Fresh Cranberry Relish (2024)

This 3-ingredient Cranberry Relish has been a family favorite for generations! It’s sweet and tangy and perfect paired with Thanksgiving turkey or served with chicken or pork.

In our family there are two groups of people; the gravy lovers and the cranberry lovers. I am the leader of the latter group and I love to serve this cranberry relish on just about everything, but especially on my famous Thanksgiving Turkey!

Fresh Cranberry Relish (1)

Guys, I’ve already started my Thanksgiving menu planning. I’m going to throw in some new favorites this year to accompany our regulars.

We’ve been enjoying this Fresh Cranberry Relish at Thanksgiving for as long as I can remember. It wasn’t until recent years attending Thanksgiving dinner at friends homes that I’ve come to realize anugly truth: Not everyone likes cranberry sauce!

GAH! How can this be, right? I’ll tell you how–> they have never tried this type of cranberry “sauce”. It’s technically a “relish” because the cranberries are not cooked and everything is cold and raw, BUT this stuff is pure gold. Honestly, it’s good enough to eat with a spoon.

What I LOVE about this recipe:

  • 3 ingredients. Real, raw ingredients that are packed with flavor!
  • 5 minute prep. No cook time! Just throw everything in a food processor and it’s ready to go!
  • Sweet and tangy. The flavors from the orange zest and the fresh cranberries go perfectly together, and the sugar adds the extra sweetness that the raw cranberries need.

Fresh Cranberry Relish (2)

Cranberry Relish or Cranberry sauce?

There is an important difference between cranberry sauce and cranberry relish and that is that cranberry relish is made from raw ingredients blended in a food processor (it’s more fresh and tart tasting) and cranberry sauce is cooked and often much sweeter than relish.

Serve Cranberry Relish on:

You could serve cranberry relish on many things but I particularly recommend:

  • Homemade rolls
  • Sandwiches (I love to use it in place of mayonnaise)
  • Turkey (or other roasted meats)
  • Yogurt – stir it into your favorite yogurt
  • Waffles – I love to serve it on top of homemade Belgian waffles.

Make ahead, Storing and Freezing Instructions:

To make-ahead: Cranberry relish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

To freeze: Store cranberry relish in a freezer safe container for 2-3 months. To use, remove it from the freezer and thaw it in the refrigerator.

More recipes for Fresh Cranberries:

  • Cranberry Fluff Salad
  • Apple Cranberry Fruit Salad
  • Brussels sprouts with cranberries and pecans
  • Cranberry Orange Bread
Fresh Cranberry Relish (3)
Don’t miss these Thanksgiving staples:
  • Broccoli Casserole
  • Perfect Mashed Potatoes
  • Sweet PotatoSouffle
  • Cranberry Fluff Salad
  • Apple Cranberry Fruit Salad
  • Triple Berry Pie
  • Other pie recipes

You can alsoFOLLOW MEonFACEBOOK,TWITTER,INSTAGRAMandPINTERESTfor more great recipes!

Recipe

Fresh Cranberry Relish (4)

4.99 from 870 votes

Fresh Cranberry Relish

This 3-ingredient cranberry relish has been a family favorite for generations! It's sweet and tangy and perfect paired with Thanksgiving turkey or even for topping on chicken or pork

Print Pin Review

Author Lauren Allen

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 3 cups

Calories 330

Prep 5 minutes mins

Total 5 minutes mins

Save Recipe

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces fresh cranberries
  • 1 orange , with the peel ON
  • 1 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

  • Slice the very edge root ends off of the orange, just until you see the flesh. Leave the rest of the skin ON the orange and slice it into 8 pieces.

  • Place the fresh cranberries, orange slices and sugar in your food processor and process until smooth (or until no large chunks remain).

  • Refrigerate until ready to serve (it tastes best after being in the fridge for at least on hour) or for up to 1 week. Serve over turkey, chicken, pork loin etc.

Notes

To make-ahead: Cranberry relish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

To freeze: Store cranberry relish in a freezer safe container for 2-3 months. To use, remove it from the freezer and thaw it in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Calories: 330kcalCarbohydrates: 85gSodium: 2mgPotassium: 175mgFiber: 6gSugar: 75gVitamin A: 165IUVitamin C: 38.3mgCalcium: 27mgIron: 0.3mg

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Have you tried this recipe?!

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I originally shared this recipe November 2016. Updated with improved photos and instructions October 2019.

Fresh Cranberry Relish (5)

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Original Post

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Categories

  • Snacks/Misc.
  • Thanksgiving
  • Thanksgiving Appetizers

About The Author

Fresh Cranberry Relish (10)

Lauren Allen

Welcome! I’m Lauren, a mom of four and lover of good food. Here you’ll find easy recipes and weeknight meal ideas made with real ingredients, with step-by-step photos and videos.

Learn More

Fresh Cranberry Relish (2024)

FAQs

How long will fresh cranberry relish last? ›

To make-ahead: Cranberry relish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. To freeze: Store cranberry relish in a freezer safe container for 2-3 months. To use, remove it from the freezer and thaw it in the refrigerator.

What is cranberry relish made of? ›

There's no cooking involved, just using a grinder or a food processor to grind up and mix together raw cranberries, tart green apples, a large seedless orange, and sugar. It's amazing how good it is! Great with roast turkey, or for leftovers on turkey sandwiches.

How to make cranberry relish less tart? ›

And one last overlooked remedy for cranberry sauce: a pinch of salt. While you won't taste it, salt helps equalize the sweet-tart flavor of your cranberry sauce while making it a better pairing for the rest of your savory sides and, of course, the turkey.

Is cranberry relish served hot or cold? ›

Typically served chilled, our recipe can be made up to 3 days ahead.

How long will fresh cranberries last in the refrigerator? ›

Fresh cranberries are usually good stored in the refrigerator for two weeks. If kept longer, you will find a gradual deterioration of quality with more soft or bruised berries. Berries can be stored in the original packaging in the refrigerator crisper for up to four weeks.

Does fresh cranberry sauce go bad? ›

When to Toss Cranberry Sauce. Cranberry sauce will last for two hours at room temperature. Homemade cranberry sauce will last in the fridge for 10 to 14 days.

What cancels out tartness? ›

How Do You Neutralize Sour Taste in Food? If a dish is too sour, add a little bit of sugar! Sweetness balances out sour flavors, so if something makes your mouth pucker, a dash of sugar may help soften the blow of the sour food.

Why does my homemade cranberry sauce taste bitter? ›

Dear Evelyn: I had the same problem when I first started making my own cranberry sauce. I found out that you should cook them just until they pop. Further cooking will make them bitter, and once that happens, you need to start again.

How to take the bitterness out of fresh cranberries? ›

Anything from a drizzle of honey to agave, maple syrup, or molasses will also fare well. After a few minutes of maceration, the sour fruit juices will mix with the sugar and alleviate some of the cranberries' natural tartness.

Is cranberry relish good for you? ›

Nutrition Spotlight

The flavors of oranges and cranberries sing joyfully together! Their health benefits also complement each other as well! This relish provides an excellent source of fiber and vitamin C that will leave your belly full and body happy!

What to eat cranberry relish with? ›

Simple Appetizers

Top your favorite cracker with whipped cream cheese and a dollop of Cranberry Relish for the ultimate speedy starter. If you have a little more time you can try this Three-Ingredient Cranberry Relish Appetizer with white cheddar cheese.

Can dogs eat cranberries? ›

Cranberries are not toxic or poisonous to dogs. You can feed cranberries to your pup fresh or dried, but they do need to be given in small portions, in moderation, stem-free, and completely plain.

How long will homemade cranberry chutney last in the fridge? ›

How Long Does Cranberry Chutney Keep + Tips For Serving. Whether you're hosting or guest-ing, your Thanksgiving prep starts right here! This easy cranberry sauce recipe makes a tart side dish that keeps for 10-14 days in the fridge.

Can I freeze leftover cranberry relish? ›

Yes, you can freeze homemade cranberry sauce—and it works well. It's best to store it in the freezer for up to 3 months; the taste may be affected due to its water content if frozen longer. Keep this in mind when putting away your leftover sauce and use it during this optimal period as part of an easy weeknight dinner.

Does homemade cranberry sauce need to be refrigerated? ›

Canned cranberry sauce can be kept in the pantry until after it's opened—but feel free to store it in the fridge if you like a chilled sauce and magically have extra fridge space. Freshly made sauce should be refrigerated. Let cool to room temperature before transferring to a resealable container.

How long do fresh cranberry beans last in fridge? ›

How to Store: Fresh, unshelled cranberry beans can be stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for three to four days. Dried cranberry beans stored in a cool, dry area will keep for up to a year. How to Cook: Fresh cranberry beans are very easy to shuck.

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