The holiday season is just around the corner, and with it comes a plethora of delicious dishes to share with loved ones. One classic recipe that’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering is cranberry relish. This tangy and flavorful condiment is made by combining fresh or frozen cranberries with a variety of sweet and savory ingredients.
Whether you’re looking for a traditional take on the classic recipe or something more unique, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 different zesty cranberry relish recipes that are sure to impress your guests. From classic combinations like orange and cinnamon to more adventurous pairings like jalapeño and lime, there’s a cranberry relish recipe on our list for everyone.
So go ahead, get creative in the kitchen, and make this holiday season one to remember with these 20 zesty cranberry relish recipes.
Classic Orange Cranberry Relish
This sweet and tangy relish is a perfect accompaniment to roasted meats, cheeses, and crackers. Its bright orange color adds a pop of color to any holiday table.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh orange zest (about 1 medium-sized orange)
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a food processor or blender, combine cranberries, orange juice, and sugar. Process until coarsely chopped.
2. Stir in the orange zest and ginger (if using).
3. Taste and adjust sweetness or tanginess to your liking.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (includes processing time)
Spiced Apple Cranberry Relish
This sweet and tangy relish is perfect for the fall season, adding a burst of flavor to your holiday dishes. Made with fresh apples and cranberries, warm spices, and a hint of citrus, this recipe is easy to make and sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 cup diced apple (such as Granny Smith)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons orange juice
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, apple, brown sugar, orange juice, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the relish has thickened slightly.
3. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Honey Walnut Cranberry Relish
A delicious condiment perfect for topping crackers, toast, or using as a side dish for your favorite meals. This relish combines the sweetness of honey with the crunch of walnuts and the tartness of cranberries.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup pure honey
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine cranberries and walnuts.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the honey over low heat until it’s smooth and runny.
3. Pour the warm honey over the cranberry mixture and stir until well combined.
4. Stir in apple cider vinegar and orange zest.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
Cooking Time: None, as this relish is served chilled or at room temperature.
Pineapple Ginger Cranberry Relish
Pineapple Ginger Cranberry Relish: A sweet and tangy condiment perfect for topping yogurt, oatmeal, or using as a dip for crackers.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
– 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine cranberries, pineapple, and ginger.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey and lime juice until well combined.
3. Pour the honey-lime mixture over the cranberry mixture and stir until everything is well coated.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required)
Maple Bourbon Cranberry Relish
Maple Bourbon Cranberry Relish: Sweet, tangy, and a hint of sophistication!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the cranberries and pick out any stems or debris.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine cranberries, maple syrup, bourbon whiskey, orange zest, and garlic. Blend until coarsely chopped.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness or bourbon level to your liking.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None! This relish is best served chilled, so you can make it ahead of time and enjoy on the same day or up to a week later.
Citrus Mint Cranberry Relish
A refreshing and tangy condiment perfect for accompanying grilled meats, cheeses, or using as a topping for salads or yogurt parfaits. This relish combines the sweetness of cranberries with the brightness of citrus and the cooling effect of mint.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– Zest of 1 orange, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine cranberries and sugar. Let it sit for 15 minutes to allow the cranberries to release their juices.
2. Stir in the orange juice and chopped mint leaves until well combined.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Just before serving, garnish with the orange zest.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes (prep time only)
Pear Vanilla Cranberry Relish
This sweet and tangy relish is a perfect addition to your holiday table or a delicious topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or ice cream. The combination of ripe pears, fresh cranberries, and hint of vanilla creates a delightful flavor profile that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe pears (such as Bartlett or Anjou), diced
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
– 1 tablespoon orange juice (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine pear and cranberries.
2. Add sugar, vanilla extract, and orange juice (if using). Mix until well combined.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 5-10 minutes (prep time) + refrigeration time
Jalapeño Lime Cranberry Relish
Add a burst of flavor to your holiday table with this unique and delicious Jalapeño Lime Cranberry Relish! This sweet and spicy condiment is perfect for topping turkey, pork chops, or using as a dip for crackers.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and chopped jalapeño.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries pop and the mixture thickens (about 10 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and stir in lime juice and salt.
4. Let cool to room temperature before refrigerating or serving.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Rosemary Orange Cranberry Relish
This vibrant relish combines the brightness of orange with the earthiness of rosemary and the tartness of cranberries, making it a perfect accompaniment to your holiday meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped (about 2 teaspoons)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine cranberries, orange juice, and olive oil.
2. Add the minced garlic and chopped rosemary; stir until well combined.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None needed! This relish is best served chilled or at room temperature.
Pomegranate Cranberry Relish
This sweet and tangy relish is a perfect accompaniment to your holiday meals, from turkey to roast beef and even crackers. The combination of juicy pomegranate seeds, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans will be a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (fresh or dried)
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans
– 2 tablespoons orange juice
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine cranberries, pomegranate seeds, and pecans.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, honey, and apple cider vinegar until well combined.
3. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is coated.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: None, as this relish is a no-cook recipe!
Cardamom Pear Cranberry Relish
A sweet and tangy condiment that combines the flavors of pears, cranberries, and cardamom. Perfect for topping yogurt, oatmeal, or using as a side dish for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe pears (Bartlett or Anjou), peeled and diced
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon ground cardamom
– 2 tablespoons orange juice (fresh or bottled)
– Zest of 1 orange (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine pears, cranberries, and sugar.
2. Stir until the mixture is well combined and the pears are evenly coated with the cranberry mixture.
3. Add ground cardamom, orange juice, and zest (if using). Mix until the flavors are fully incorporated.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: None! This relish is best served fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Balsamic Fig Cranberry Relish
This relish combines the natural sweetness of figs with the tartness of cranberries, all tied together with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Perfect as a condiment for holiday gatherings or as a topping for grilled meats or cheeses.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup chopped dried figs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and 1/4 cup water.
2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until cranberries have popped.
3. Stir in chopped figs, balsamic vinegar, honey, and salt.
4. Continue to simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes or until relish has thickened slightly.
5. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cinnamon Clove Cranberry Relish
This refreshing relish is perfect for the holiday season, adding a sweet and spicy kick to your favorite dishes. With the warmth of cinnamon and cloves, it’s sure to become a new family tradition.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh apple (such as Granny Smith)
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground cloves
– 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and apple.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries pop and the mixture thickens (about 10-12 minutes).
3. Stir in cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
4. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Gingerbread Cranberry Relish
This sweet and tangy relish is a perfect combination of flavors for the holiday season. Made with fresh cranberries, crystallized ginger, and warm spices, it’s a delightful accompaniment to your favorite cheeses, crackers, or as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup crystallized ginger, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons orange juice
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, chopped crystallized ginger, brown sugar, orange juice, and grated fresh ginger.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have popped and the relish has thickened slightly.
3. Remove from heat and stir in cinnamon and salt to taste.
4. Let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Star Anise Cranberry Relish
Add a burst of flavor to your holiday dishes with this sweet and tangy relish, infused with the warm aroma of star anise. This recipe makes about 2 cups, perfect for serving alongside turkey, pork, or as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons orange juice
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 whole star anise pod (about 1 inch long)
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the cranberries and pick out any stems or debris.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, ginger, and star anise.
3. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the cranberries have popped and the mixture has thickened slightly.
4. Remove from heat and stir in chopped mint leaves, if using.
5. Let cool completely before refrigerating or freezing.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Toasted Pecan Cranberry Relish
Toasted Pecan Cranberry Relish Recipe
Summary:
This sweet and tangy relish is perfect as a topping for toast, yogurt, or using as a condiment for your favorite dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh cranberries
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread the chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the toasted pecans, cranberries, honey, apple cider vinegar, and salt. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Cooking Time:
None! Simply mix together the ingredients and serve.
Blood Orange Cranberry Relish
This vibrant relish combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of blood oranges, creating a unique and flavorful condiment perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed blood orange juice (or regular orange juice)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 2 tablespoons honey
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cranberries and blood orange juice. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
2. Add the chopped mint leaves, honey, and salt to the bowl. Mix until well combined.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to settle.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: None required!
Chai-Spiced Cranberry Relish
This sweet and tangy relish adds a unique twist to traditional cranberry recipes, incorporating the comforting flavors of chai spices. Perfect for topping turkey, yogurt parfaits, or serving alongside crackers, this relish is sure to be a hit at your holiday gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz (3 cups) fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup grated fresh ginger
– 2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1 tsp ground cardamom
– 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
– 1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper (optional)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse cranberries and pick out any stems or debris.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
3. Bring mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until cranberries have popped.
4. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Cranberry Relish with Fresh Thyme
This refreshing cranberry relish is a perfect accompaniment to your holiday meals, adding a burst of flavor and color to any dish. The addition of fresh thyme adds a unique and aromatic twist to the classic recipe.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz (3 cups) fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
– 1 orange, peeled and segmented
– 2 tablespoons orange juice
Instructions:
1. Rinse the cranberries and pick out any stems or debris.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cranberries, sugar, thyme, and orange segments.
3. Squeeze the orange juice over the mixture and toss to coat.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (mostly hands-off time)
Smoky Chipotle Cranberry Relish
Add a smoky twist to your holiday gatherings with this bold and tangy cranberry relish. This unique condiment combines the sweetness of cranberries with the heat of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup smoky chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and 1/4 cup water.
2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until cranberries have popped.
3. Stir in chopped chipotle peppers, apple cider vinegar, honey, and salt.
4. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes (including cooling time)
Summary
Get ready to spice up your holiday gatherings with these 20 zesty cranberry relish recipes! From classic combinations like orange and cinnamon to unique twists like jalapeño lime and chai-spiced, there’s something for every taste. Try pairing honey walnut and maple bourbon relishes with turkey or ham, or go bold with the smoky chipotle variety. Whether you’re looking for a sweet and tangy condiment or a savory accompaniment, these recipes will add a burst of flavor to your holiday table.
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