When it comes to cooking, dried cranberries are a versatile ingredient that can add natural sweetness, chewiness, and a burst of flavor to a wide range of dishes. From sweet treats like cookies and granola bars, to savory meals like salads and pilafs, there’s no shortage of creative ways to use these tangy little fruits. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner date recipe or a quick weeknight meal, we’ve got you covered with our collection of 18 delicious dried cranberry recipes that are perfect for every occasion.
Cranberry Orange Scones with Dried Cranberries
Brighten up your breakfast or brunch with these flavorful and tender scones, infused with the sweetness of dried cranberries and the warmth of orange zest.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 3/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– 1/4 cup dried cranberries
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work into the dry ingredients until crumbly.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together cream, egg, and orange zest. Pour into the dry mixture and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in dried cranberries.
6. Turn dough onto a floured surface and gently knead 2-3 times.
7. Pat into a circle about 1 inch thick.
8. Cut into wedges and place on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each scone.
9. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Dried Cranberry and Walnut Chicken Salad
This refreshing salad combines the savory flavor of chicken with the sweetness of dried cranberries and the crunch of walnuts, perfect for a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups mixed greens
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cranberries, and walnuts.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and honey until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Divide the mixed greens among four plates and top each plate with the chicken salad.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Quinoa Salad with Dried Cranberries and Almonds
A hearty and flavorful salad that combines the nutty taste of quinoa with sweet dried cranberries and crunchy almonds, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and chopped parsley.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and apple cider vinegar.
3. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (cooking time for quinoa)
Oatmeal Cookies with Dried Cranberries and White Chocolate
These chewy oatmeal cookies are infused with sweet and tangy dried cranberries, paired with the creamy richness of white chocolate. Perfect for a cozy treat or as a gift for friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup dried cranberries
– 1 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in flour, oats, and cranberries until just combined.
5. Melt white chocolate chips in microwave-safe bowl for 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden.
8. Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Dried Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken
This recipe combines the flavors of sweet dried cranberries and creamy brie cheese with tender chicken breast, making it a perfect main course for any special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 1/2 cup brie cheese, softened
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together dried cranberries and brie cheese.
3. Lay chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket. Stuff each breast with the cranberry-brie mixture.
4. Drizzle honey over the stuffed chicken and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet and sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spinach Salad with Dried Cranberries and Goat Cheese
A refreshing winter salad that combines the earthy flavor of spinach with the tanginess of goat cheese, sweet dried cranberries, and a hint of citrus.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
– 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese (chèvre)
– 1/4 cup dried cranberries
– 1/2 cup chopped red onion
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine spinach leaves, goat cheese, dried cranberries, and chopped red onion.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with orange juice.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (prep only)
Dried Cranberry and Pecan Wild Rice Pilaf
A sweet and savory blend of wild rice, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or as a side dish for the holidays.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup wild rice
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1/4 cup dried cranberries
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Rinse wild rice in a fine-mesh strainer and drain well.
3. In a medium saucepan, bring water or broth to a boil. Add wild rice, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 40-45 minutes or until tender.
4. While the rice is cooking, toast pecans in a small skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until fragrant.
5. In a large bowl, combine cooked wild rice, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If desired, add honey and stir to combine.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Apple Cranberry Stuffed Pork Loin
This sweet and savory pork loin recipe is perfect for a special occasion or holiday meal. The combination of tender pork, crunchy apples, and tangy cranberries creates a deliciously balanced flavor profile.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) boneless pork loin
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup apple cider
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
– 2 apples, peeled and chopped (Granny Smith or other firm variety)
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, onion, garlic, apple cider, brown sugar, and salt.
3. Place the pork loin on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Spoon the apple mixture evenly over the pork loin, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Arrange chopped apples and cranberries on top of the pork loin.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for about 2 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
7. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2 hours
Dried Cranberry and Dark Chocolate Energy Bites
These no-bake bites are packed with nutritious ingredients to keep you going throughout the day. With the natural sweetness of dried cranberries and the richness of dark chocolate, you’ll be powering through your tasks in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine oats and peanut butter until well combined.
2. Add honey and mix until smooth.
3. Stir in dried cranberries and dark chocolate chips.
4. Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Use a small cookie scoop or your hands to form into bite-sized balls (about 1-inch diameter).
6. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Cooking Time: None!
Enjoy your energizing and delicious Dried Cranberry and Dark Chocolate Energy Bites!
Sweet Potato Casserole with Dried Cranberries
Sweet Potato Casserole with Dried Cranberries
Experience the delightful combination of sweet potatoes, dried cranberries, and a hint of spice in this comforting casserole.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup dried cranberries
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine sweet potatoes, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss until the sweet potatoes are evenly coated.
3. Add heavy cream and dried cranberries; toss until well combined.
4. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Drizzle with melted butter.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the casserole is golden brown and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Dried Cranberry and Almond Granola Bars
Elevate your snack game with these delicious homemade granola bars, packed with dried cranberries and crunchy almonds. Perfect for a quick breakfast on-the-go or as a healthy pick-me-up anytime.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup chopped almonds
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup dried cranberries
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together oats, almonds, brown sugar, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine honey and vanilla extract. Pour over oat mixture and stir until well combined.
4. Fold in dried cranberries.
5. Press mixture into prepared baking dish.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden.
7. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Dried Cranberries and Bacon
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Dried Cranberries and Bacon: A Sweet and Savory Delight
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of roasted Brussels sprouts with the tanginess of dried cranberries and the smokiness of crispy bacon, creating a unique and delicious side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 6 slices of bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup dried cranberries
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated.
3. Spread the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.
4. While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, cook the bacon pieces in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the dried cranberries and remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
6. Once the Brussels sprouts are done, add the cooked bacon and cranberry mixture to the baking sheet. Toss to combine and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Dried Cranberry and Orange Glazed Ham
Add a sweet and tangy twist to your holiday ham with this easy-to-make glazed ham recipe featuring dried cranberries and orange zest. Perfect for special occasions or everyday meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham, trimmed
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1/4 cup dried cranberries
– 2 tablespoons orange marmalade
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, honey, mustard, and dried cranberries.
3. Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan, scoring the fat layer in a diamond pattern.
4. Brush the glaze mixture evenly over the entire surface of the ham.
5. Bake for 2-1/2 hours or until internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
6. During the last 30 minutes of baking, brush with orange marmalade and juice mixture, then sprinkle with grated orange zest.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Turkey and Dried Cranberry Panini
A flavorful and festive panini perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of bread ( Ciabatta or Focaccia work well)
– 2 oz sliced turkey breast
– 1/4 cup dried cranberries
– 1 tablespoon creamy mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a panini press or grill to medium-high heat.
2. Lay the bread slices on a flat surface.
3. Top each slice with sliced turkey, dried cranberries, mayonnaise, and honey.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place the sandwich in the panini press or grill and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the bread is toasted and the filling is heated through.
6. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 3-4 minutes
Dried Cranberry and Coconut Trail Mix
Get ready for a sweet and salty treat that’s perfect for snacking on-the-go! This recipe combines the chewy goodness of dried cranberries with the crunch of coconut flakes, nuts, and seeds.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried cranberries
– 1/2 cup shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup chopped almonds
– 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the dried cranberries and shredded coconut.
2. Add the chopped almonds and pumpkin seeds to the bowl.
3. Drizzle the honey over the mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
4. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the top and mix again.
5. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: None! Just mix and enjoy.
Pumpkin Bread with Dried Cranberries and Pecans
Warm up the fall season with this delightful pumpkin bread recipe, infused with sweet dried cranberries and crunchy pecans.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup dried cranberries
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, sugar, butter, eggs, cranberries, and pecans. Mix until well combined.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool on wire rack for 10 minutes before transferring to a plate.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Dried Cranberry and Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast
Elevate your breakfast game with this sweet and savory twist on classic French toast.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread (preferably Challah or Brioche)
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 egg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Maple syrup for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese and honey until smooth.
2. Add in the dried cranberries and fold them into the cream cheese mixture.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and salt.
4. Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly.
5. Stuff each slice with the cranberry-cream cheese mixture, dividing it evenly among the four slices.
6. Cook in a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Serve warm and drizzle with maple syrup if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Roasted Butternut Squash with Dried Cranberries and Sage
A sweet and savory fall side dish that combines the comforting warmth of roasted butternut squash with the tangy sweetness of dried cranberries and the earthy flavor of sage.
Ingredients:
– 1 large butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cubed
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1/4 cup dried cranberries
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh sage
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until squash is tender and caramelized.
4. Remove from the oven and stir in dried cranberries and chopped sage.
5. Return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes or until cranberries are plump and fragrant.
Cooking Time: 35-50 minutes
Summary
Get creative in the kitchen with these 18 delicious dried cranberry recipes for every occasion! From sweet treats like oatmeal cookies and energy bites to savory dishes like quinoa salads and stuffed chicken breasts, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy dried cranberries in combination with nuts, cheeses, and fruits to add a burst of flavor and color to your meals. Whether you’re looking for a holiday dessert or a quick breakfast on-the-go, these recipes are sure to inspire.