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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.
I add crushed pineapple and let it all sit overnight so I make it 2-3 days ahead so it can marinate. So good. I have added chopped pecans, as well. Love the idea of Grand Marnier idea. Yum.
Wow! First time making this and it’s my new favorite cranberry side dish. I’ve spent years and years making cranberry sauce. Now I’m a cranberry RELISH addict. Why? It’s so easy and omg delicious! I modified it with what I had on hand and after reading reviews –
8oz bag fresh cranberries
1/2 large orange
1/2 c sugar
1/2 c pecans
THANK YOU LAUREN, I HAD SOME YEARS AGO& WONDERED HOW WAS IT MADE. THANK YOU FOR DELICIOUS DELIGHT . HAVE AN AWESOME THANKSGIVING
So Good!!!
agree with Krysta, 1 cup sugar with 2 lb cranberries works just fine.
Can you use fresh cranberries like in a bag? If so do you have to do anything different like cook them or anything?
That’s exactly what you need to use. Fresh cranberries! Enjoy!
Way too much sugar for our tastes.
I used 32 oz cranberries and 3 oranges with 1 cup sugar and it’s quite sweet.
One cup sugar for 12 oz cranberries and 1 orange would be far too sweet for us.
The orange to cranberry ratio is good.
Great relish. Have used it for about 40 years and never left overs. but most people prefer about 1/4 or maybe 1/3 cup sugar. Remember to use sweet oranges with thin skin/pith. Makes all the difference to texture and how much sugar you need. Also, great to add (at different times).. chopped jalapeno, walnuts or pecans, pomegranate seeds, chopped quince, And you can add a little (tablespoon or so per bag) boubon or grand marnier or triple sec if you need more ‘orange’ flavor.
Excellent! A new seasonal favorite for sure.
I make this EVERY thanksgiving. You should too! Won’t be disappointed.