There is nothing quite like the vibrant, tangy-sweet burst of flavor that a homemade Cranberry Relish Recipe brings to the table. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes—the bright pop of fresh cranberries, the sunny zest of orange, and the satisfying crunch of nuts—that transforms any meal from ordinary to extraordinary. It’s the kind of fresh, lively condiment that cuts through the richness of a holiday feast and leaves everyone asking for more.
I’ve always believed that the best Cranberry Relish Recipe is the one made with heart, not heat. Unlike its cooked cousin, cranberry sauce, this relish is blissfully simple and requires absolutely no cooking. It’s a tradition I cherish, and it always reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen. She’d often wonder, what is the difference between cranberry sauce and cranberry relish? Her answer was always that the relish had more character! It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for busy holidays, and it pairs wonderfully with so many things, like my Easy Turkey Cranberry Sliders for a delicious leftover treat.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 (12-ounce) bag fresh cranberries, rinsed and drained
- 1 medium orange, peeled, seeded, and chopped (include some zest)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, or to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Estimated Prep & Cook Time for Cranberry Relish Recipe
This easy Cranberry Relish Recipe is a true blessing for a busy cook. The hands-on time is wonderfully short, leaving you free to focus on other dishes, like preparing a classic dressing recipe.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Total time: 4+ hours (chilling)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Berries
Rinse the cranberries under cold water and discard any soft or bruised berries. This ensures your homemade cranberry relish has the best texture and freshest flavor.
Step 2: Combine Fruits
In a food processor, combine the fresh cranberries and the chopped orange (with zest). Using a processor is the simplest way to make this relish from scratch.
Step 3: Pulse to Perfection
Pulse the mixture until the ingredients are evenly and finely chopped, but not pureed. You want a relish with a bit of lovely texture.
Step 4: Transfer and Sweeten
Transfer the mixture to a medium-sized mixing bowl. This is when the magic really starts to happen as the flavors begin to mingle.
Step 5: Add Flavor
Stir in the granulated sugar, orange juice, and optional cinnamon until well combined. Taste and adjust the sugar if you prefer a sweeter relish.
Step 6: Add Crunch (Optional)
If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans. The nuts add a wonderful richness and crunch that makes this the best Cranberry Relish Recipe.
Step 7: Chill
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This waiting period is crucial for the sugar to dissolve and the flavors to fully develop.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Before serving, give the relish a good stir and adjust sugar if desired. It’s now ready to bring joy to your table!
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
Every family has their own little secret for making a recipe their own. Here are a few of my favorite ways to tweak this classic Cranberry Relish Recipe to suit your taste.
- Flavor Swap: Try a squeeze of lemon juice instead of orange for a different citrus kick.
- Diet Tweak: For a refined sugar-free version, use honey or maple syrup to taste. Start with 1/4 cup and add more as needed.
- Prep Fix: No food processor? A good old-fashioned meat grinder or even very careful hand-chopping will work beautifully.
- Storage Tip: This relish keeps wonderfully. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and consider making a double batch to use in other dishes, like these festive Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups or these savory Christmas Cranberry Meatballs.
Healthier Alternatives for Cranberry Relish Recipe
I often get asked, can I make a healthier Cranberry Relish Recipe? Absolutely! This fresh cranberry relish is already a bright and vibrant choice, but a few simple swaps can make it even lighter. Instead of refined white sugar, try using raw honey, pure maple syrup, or even a natural sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener.
You can also boost the nutrition by adding in other finely chopped fruits, like a crisp apple or a handful of cherries. And if you’re looking for other healthy holiday sides, my Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple Feta Salad is a wonderful, fresh complement. For a heartier option, these Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls are always a hit.
How to Serve Cranberry Relish Recipe
Oh, the possibilities are endless! This Cranberry Relish Recipe is so much more than a Thanksgiving side. Of course, it’s sublime with roasted turkey, but I love it just as much slathered on leftover turkey sandwiches. It adds a spark of flavor to a simple bowl of yogurt for breakfast or a block of cream cheese served with crackers as an easy appetizer.
It’s also fantastic paired with roasted pork or even spooned over a warm, flaky biscuit. It truly is the most versatile condiment in your fridge. I love setting out a beautiful bowl of it alongside other holiday favorites—it’s a guaranteed conversation starter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the simplest way to make cranberry relish from scratch?
The simplest way is exactly this recipe! Using a food processor to chop the fresh cranberries and orange makes this homemade cranberry relish incredibly easy. There’s no cooking involved—just pulse, mix, and chill. It couldn’t be more straightforward.
How do you make cranberry relish without sugar?
You can easily make a sugar-free cranberry relish by substituting the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener. I recommend using raw honey, pure maple syrup, or a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol. Start with a smaller amount, taste, and add more until it reaches your desired sweetness.
What is the difference between cranberry sauce and cranberry relish?
The main difference is that cranberry sauce is cooked, which gives it a softer, jam-like consistency. Cranberry relish is raw and finely chopped, giving it a much fresher, brighter flavor and a chunkier texture. They are both delicious but offer a completely different eating experience.
Can you freeze homemade cranberry relish and for how long?
Yes, you can! This relish freezes beautifully. Place it in an airtight container or freezer bag, leaving a little space for expansion. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
How long does freshly made cranberry relish last in the refrigerator?
When stored properly in a sealed container, your fresh cranberry relish will stay fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for about 10 to 14 days. Always give it a good stir before serving again.
What are some variations on a traditional cranberry relish recipe?
There are so many fun variations! Try adding a finely chopped crisp apple or pear for more texture. A dash of ginger or a pinch of cloves can add warm spice. For a unique twist, a tablespoon of brandy or orange liqueur stirred in at the end is simply divine.
Is it necessary to cook cranberries for a relish?
No, that’s the beauty of a relish! This Cranberry Relish Recipe is purposefully not cooked. The fresh, raw cranberries provide a tartness and crunch that is completely lost when they are cooked. The sugar and citrus juice “macerate” the fruit as it chills, softening it perfectly.
