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, Homemade Dinner Rolls, Thanksgiving Stuffing, 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
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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
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I originally shared this recipe November 2016. Updated October 2019 and November 2024.
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I make this but only use about 2/3 c sugar. It’s a fresh light flavor with all those potatoes stuffing and other heavy foods. Love it!!!!
That is what we’ve always done too. Slightly less sugar than the recipe calls for
So easy & delicious! Also blended in 1 tsp whole cloves & cinnamon yummy! So festive
Add a chopped unpeeled apple
Use 1/4 C Agave or honey instead of 1 cup of sugar, healthier
YUMMY
I just made my recipe of fresh cranberry relish
1 bag fresh cranberries rinsed chopped in food processor
1 large apple cored and cut into smaller pieces chopped in food processor
1 large seedless orange washed cut into 1/3” pieces chopped skin and all. Remove seeds if any
1/4 C Agave syrup or honey. More if you want it sweeter
Mix everything together.
YUMMY and healthy.
So good!
every year. Usually I use orange zest and cut up the orange. This year I cut it up in slices and threw it in the bullet. Worked out well. I do the cranberries and walnuts in the bullet as well
This is a basic uncooked relish that we eat every year. If you want it cooked look for a sauce recipe. I made a sauce last year. Both are good.
There must be a mistake. You seriously do not cook the cranberries?
No mistake :), it’s delicious, you should try it!
I’ve been making this recipe for 30 + years. Originally got it off of the Ocean Spray package. The sugar makes it sweet enough to eat uncooked. My son called last night to get the recipe. It is a family favorite. Great on leftover turkey sandwiches as a condiment. Try it and enjoy!
I don’t cook my cranberries either. 1 lb berrys, 1 orange remove the naval opening but leave rind on. Cut into 6 pieces. Place Cranberries, orange and 1 cup sugar in food processor and make sure no lumps remain. Thats it.. delicious!!!
I make our relish the same way with one exception, soak cranberries in cold water, this is something my Mom would do. The relish turns out to be a favorite wit our grandchild.
amazingly good