This cranberry relish is a blend of fresh cranberries, apple, orange and sugar, all mixed together to form a sweet and tart condiment. Cranberry relish is a unique and welcome addition to any holiday meal!
Cranberry sauce is often on holiday dinner menus, but have you ever tried cranberries in relish form? This fresh and chunky sauce pairs perfectly with roasted turkey and glazed ham.
I always make a traditional cooked cranberry sauce, but then I stumbled across the idea of uncooked cranberry relish in a magazine and was intrigued. Turns out, this is a delicious, refreshing addition to Thanksgiving and it couldn’t be any easier to make.
What is cranberry relish?
Cranberry relish is a condiment made from uncooked crushed cranberries and sugar. Apples and oranges are often used as flavoring agents and this sauce also sometimes contains nuts such as walnuts or pecans. Cranberry relish differs from cranberry sauce because cranberry sauce is cooked and has a different consistency.
How do you make cranberry relish?
The first step is to chop your cranberries. I find that a food processor works best for this step. You’ll want to carefully pulse your cranberries into small pieces without actually blending them into mush. I find that hitting the pulse button about 8-10 times does the trick. After the cranberries are chopped, you’ll want to chop your apple and orange in a similar fashion. Add sugar, then let everything sit until the flavors are well combined.
What is cranberry relish used for?
Cranberry relish can be served alongside roasted meats such as turkey or ham. It can also be spooned over a block of cream cheese and served as a dip with crackers. I also enjoy a spoonful of relish with vanilla yogurt, or as a topping for pancakes or waffles.
Can cranberry relish be made ahead of time?
Cranberry relish can be made up to 3 days before you plan to serve it. You’ll want to make your relish a minimum of one hour before you plan to serve it so that there’s time for the flavors to meld. Store your relish in a covered container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
Can cranberry relish be frozen?
I don’t recommend freezing this recipe because the fruits will release a lot of liquid when thawed and you’ll end up with a watery relish.
Cranberry Relish Variations
This is a basic recipe for cranberry relish but there are so many different ways you can flavor your relish.
- Ginger: Add 2 teaspoons chopped crystallized ginger.
- Pear: Substitute pear for the apple.
- Pineapple: Add drained, crushed pineapple to the relish.
- Nuts: Add finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the relish.
- Spice: Add a pinch of cinnamon.
- Celery: Add 1/4 cup finely chopped celery.
Once you get a taste of this amazing sweet and tart condiment, you’ll be hooked and it will become part of your regular holiday menu. Some of my family members even prefer this relish over cranberry sauce and I have to admit, they’re both super delicious!
More holiday recipe favorites
- Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots
- Cranberry Jello Salad
- Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Butterflake Rolls
- Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Cranberry Relish
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 apple cored and cut into quarters
- 1/2 orange seeds removed and end trimmed off
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- fresh cranberries and orange zest for garnish optional
Instructions
- Place the cranberries in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped. Transfer the cranberries to a bowl.
- Add the apple to the food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Add the apple to the bowl with the cranberries.
- Add the orange to the food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Add the orange to the bowl with the cranberries and apples.
- Add the sugar to the bowl and stir to combine. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour or up to 3 days.
- Serve, garnished with cranberries and orange zest if desired.
Becky says
Loved it. I peeled the orange but I may add some orange peel next time. Cut the sugar to 1/2 cup and added chopped pecans. Tasty!
Sara says
So glad you enjoyed it, happy holidays!
Princess Quinn says
This looks so good! I only know one relish, it’s pickles I think? lol! But this one is amazing. I can’t wait to try it.
Cindy Ingalls says
I always use cranberry sauce on my turkey at Thanksgiving. I don’t like gravy but I love the flavor cranberries add to my turkey. Think I found my new recipe to try this year.
Ana says
I’ve been looking for something like this for the upcoming holiday meal and thanks to you I just found it in this delicious cranberry recipe. This looks so easy to make and a big hit with the family and kids – Thank you so much for sharing!
Becca Wilson says
This relish looks like it would be so good. I have never seen anything like this before.
Erin Sluka says
I am hosting my first Thanksgiving in our new home this year and am saving recipes like these!
Jaymes Graham says
This looks absolutely delicious! Definitely a new dish for Thanksgiving!!
Shannon Graham says
I have to say, I may or may not have drooled a bit at this. Is it normal to want to just eat spoonfuls of this?
Michelle Goth says
I have never heard of cranberry relish before. Gosh, this sounds delicious! I bet it would taste great with stuffing too.
Ronnie says
This is definitely an interesting recipe. I’ve never tried cranberry relish but I’d love to try it out and introduce it to the family. We all like cranberries so it could be a hit!