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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 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
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
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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I originally shared this recipe November 2016. Updated October 2019 and November 2024.
Easy, delicious and nutritious. Even the 4 year old liked it. A new family tradition for the winter holidays!
Great recipe.
Consider using a blood orange. Lovely sweet taste. The reddish fruit helps keep the color of the cranberries.
When citrus rind will be in a dish, always use organic. The non-organic citrus can harbor bitterness in the pith.
In my family traditions, cranberry relish is essential for Christmas, not just Thanksgiving.
I’ve been helping make/making this for 70 years now, since I was 3. If you have access to an old fashioned hand turned meat grinder use that instead of the blender. It takes a little more work but is well worth the effort..-it doesn’t become mushy and stays much longer in the refrigerator.
Delicious! I used Stevia brown sugar (1/2 cup) instead of regular sugar. Knockout for a Keto diet! Thanks!!
Can you use Stevia in place of the sugar?
I have made this with Splenda and it’s absolutely amazing
This relish has been a family tradition forever! In addition to the orange, we add a full apple. It is so yummy!!
I like it with an apple added to the ingredients and a pinch of nutmeg.
Been making this cranberry relish for decades. Always a winner.
I add 1 tsp each of Cinnamon and nutmeg and use light brown sugar. Also 1 tsp of vanilla.
And double the batch for potlucks!
This tastes like my Mom’s relish, yay! I made it so it wasn’t completely smooth, because I like it with more of a marmalade texture, but wonderful nonetheless!
I have used this recipe for years and love it. Can it be made from frozen cranberries?
Yes, for sure!