This post contains affiliate links.
The best Cranberry Relish recipe is made with just 3 ingredients, tastes so fresh, and has been a family favorite for generations! It has an incredible sweet, tangy flavor and is perfect served with Thanksgiving turkey, chicken, or pork.
Looking for more Thanksgiving recipes? Don't miss my Thanksgiving Turkey or Turkey Breast (for a smaller group), Homemade Dinner Rolls, Thanksgiving Stuffing, Green Bean Casserole, or Sweet Potato Casserole!
It's not Thanksgiving at our house without Cranberry Relish
It's not Thanksgiving at our house without Cranberry RelishIt wasn't until I was an adult that I learned some people don't like cranberry condiments paired with their turkey. What?! Then I'm convinced they haven't tried this fresh, uncooked cranberry sauce. I'm just obsessed with the fresh citrus flavor of this cranberry relish and I love how easy it is to make; no cooking required and it will keep in the fridge for days if you want to make it in advanced.
I also love a delicious, traditional cooked cranberry sauce as well, but if I had to choose between the two, fresh cranberry relish wins every time. It makes great leftovers too, smothered on leftover homemade rolls with leftover turkey meat.
Make sure to give yourself a stress-free Thanksgiving by checking out all of my Make-Ahead Thanksgiving recipes and my go-to Thanksgiving Menu!
Cranberry Relish vs Cranberry Sauce?
Cranberry Relish is made from uncooked, raw ingredients blended in a food processor. It tastes fresh and tart. Cranberry Sauce is the traditional sauce that is cooked on the stove, thicker, and often much sweeter. They are both delicious, it really just comes down to personal preference.
How to make Cranberry Relish:
Combine: Slice the two ends of the orange, just until you see the flesh. Leave the rest of the skin on and cut orange into 8 wedges. Add orange wedges, fresh cranberries, and sugar to food processor and pulse until smooth and no large chunks remain. Pour into an airtight container and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.
Serve Cranberry Relish On:
- Turkey
- Chicken
- Pork tenderloin
- Homemade Rolls
- Spread on Sandwiches or Wraps instead of mayonnaise
- Yogurt – stir it into plain greek yogurt
- Belgian Waffles
Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions:
To Make-Ahead: Make ahead and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
To Freeze: Store in a freezer safe container and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw completely in the fridge before using.
Have leftover fresh Cranberries? Make:
- Cranberry Fluff Salad
- Cranberry Orange Muffins
- Cranberry Orange Bread
- Cranberry Sauce
- Cranberry Orange Scones
- Apple Cranberry Fruit Salad
Follow me for more great recipes
Recipe
Cranberry Relish
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 orange , peel ON
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Slice the ends off of the orange, just until you see the flesh. Leave the rest of the skin on the orange and slice into 8 wedges.
- Add fresh cranberries, orange wedges and sugar to a food processor and process until smooth (or until no large chunks remain).
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving (or up to 1-2 weeks). Serve over turkey, chicken, pork loin etc.
Notes
Nutrition
Follow Me
I originally shared this recipe November 2016. Updated October 2019 and November 2024.
My family has been making this cranberry relish for 3 generations and I’m hoping my adult kids will continue with it. It’s my absolute favorite! I’m probably in the minority but I make mine a little sweeter and end up using up to 1 & 1/2 cup sugar. It can vary from year to year with the sweetness of the orange playing a part in determining how much extra sugar I use. I don’t mind it less sweet but I can’t get anyone else to eat it unless I sweeten it more.
Using just 1/2 cup of sugar for the 1x recipe made it a bit too sweet for my taste. I really enjoy cranberry orange relish, but this particular version isn’t quite to my taste.
Can you use frozen cranberries?
Yes, frozen cranberries work great. No need to thaw them first. Just toss them in and you’re good to go.
The only cranberry relish you will return to again and again. We are now into our 4 th generation of using this simple wonderful receipie,
I have made cranberry relish this way for many years. It is the one food my family asks of me, Thanksgiving and Christmas. One son eats it as if it were a dessert after the holiday. If I’m invited out during the holidays, this is the dish requested of me. Fresh and oh so delicious!
I don’t have oranges but have clementines, Can I substitute those for an orange and how many would I use?
Yes, you can use clementines. I’d use two since they’re smaller.
Wonderful fresh flavor! I used an organic orange, as someone suggested, and only 2/3 cup sugar.
Can I use a blender instead of a food processor or grinder? I don’t have either. Just a good blender.
Yes you can!