Quick and easy cranberry relish recipe, made with simple ingredients in one pot or bowl in 10 minutes. It's a classic, fresh, sweet and tart side or condiment. Also known as cranberry salad.
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This homemade and old fashioned cranberry relish from scratch is always a big hit at our Christmas and Thanksgiving feasts. The wonderful flavor and texture comes from fresh fruits. Just know that this is not a cooked relish. That version is actually called cranberry sauce and the recipe for that is more like this One Pot Cranberry Sauce. You can also try this Cranberry Salsa with Cream Cheese (Blender) to use up any more cranberries you have for the season.
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Key ingredients
- Cranberries- Be sure they are fresh and firm.
- Apple- I like to use gala for their flavor.
- Oranges- Make sure they are juicy and flavorful.
- Sugar- Granulated works best for this recipe.
Variations
- Replace apple- With drained, crushed pineapple.
- For a hint of spice- Add half a jalapeno.
- Add spices- I recommend ¼ ground cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon ground ginger.
- Try with nuts- I don't personally do this, but you can sprinkle walnuts or roasted pecans on top, prior to serving to add a little crunch.
- Honey or maple syrup can be used- Instead of sugar but that can make everything very watery so be cautious.
- Add a garnish- Such as fresh mint or parsley.
How to make easy one pot cranberry relish recipe from scratch?
- Roughly chop- Cranberries, apples, oranges in a food processor.
- Mix in- Sugar and zest.
- Transfer- To a bowl and chill before serving.
What to serve with Easy Cranberry Relish?
- Serve alongside meats, such as this Easy Thanksgiving Turkey (One Pan), pork tenderloin, or Slow Cooker Ham.
- Leftovers can be used as a filling or spread in burgers, a Loose Meat Sandwich, wraps, Shredded Turkey Tacos, and even this Leftover Turkey Quesadilla (One Pan).
- It can also be served over brie or cream cheese as a Thanksgiving or Christmas holiday appetizer.
- Use as a topping on pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, or vanilla ice cream.Â
Tips and techniques
- Adjust the amount of sugar- Based on your preference.
- You must allow this to sit undisturbed in the fridge- For at least 1 hour to allow all the flavors to deepen.
- Use only fresh cranberries- Because frozen or even dried ones will not yield the same results, flavor, or consistency.
- Don't process the fruits for too long in the food processor- Because it's supposed to be rough and chunky.
Recipe FAQs
It's a side dish or condiment that is made with raw cranberries. It's sweet and tart and most often combined with apples, oranges and some sugar. Nuts are sometimes sprinkled on top for a slight crunch. This is different from cranberry sauce because the sauce is cooked and has an entirely different, relatively smoother consistency.
Yes, but it will be a tedious task. You can roughly chop the cranberries, apple, orange and mix it all together with sugar and zest in a serving bowl.
Storage
- Refrigerate- It stays fresh for up to 3 days if placed in a sealed container in the fridge, but I like to serve it within 2 days.
- Freeze- No, because when it thaws, it will release a lot of water.
- Make ahead- It can be made about 2 days in advance. It should be stored in a sealed container in the fridge until you are ready to serve.
- Reheat- This is served cold, so no heating is required.
More one pot side dishes
- One Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- One Pot Homemade Brown Gravy
- One Pot Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Oven Roasted Broccoli (One Pan)
- Parsley Potatoes (One Pot)
Recipe
Cranberry Relish Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 package Cranberries Fresh, Washed and patted dry, 12 oz.
- 1 Apple Cored, Cut into quarters, Optional
- 1 Orange Medium size, Peeled, Seeds removed, Cut into quarters
- ¾ cup Granulated sugar
- 1 tsp Orange zest
Instructions
- Add cranberries, apple, orange, sugar, zest in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped. Do not try to make this smooth! It's not eaten that way.
- Transfer this to serving bowl. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour so that the flavors deepen.
- Garnish with mint leaves (optional) and enjoy.
Notes
- Read all my tips above.
- Leftovers can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days.Â
Nutrition
An automated tool is used to calculate the nutritional information. As such, I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information provided for any recipe on this site.
Kristin says
This is delicious and just what I was looking for!
FAITH WIGGINS says
I always add chopped pecans..can’t wait to try adding apple!
Jacqui L. Thomas says
I make it and love it, but because I want less sugar I add one 8 serving box of any red SUGAR FREE jello instead of the sugar. Tastes wonderful! Just a thought...
Abeer Rizvi says
Oh! That's a great idea. I will try that next time for some of my family members who watch this sugar intake.
Monica says
Make this!!! It’s great tasting!
Leo says
I love this relish but I omit the apple. It easy,simple and turns out very tasty.....a keeper.
WhyKnot says
I don't blame you, I never put apple in mines either!
Abeer Rizvi says
I like adding them because I feel like it adds more flavor and texture but everyone has their own preference.
Patricia Castle says
I add apple but I also add chopped pecans.
Suzy says
Now this relish is so fresh looking and festive! What a great recipe!
Christina Folkers says
It wouldn't be Thanksgiving without it!! I Love your recipe!! Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!! 🥧🦃
Tayler Ross says
This cranberry relish is so perfect for the holidays! I love how easy this is!