The humble cranberry, with its vibrant red hue and tart taste, is not just a staple of Thanksgiving. These little berries offer versatility beyond cranberry sauce and can be incorporated into an array of dishes. Here are 10 delicious cranberry recipes you must try, making the most of their flavor and nutritional benefits:
1. Cranberry-Apple Crisp
Start with a dessert that balances sweetness with tartness. The recipe combines tart cranberries with sweet apples under a crunchy, oat-based topping. Here’s how you can make it:
- 6 cups peeled, sliced apples
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 3⁄4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon
- For the topping: 1 cup oats, 1 cup flour, 3⁄4 cup brown sugar, 1⁄2 cup melted butter, a pinch of salt
Mix the fruit, sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon. Pour into a baking dish. Mix topping ingredients and sprinkle over fruit. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes until the topping is golden and crispy.
🎉 Note: You can adjust the sweetness by altering the sugar ratio to taste. Adding walnuts to the topping can give it an extra crunch!
2. Cranberry and Brie Grilled Cheese
Indulge in this savory treat where the melty Brie balances the tart cranberry sauce in an otherwise traditional grilled cheese:
- Brie Cheese
- Cranberry Sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Sourdough Bread
- Butter
Assemble the sandwich with brie and a layer of cranberry sauce. Butter the outside of the bread and grill until golden and cheese is melted.
3. Cranberry Orange Muffins
Start your day with these zesty muffins. The orange zest and juice pair wonderfully with cranberries:
- 2 cups flour
- 1⁄2 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cranberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1⁄2 cup orange juice
- 1⁄4 cup milk
- 1⁄4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- Zest of one orange
Combine dry ingredients. In another bowl, whisk together wet ingredients. Mix wet into dry. Stir in cranberries and orange zest. Pour into muffin cups and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.
🔔 Note: The combination of orange and cranberry is especially delightful around the holiday season!
4. Cranberry Mojito
For a refreshing cocktail, this twist on the classic mojito includes the zing of cranberries:
- Fresh mint leaves
- 1⁄2 cup cranberries
- Lime
- 2 oz white rum
- Soda water
- Sugar or simple syrup
Muddle cranberries, mint, and sugar in the bottom of a glass. Add ice, lime juice, rum, and top with soda water. Stir gently and garnish with a sprig of mint.
5. Cranberry Glazed Chicken
This dish turns a simple chicken dinner into something special with a sweet and tart glaze:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1⁄4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh rosemary
Mix glaze ingredients. Marinate chicken in half of the mixture for at least 30 minutes. Sear chicken, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, basting with remaining glaze during the last 5 minutes.
6. Cranberry Almond Couscous
Add a festive touch to your side dishes:
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 1⁄2 cups chicken broth
- 1⁄2 cup dried cranberries
- 1⁄4 cup slivered almonds
- Green onions
- Fresh parsley
- Olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper
Cook couscous as per package instructions using chicken broth. Once cooked, stir in cranberries, almonds, onions, parsley, and seasoning. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
🌰 Note: Toasted almonds add an extra layer of flavor. Consider pre-toasting them!
7. Cranberry Pecan Salad
This salad brings together a mix of textures and flavors with:
- Mixed greens
- Dried cranberries
- Candied pecans
- Goat cheese crumbles
- Citrus vinaigrette
Toss greens with cranberries, pecans, and goat cheese. Drizzle with a citrus vinaigrette to bring it all together.
8. Cranberry Barbecue Sauce
Elevate your barbecue game with this cranberry-infused sauce:
- 1 cup cranberries
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1⁄2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1⁄3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Simmer all ingredients until cranberries burst and sauce thickens. Blend for a smooth consistency if desired.
9. Cranberry Chocolate Bark
A sweet and tart treat perfect for holiday gatherings:
- 12 oz dark chocolate
- 1⁄2 cup dried cranberries
- 1⁄2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Melt chocolate and spread onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle cranberries and nuts over top. Allow to set in the refrigerator before breaking into pieces.
10. Cranberry Pumpkin Bread
Enjoy the fall flavors with this delicious bread:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1⁄2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup sugar
- 1⁄2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup cranberries
Whisk dry ingredients. In another bowl, mix wet ingredients. Combine wet and dry until just mixed, then fold in cranberries. Pour into a loaf pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60-70 minutes.
These 10 cranberry recipes not only showcase the berry's culinary versatility but also highlight its ability to enhance both sweet and savory dishes. From comforting desserts to savory mains, the inclusion of cranberries adds a pop of color and a burst of flavor, making them a must-try in your kitchen experiments.
Can I use frozen cranberries in these recipes?
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Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. Just ensure they are thawed and drained if the recipe calls for it, or use them directly if cooking or baking with them will naturally thaw them.
Are there any nutritional benefits to eating cranberries?
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Yes, cranberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins C and E, and fiber. They can help improve heart health, urinary tract health, and may even prevent certain types of infections.
What’s the best way to store fresh cranberries?
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Store fresh cranberries in the refrigerator where they can last up to two months. For longer storage, you can freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to a year.
Can I substitute cranberry sauce with fresh cranberries in the recipes?
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It depends on the recipe. For baking, you might need to cook fresh cranberries into a sauce first, or adjust the liquid content. For savory dishes like the Brie Grilled Cheese, you can use fresh cranberries if you cook them down to a sauce-like consistency before use.
