Cranberry Relish Recipe

Tested & Loved by Chef Emily
I’ve perfected this cranberry relish recipe over countless Thanksgiving dinners with my family. Fresh cranberries, bright citrus, and just enough sweetness come together for a no-cook relish that’s foolproof, zesty, and far better than any store-bought version, trust me, once you try it, you’ll skip the canned stuff forever.

To make the best cranberry relish recipe at home, simply pulse fresh cranberries, a whole orange (with peel for extra zest!), and sugar in your food processor until finely chopped, no cooking needed! This cranberry orange relish recipe comes together in minutes and adds a sweet-tart, refreshing bite to your holiday table. It’s my go-to side for Thanksgiving and Christmas because it’s foolproof, make-ahead friendly, and always a crowd favorite with turkey, ham, or sandwiches.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Relish Recipe

Here’s why this cranberry relish recipe has been a family favorite for generations, and will be yours too:

• 5-Minute Prep: Just three ingredients and a food processor.
• Fresh & No-Cook: Unlike cranberry sauce, this stays raw for unbeatable brightness.
• Naturally Zesty: Using a whole orange turns it into a true cranberry orange relish recipe with a bold citrus punch.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Flavors deepen overnight, perfect for stress-free holiday prep.
• Versatile & Homemade: Say goodbye to canned, this is the best cranberry relish recipe ever for turkey, sandwiches, or over cream cheese and crackers.

Key Ingredients in Cranberry Relish Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this cranberry relish recipe with orange, simple, fresh, and easy to find:

• Fresh Cranberries: The star of any great cranberry relish recipe. Look for firm, bright berries. Frozen cranberries work too, just thaw and drain first.
• Whole Orange: For the bold citrus bite, use an entire orange with the peel on. It gives this cranberry and orange relish recipe its signature zest. If you prefer a milder flavor, peel the orange first or use a sweeter variety like Cara Cara.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the natural tartness of cranberries and orange peel. Adjust to taste for more sweetness.
• Optional Warm Spices: For a twist, add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or fresh ginger; they turn this into the best cranberry relish recipe ever with a cozy holiday aroma.

How to Make Cranberry Relish Recipe

Making the best cranberry relish recipe is incredibly easy, no stove, no stress, just fresh, bold flavor every time. Here’s my foolproof method:

Step 1: Prep the Orange

Slice off both ends of the orange just enough to expose the flesh, but keep the peel on for extra zest and depth. Cut the orange into 8 wedges and remove any seeds if needed.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a food processor, add the fresh cranberries, orange wedges, and granulated sugar. For a classic cranberry relish recipe with orange, these three are all you need. If you like a spiced version, add a pinch of cinnamon or fresh ginger now.

Step 3: Pulse Until Chunky

Pulse the mixture in short bursts until everything is finely chopped but not pureed, you want a chunky, relish-like texture. Scrape down the sides if needed.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Transfer the relish to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld. This step is key for the best taste!

Chef Emily’s Tip:
I always make this cranberry orange relish recipe a day in advance, the flavor only gets better.

Expert Tips for Success

• Use the freshest cranberries you can find, soft ones make soggy relish.
• Always pulse, don’t blend continuously, this keeps it chunky.
• Taste before chilling: adjust sweetness or add a squeeze of lemon if needed.
• Chill at least an hour, or overnight for the best cranberry orange relish recipe flavor.
• Serve it cold for the brightest taste!

Substitutions & Variations

Make this cranberry relish recipe your own:

• Change Citrus: Use tangerine, mandarin, or blood orange for a unique twist.
• Add Nuts: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
• Make It Spiced: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger.
• Go Boozy: A splash of Grand Marnier or Cointreau transforms it into an adult-friendly relish.
• Sweetener Swap: Replace sugar with honey or pure maple syrup for a softer sweetness.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

One of the best things about this cranberry relish recipe is how well it keeps. You can make this cranberry orange relish recipe a few days before your holiday meal, it actually tastes better as the flavors meld. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks, or freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw overnight and stir before serving for the freshest, zesty bite every time.

What to Serve with Cranberry Relish Recipe

This sweet-tart cranberry relish recipe pairs perfectly with a variety of holiday mains and everyday dishes. Its bright citrus flavor cuts through rich meats and adds a burst of freshness to leftovers. Here are my favorite ways to serve this cranberry orange relish recipe, from Thanksgiving dinner to quick snacks:

• Cajun Turkey Brine Recipe
• Gourmet Orange Roughy Recipe
• Durkee Chicken Recipe
• Grouse Cheese Recipe

Cranberry Relish Recipe

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

• Author: Emily
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 3 cups 1x
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

The best Cranberry Relish recipe is fresh, uncooked, and made with just 3 simple ingredients: cranberries, orange (with peel), and sugar. It’s zesty, sweet-tart, and perfect for serving with turkey, chicken, or pork. A family favorite for generations!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 ounces fresh cranberries  
• 1 orange, peel ON  
• 1 cup granulated sugar

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Instructions

1. Slice the ends off the orange just until you see the flesh. Leave the rest of the peel on and cut into 8 wedges. 
   
2. Add cranberries, orange wedges, and sugar to a food processor. Process until smooth or until no large chunks remain.
   
3. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1–2 weeks. Delicious over turkey, chicken, or pork loin!
   

Notes

Yield: Makes about 3 cups, serving size is about 1 Tablespoon per person.

Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare up to 2 weeks in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Freezing Tip: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for 2–3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 Tablespoon
• Calories: 110 kcal
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 0.7mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Once you try this fresh, zesty cranberry relish recipe, you’ll never go back to canned! With just a few simple ingredients, it’s the easiest way to brighten any holiday plate. Make it ahead, tweak it to your taste, and watch it become your new Thanksgiving and Christmas tradition, from my kitchen to yours.

Written by Emily, a passionate home chef with 10+ years of baking experience. Follow her adventures on Pinterest @yurecipes