20 Tangy Cranberry Relish Recipes for Holidays

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March 30, 2025

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these 20 tangy and delicious cranberry relish recipes perfect for the holiday season! Cranberries are a staple during this time of year, and what better way to incorporate them into your menu than with a sweet and tangy relish. From classic combinations like orange and cinnamon, to more adventurous pairings like jalapeño and lime, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll be sharing our favorite cranberry relish recipes that are sure to impress your guests and add some excitement to your holiday gatherings.

Whether you’re looking for a traditional recipe or something new and innovative, these relishes offer a wide range of flavors and textures to suit any taste. From sweet and sticky to tangy and zesty, we’ve got 20 mouth-watering recipes that are sure to become a new family tradition. So go ahead, get creative, and make this holiday season one to remember!

Classic Orange Cranberry Relish

Classic Orange Cranberry Relish
This sweet and tangy relish is a perfect accompaniment to your favorite holiday dishes, from turkey to ham to roasted vegetables. Its bold flavors will add a delicious twist to any meal.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse the cranberries and pick out any stems or debris.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cranberries, orange juice, nuts, honey, and orange zest.
3. Mix until the cranberries are well coated with the other ingredients.
4. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Cooking Time: None! This relish is best served chilled or at room temperature.

Spiced Apple Cranberry Relish

Spiced Apple Cranberry Relish
This sweet and tangy relish is a perfect blend of fall flavors, combining the crunch of apples with the tartness of cranberries and the warmth of spices. It’s a delicious addition to your holiday gatherings or a tasty topping for your favorite dishes.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 cup diced apples (Granny Smith or Fuji work well)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine cranberries, apples, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Toss until well mixed.
2. Add the cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Cooking Time: None

Honey Walnut Cranberry Relish

Honey Walnut Cranberry Relish
This sweet and tangy relish is perfect for topping turkey sandwiches, crackers, or yogurt parfaits. Made with fresh cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and a hint of honey, it’s an easy-to-make condiment that adds flavor to any meal.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon orange juice
– Salt (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the cranberries and pick out any stems or debris.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cranberries, walnuts, and honey.
3. Squeeze the apple cider vinegar and orange juice over the mixture, stirring until everything is well coated.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If it’s too sweet, add a pinch of salt.

Cooking Time: None! This relish is best served chilled or at room temperature.

Pineapple Cranberry Relish

Pineapple Cranberry Relish
Pineapple Cranberry Relish Recipe

This sweet and tangy relish is perfect for topping yogurt, oatmeal, or using as a condiment for grilled meats or cheeses.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons orange juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the pineapple, cranberries, and sugar.
2. Squeeze in the orange juice and add the honey. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.
3. Add the salt and stir well to combine.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Cooking Time: None, as this is a refrigerated recipe

Ginger Pear Cranberry Relish

Ginger Pear Cranberry Relish
This refreshing relish combines the natural sweetness of pears with the spicy warmth of ginger and the tartness of cranberries, making it a perfect condiment for your holiday gatherings.

Ingredients:

– 2 ripe pears (such as Bartlett or Anjou), peeled, cored, and diced
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine pears, ginger, and sugar.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is tender and the pears are caramelized (about 10-12 minutes).
3. Add cranberries and apple cider vinegar to the pan.
4. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the relish has thickened slightly.
6. Remove from heat and season with salt to taste.

Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes

Maple Bourbon Cranberry Relish

Maple Bourbon Cranberry Relish
Elevate your holiday gatherings with this sweet and tangy relish, perfect for topping turkey, crackers, or using as a dip.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey (adjust to taste)
– 1/4 cup orange juice
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse the cranberries and pick out any stems or debris.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, maple syrup, bourbon whiskey, orange juice, and Dijon mustard.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the cranberries have popped and the relish has thickened slightly.
5. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Citrus Zest Cranberry Relish

Citrus Zest Cranberry Relish
Brighten up your holiday gatherings with this tangy and sweet relish, featuring the flavors of citrus zest, cranberries, and a hint of spice.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse the cranberries and pick out any stems or debris.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, lemon juice, and grated citrus zests (orange and lemon).
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the cranberries have popped and the relish has thickened slightly.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the grated ginger. Season with salt to taste.
5. Let the relish cool completely before serving.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Rosemary Cranberry Relish

Rosemary Cranberry Relish
This refreshing relish combines the tartness of cranberries with the earthy flavor of rosemary, perfect for a seasonal twist on traditional condiments. Use it as a topping for crackers, meats, or cheeses.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary leaves
– 2 tablespoons orange juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse the cranberries and pick out any stems or debris.
2. In a food processor, combine the cranberries, rosemary, orange juice, and honey. Process until coarsely chopped.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Cooking Time:

– Prep time: 10 minutes
– Chill time: 30 minutes

Jalapeño Lime Cranberry Relish

Jalapeño Lime Cranberry Relish
Add a burst of flavor to your holiday gatherings with this unique Jalapeño Lime Cranberry Relish. This sweet and spicy condiment is perfect for topping turkey, using as a dip, or serving alongside cheeses and crackers.

Ingredients:

– 12 oz (3 cups) fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon grated lime zest
– Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and chopped jalapeño.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries pop and the mixture thickens, about 10-12 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in lime juice and zest.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Let cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Pomegranate Cranberry Relish

Pomegranate Cranberry Relish
This sweet and tangy relish is perfect for the holiday season, adding a burst of flavor to your turkey, stuffing, or as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (fresh or dried)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons orange juice
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine cranberries, pomegranate seeds, sugar, orange juice, and apple cider vinegar.
2. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Cooking Time: None required! This relish is best served fresh.

Balsamic Cranberry Relish

Balsamic Cranberry Relish
This sweet and tangy relish is perfect for topping turkey sandwiches, crackers, or even using as a dip for vegetables. With its combination of tart cranberries and rich balsamic glaze, it’s sure to become a new favorite!

Ingredients:

– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (or reduced balsamic vinegar)
– 1 tablespoon orange juice or apple cider
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse the cranberries and pick out any stems or debris.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, and balsamic glaze. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture starts to simmer.
3. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the cranberries have popped and the relish has thickened slightly.
4. Stir in the orange juice or apple cider and grated ginger.
5. Remove from heat and season with salt to taste.
6. Let cool to room temperature before serving.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Minty Cranberry Relish

Minty Cranberry Relish
This sweet and tangy relish is perfect for accompanying turkey, ham, or as a dip for crackers. The addition of fresh mint gives it a bright and refreshing flavor.

Ingredients:

– 12 oz (340g) fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/4 cup (60ml) granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons freshly chopped mint leaves
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon orange juice

Instructions:

1. Rinse the cranberries and pick out any stems or debris.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, mint leaves, apple cider vinegar, and orange juice.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have popped and the relish has thickened slightly.
4. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing.

Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes

Servings: 2 cups (475ml)

Vanilla Bean Cranberry Relish

Vanilla Bean Cranberry Relish
This sweet and tangy relish is perfect for topping turkey sandwiches, yogurt parfaits, or using as a dip for crackers. The addition of vanilla bean adds a creamy and aromatic flavor to the classic cranberry relish.

Ingredients:

– 12 oz (340g) fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup (120ml) granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons freshly scraped vanilla bean seeds
– 1 tablespoon orange juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Rinse the cranberries and pick out any stems or debris.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, vanilla bean seeds, orange juice, and salt.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries pop and the mixture thickens, about 10-12 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Cardamom Cranberry Relish

Cardamom Cranberry Relish
This refreshing relish combines the tartness of cranberries with the warm, aromatic flavor of cardamom, making it a perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes, from savory meats to sweet desserts.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons orange juice
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and ginger. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries have popped and the mixture has thickened slightly, about 10-12 minutes.
2. Stir in cardamom and salt. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Cinnamon Orange Cranberry Relish

Cinnamon Orange Cranberry Relish
Elevate your holiday gatherings with this unique and delicious relish, perfect for topping turkey, yogurt, or using as a dip. The combination of sweet cranberries, tangy orange, and warm cinnamon is sure to please!

Ingredients:

– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 2 tablespoons grated orange zest
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the cranberries and pick out any stems or debris.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and orange zest.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries pop and the mixture thickens slightly (about 10-12 minutes).
4. Remove from heat and stir in the cinnamon.
5. Let cool to room temperature before refrigerating or using immediately.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Star Anise Cranberry Relish

Star Anise Cranberry Relish
Add a sweet and tangy twist to your holiday gatherings with this unique relish recipe featuring star anise and cranberries.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons orange juice
– 1 teaspoon ground star anise
– 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Rinse the cranberries and pick out any stems or debris.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, orange juice, star anise, and salt.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
4. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the relish has thickened slightly.
5. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Toasted Almond Cranberry Relish

Toasted Almond Cranberry Relish
Elevate your holiday gatherings with this sweet and tangy relish, perfect for topping turkey, crackers, or even using as a dip. The combination of toasted almonds and fresh cranberries creates a delicious flavor profile that’s sure to please.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped toasted almonds
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
– Salt (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the cranberries and pick out any stems or debris.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the cranberries, sugar, and salt (if using). Let it sit for about 15 minutes, until the cranberries start to release their juice and the mixture becomes syrupy.
3. Stir in the chopped almonds, orange zest, and orange juice until well combined.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Cooking Time: None needed! This relish is best served chilled or at room temperature.

Chocolate Swirl Cranberry Relish

Chocolate Swirl Cranberry Relish
This sweet and tangy relish is a perfect blend of flavors, featuring the tartness of cranberries, the richness of dark chocolate, and a hint of spice. It’s a unique twist on traditional cranberry sauce that’s sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering.

Ingredients:

– 12 oz (340g) fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup (120ml) granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup (60ml) dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– 1 tablespoon orange juice
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Rinse the cranberries and pick out any stems or debris.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, and 1/4 cup (60ml) water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the cranberries have popped and the mixture has thickened.
3. Stir in the chocolate chips until melted and smooth.
4. Add the orange zest, juice, and cinnamon. Mix well to combine.
5. Let the relish cool to room temperature before serving.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Cranberry Fig Relish

Cranberry Fig Relish
Add a sweet and tangy twist to your holiday meals with this Cranberry Fig Relish recipe.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup chopped dried figs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse the cranberries and pick out any stems or debris.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, figs, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and honey.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the relish has thickened slightly.
4. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
5. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Smoky Chipotle Cranberry Relish

Smoky Chipotle Cranberry Relish
This smoky chipotle cranberry relish adds a bold twist to traditional cranberry sauce, perfect for adding depth and excitement to your holiday meals. With the perfect balance of sweet and heat, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup orange juice

Instructions:

1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine cranberries and sugar. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, until the berries start to release their juice.
2. Add the chopped chipotle peppers, apple cider vinegar, salt, and orange juice to the bowl. Stir until well combined.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Cooking Time: 15 minutes (preparation), 30 minutes (chilling)

Summary

Get ready to spice up your holiday gatherings with these 20 tangy cranberry relish recipes! From classic orange and spiced apple to honey walnut and maple bourbon, there’s a flavor combination to suit every taste. Try adding some zesty citrus zest or warm spices like ginger and cinnamon to give your dishes an extra boost. Whether you’re looking for sweet and savory or bold and adventurous, these cranberry relish recipes are sure to be a hit at your holiday party.

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