Fresh Cranberry Relish

This **Cranberry Relish** recipe stands as a true holiday gem, offering an effortlessly delightful addition to your festive table. Crafted with the vibrant flavors of fresh cranberries, crisp apples, and zesty oranges, it’s a bright, tangy, and subtly sweet accompaniment that outshines any store-bought alternative. Sweetened to perfection with your choice of sugar or honey and infused with the warm spices of ginger and cloves, this relish is more than just a side dish—it’s an experience. Forget the time-consuming preparations; this recipe comes together in mere minutes, making it the ideal last-minute hero for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special gathering. Its refreshing taste and beautiful jewel-toned hue will instantly elevate your meal, promising rave reviews from family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Adore This Fresh Cranberry Relish

If you, like me, are a fervent admirer of cranberries, then prepare to fall head over heels for this exceptional relish recipe! It’s an explosion of fresh, bright flavors that dance on your palate, a stark contrast to the often overly sweet and gelatinous canned cranberry sauce. What makes this homemade cranberry relish truly special?

• Unbeatable Freshness: We harness the natural tartness of fresh cranberries, perfectly balanced by the sweetness of crisp apples and the citrusy zest of oranges. This combination creates a dynamic flavor profile that is both invigorating and comforting.
• Effortless Preparation: In just 10 minutes, you can transform simple, wholesome ingredients into a gourmet side dish. No cooking is required, making it an absolute lifesaver during busy holiday preparations. Just a few pulses in a food processor, and you’re done!
• Vibrant Flavor Profile: The aromatic ground cloves and warming ground ginger infuse the relish with a festive essence that perfectly complements the fruit. You have the flexibility to adjust the sweetness with your preferred choice of sugar or honey, tailoring it to your exact taste.
• Versatility: While it shines as a Thanksgiving or Christmas side, its utility extends far beyond the holiday table. Serve it with your holiday roast, spread it on crostini for an elegant appetizer, or even mix it into your breakfast yogurt for a burst of seasonal flavor.
• A Healthier Option: Unlike many processed sauces, this relish is packed with natural fruits and spices, offering a vibrant, wholesome alternative rich in antioxidants and vitamins. It’s a guilt-free pleasure that still feels incredibly indulgent.

This relish isn’t just a dish; it’s a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients and the joy of simple, delicious cooking. It promises to be a memorable part of your holiday spread, offering a refreshing counterpoint to richer flavors like Roasted Turkey Breast or Pineapple Brown Sugar Ham. For entertaining, consider serving it with an artisanal cheese board, a sliced baguette, or crispy pita chips for an impressive and easy appetizer that will delight your guests.

Essential Ingredients for the Best Cranberry Relish

Crafting this quick and easy Cranberry Relish requires just a few star ingredients, each playing a crucial role in developing its complex and irresistible flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Fresh Cranberries: This is the cornerstone of our relish. Always opt for fresh, firm cranberries for the best texture and brightest flavor. While frozen cranberries can be used in cooked sauces, they tend to become watery and mushy when thawed for a raw relish, compromising the desired texture. Look for plump, deep red berries that are firm to the touch. Their characteristic tartness is what makes this relish so invigorating and perfectly balances the sweetness.
• Apple: A crisp apple introduces a delightful textural contrast and contributes natural sweetness that mellows the cranberries’ tartness. Varieties like Granny Smith offer a tart-sweet balance and firm texture, while Gala or Honeycrisp bring more sweetness and a slightly softer bite. Choose an apple that holds its shape well when chopped, adding pleasant crunch to every spoonful.
• Orange: The addition of orange is non-negotiable for that quintessential holiday flavor. Both the zest and a small amount of the fruit’s flesh provide a bright, citrusy perfume and a hint of tang that beautifully complements the cranberries. This citrusy note elevates the relish from simply fruity to truly festive and aromatic. Be sure to wash the orange thoroughly before processing to utilize its flavorful peel.
• Sugar or Honey: To tame the natural tartness of cranberries and create a balanced relish, a sweetener is essential. Granulated sugar offers a clean sweetness, while honey introduces a more complex, floral note. You can adjust the amount of sweetener to your preference, making it more tart or sweeter as desired. Consider using brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-like flavor, or maple syrup for an autumnal twist.
• Spices: Ground cloves and ground ginger are the secret weapons that infuse this relish with warmth and holiday cheer.
  • Ground Cloves: Known for their intensely aromatic and slightly sweet-spicy flavor, cloves lend a classic, cozy note that pairs wonderfully with cranberries and oranges, evoking the essence of holiday baking.
  • Ground Ginger: Offers a bright, slightly peppery warmth that enhances the fruit flavors without overpowering them. It adds a subtle zing that makes the relish even more exciting.

  You might also consider a pinch of cinnamon or a tiny dash of nutmeg for an even richer spice blend, though ginger and cloves are perfectly sufficient on their own.

How to Make the Best Homemade Cranberry Relish: Step-by-Step

Creating this incredibly fresh and flavorful Cranberry Relish is surprisingly simple and requires no cooking! The key is your food processor, which does all the heavy lifting. Follow these easy steps to prepare your perfect holiday side dish:

• Step 1: Prepare Your Fruits. Begin by thoroughly washing all your fruits: the fresh cranberries, apple, and orange. For the orange, you can either zest it first and then peel it, or simply wash it well and cut it into segments, making sure to remove any seeds. For the apple, you can peel it if you prefer a smoother relish, or leave the peel on for added texture and nutrients. Core the apple and cut it into smaller pieces.
• Step 2: Process the Cranberries. Place the fresh cranberries into your food processor. If you have a mini food processor, it’s best to process each fruit separately to ensure even chopping. Pulse the cranberries until they are finely chopped but not pureed. You want a coarse texture with small pieces, not a smooth paste. This usually takes about 5-7 short pulses. Transfer the chopped cranberries to a large mixing bowl.
• Step 3: Process the Apple. Add the apple pieces to the food processor. Pulse until the apple is also finely chopped, similar in consistency to the cranberries. Be careful not to over-process, as apples can quickly turn into a sauce. Add the chopped apple to the bowl with the cranberries.
• Step 4: Process the Orange. Finally, add the orange segments (or just the flesh if you’ve zested it separately) to the food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. If you wish to incorporate the zest, you can add it now or grate it directly into the mixing bowl. Add the chopped orange to the other fruits.
• Step 5: Combine and Sweeten. To the bowl containing your finely chopped fruits, add the granulated sugar (or honey) and the ground spices: ground ginger and ground cloves. Using a spoon or spatula, stir everything together thoroughly. Ensure the sugar is evenly distributed and the spices are well incorporated throughout the relish.
• Step 6: Taste and Adjust. This is a crucial step! Taste the relish and adjust the sweetness or spice levels as needed. If it’s too tart, add a little more sugar or honey, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired balance. If you love a stronger spice kick, feel free to add another pinch of ginger or cloves.
• Step 7: Serve or Chill. Your fresh Cranberry Relish is now ready to be enjoyed immediately! For optimal flavor, it’s often best after chilling for at least an hour, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. The relish will continue to develop flavor as it chills.

Recipe FAQs: All Your Cranberry Relish Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you perfect your homemade Cranberry Relish and enjoy it to the fullest:

How long does fresh cranberry relish last?

While this cranberry relish is absolutely delightful served immediately, its flavors truly deepen and meld after a few hours of chilling. Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, fresh relish can last for up to 3 days. It may release some juice as it sits, which will collect at the bottom – this is completely normal and can be stirred back in or drained if you prefer a thicker consistency.

Can I use frozen cranberries to make this relish?

For the best texture and vibrant presentation, I highly recommend using fresh cranberries for this no-cook relish. Frozen and thawed berries tend to release a lot of water, making the relish watery and losing that desirable crisp texture. If you only have frozen cranberries, they are best reserved for cooked cranberry sauces or jams.

Can I make this cranberry relish ahead of time?

Absolutely! This relish is an excellent make-ahead dish, perfect for holiday meal planning. Preparing it 1-2 days in advance allows the flavors to fully develop and integrate, resulting in an even more delicious and harmonious relish. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

What kind of apple is best for cranberry relish?

Crisp, firm apples work best. Granny Smith apples are fantastic for their tartness and crisp texture, which complements the cranberries beautifully. Other great options include Gala, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn. Avoid apples that are too soft or mealy, as they won’t provide the desired crunch.

Can I adjust the sweetness of the relish?

Yes, absolutely! The amount of sugar or honey listed is a guideline. Cranberries can vary in tartness, and personal preference plays a big role. Start with the recommended amount, then taste and add more sweetener, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired balance. For a healthier option, you can even use less sugar or substitute with natural sweeteners like stevia or erythritol, though this may alter the texture slightly.

Can I add other fruits or nuts to the relish?

Yes, this recipe is highly adaptable! For extra flavor and texture, consider adding finely chopped walnuts or pecans. You could also experiment with other fruits like a small amount of finely chopped pear, pineapple, or even dried apricots (rehydrated if too dry) to introduce new dimensions of flavor.

What can I do if my relish is too watery?

If your relish seems a bit too watery, especially after sitting, it could be due to the type of apple used or the cranberries releasing moisture. You can try gently pressing out some of the excess liquid or, if you plan to serve it immediately, stir in a small amount of finely chopped toasted nuts (like pecans or walnuts) to absorb some moisture and add crunch.

More Irresistible Thanksgiving and Holiday Side Dish Recipes

No holiday feast is complete without a variety of delicious side dishes that complement the main course and delight every guest. If you enjoyed this Fresh Cranberry Relish, you’ll love exploring these other classic and comforting recipes that are perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any celebratory meal. Each recipe is designed to be approachable and incredibly flavorful, ensuring your holiday table is nothing short of spectacular:

If you fall in love with this recipe and decide to make it for your next gathering, please share your experience in the comments below! Your feedback and ratings are incredibly valuable and help others discover delicious recipes too.

Cranberry Relish

Author:
Anna

This Cranberry Relish is the best and easiest no-cook recipe for a Thanksgiving or holiday side dish. Made with fresh cranberries, crisp apple, and zesty orange, it’s sweetened with sugar or honey and spiced with warming ginger and cloves. A vibrant, fresh, and quick addition to any festive meal!

★★★★★
5 from 5 votes

Print Recipe
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Prep Time
10 mins

Total Time
10 mins

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Course
Side Dish

Cuisine
American

Servings
5 people

Calories
141 kcal

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Ingredients

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• 1 apple (Granny Smith, Gala, etc.)
• 1 small orange
• ½ cup granulated sugar (or honey, to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions

1. Thoroughly wash cranberries, apple, and orange. Cut the apple into quarters and remove the core. Cut the orange into segments, removing any seeds.
2. Place the fresh cranberries into a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped but not pureed, aiming for a coarse, uniform consistency. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
3. Add the apple pieces to the food processor. Pulse until finely chopped, similar to the cranberries. Add to the mixing bowl.
4. Add the orange segments to the food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. Incorporate into the mixing bowl with the other fruits.
5. Add the sugar (or honey), ground ginger, and ground cloves to the fruit mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
6. Taste the relish and adjust sweetness or spice levels as desired.
7. Serve immediately or cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

• For the best texture and flavor, always use fresh cranberries. Frozen cranberries tend to make the relish watery.
• The nutrition value provided is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used. Please refer to a trusted calorie counter for precise information based on your exact product choices.
• Feel free to add a pinch of orange zest for an even more intense citrus flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 141kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 144mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 119IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg

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