5 Easy Fresh Cranberry Relish Recipes for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving dinner is more than just a feast; it's a celebration of family, gratitude, and of course, delicious food. While traditional dishes like turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes often take the spotlight, cranberry dishes provide a vibrant and tangy counterpoint to the rich flavors on the table. Among these, fresh cranberry relish stands out for its simplicity and freshness. In this blog post, we'll explore 5 easy and delectable fresh cranberry relish recipes that will add a splash of color and flavor to your Thanksgiving spread.

Classic Cranberry-Orange Relish

The first recipe brings us back to the roots with a Classic Cranberry-Orange Relish . This timeless combination is not only straightforward to prepare but also bursts with flavor:

• Ingredients:
  • 12 ounces fresh cranberries, rinsed
  • 1 orange, zested and juiced
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
• Instructions:
  1. Place cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, and sugar in a food processor.
  2. Pulse until the mixture achieves a coarse, relish-like consistency.
  3. Transfer to a serving bowl and let sit for 20-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

✨ Note: For a more refined flavor, chill the relish for a couple of hours before serving.

Spiced Cranberry-Apple Relish

If you're looking for something with a bit more complexity, this Spiced Cranberry-Apple Relish adds warmth and depth with spices:

• Ingredients:
  • 12 ounces fresh cranberries
  • 2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • Pinch of salt
• Instructions:
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries start to pop, about 10 minutes.
  2. Reduce heat to low, stirring occasionally, and let simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until the mixture thickens.
  3. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate.

🔸 Note: This relish pairs excellently with smoked turkey or as a spread for post-Thanksgiving sandwiches.

Cranberry Pecan Relish with Pomegranate

Enhance your relish with a crunch and a splash of vibrant red:

• Ingredients:
  • 12 ounces fresh cranberries
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate arils
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger
• Instructions:
  1. Combine cranberries, sugar, orange zest, and ginger in a food processor. Pulse until you reach a desired consistency.
  2. Fold in pomegranate arils and pecans.
  3. Chill for at least an hour before serving.

Maple and Walnut Cranberry Relish

Take a sweeter turn with this Maple and Walnut Cranberry Relish :

• Ingredients:
  • 12 ounces fresh cranberries
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg
• Instructions:
  1. In a saucepan, bring cranberries and maple syrup to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
  2. Cook until cranberries are soft but still hold their shape, about 15 minutes.
  3. Add lemon zest and nutmeg, then mix in walnuts. Let cool.

🌟 Note: This recipe showcases the versatility of cranberries, bringing out their natural sweetness with maple syrup.

Mango-Ginger Cranberry Relish

Last but not least, a fusion of flavors with this Mango-Ginger Cranberry Relish :

• Ingredients:
  • 12 ounces fresh cranberries
  • 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon grated lime zest
• Instructions:
  1. In a food processor, pulse cranberries, mango, ginger, lime juice, and lime zest until finely chopped but not pureed.
  2. Stir in honey, adjust to taste.
  3. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

🔹 Note: The tropical twist with mango adds an unexpected and delightful note to the traditional cranberry relish.

These 5 fresh cranberry relish recipes are perfect for diversifying your Thanksgiving meal with bursts of flavor and color. They not only complement the other Thanksgiving dishes but also bring a unique touch to your table, making your feast memorable. Cranberries, with their tartness, balance the richness of the holiday meal, and these relishes can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your Thanksgiving preparations.

Can I make these relishes in advance?

+

Yes, all these relishes can be made 2-3 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to let the flavors develop even further.

What can I serve these relishes with besides turkey?

+

These relishes are versatile. Try them with:

• Cheese platters
• Sandwiches
• As a topping for grilled or roasted meats
• Mixed into yogurt or oatmeal for a sweet-tart breakfast treat

Can I freeze cranberry relish?

+

Cranberry relish can be frozen, but the texture might change slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze without nuts or fruits, adding these fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Related Terms:

• fresh cranberry relish recipes
• Best cranberry relish recipe ever
• Old fashioned cranberry relish
• Best cranberry sauce recipe
• Cooked cranberry relish
• Canned cranberry relish recipe