This easy cranberry relish is a refreshing and tangy complement to any holiday meal. The combination of fresh orange and tart apple gives the relish a zesty, natural sweetness, while the cranberries provide a delicious burst of flavor. It’s a light, colorful addition to your Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive spread that’s both simple to prepare and a hit with guests.
Tips
- Sugar Adjustment: Taste your cranberry relish before serving and adjust the sugar to your preference. If you prefer a sweeter relish, add more sugar until it reaches your desired taste.
- Chill Time: Allowing the relish to chill for at least an hour helps the flavors blend and enhances the taste.
- Texture: For a smoother relish, pulse the ingredients longer. For a chunkier relish, pulse less.
Variations and Substitutions
- Add-ins: For extra flavor, try adding finely chopped mint, ginger, or a splash of lemon juice.
- Sweeteners: Replace sugar with honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetener.
- Different Fruits: You can also add other fruits like pears, pineapple, or pomegranate for a unique twist on traditional cranberry relish.
FAQs
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, this relish can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days.
- Can I use frozen cranberries? Yes, frozen cranberries work perfectly well in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them before using.
- Can I serve this warm? Cranberry relish is best served chilled or at room temperature, but if you prefer, you can serve it slightly warmed.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with Meat: Cranberry relish is the perfect accompaniment to roasted turkey, chicken, or pork dishes.
- Spread on Sandwiches: Use it as a tangy spread for leftover turkey sandwiches.
- Side Dish: Serve alongside mashed potatoes, stuffing, or salads for an added burst of flavor.
- Dessert: A spoonful of cranberry relish can also be a great topping for desserts like cheesecake, ice cream, or yogurt.
Cranberry Relish
8
servings15
minutesIngredients
1 orange (unpeeled, cut into 4 or 8 wedges)
1 tart apple (cored and chopped)
1 12-ounce bag of cranberries (fresh or frozen)
¾ to 1 cup sugar (adjust as needed, see Notes)
1 pinch cinnamon
Directions
- Add the orange wedges to a food processor and pulse until the peel is chopped into small pieces.
- Add the chopped apple and cranberries to the processor. Pulse again until all the fruits are roughly chopped.
- Transfer the cranberry mixture to a large bowl. Stir in the sugar and cinnamon.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
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