Introduction

This 5-Minute Cranberry Relish is the easiest recipe for a fresh, vibrant holiday side dish. Requiring no cooking, it comes together with just a few simple ingredients and a food processor. For another festive cranberry pairing, try the Cranberry-Glazed Roasted Butternut Squash Salad Recipe. It’s the perfect make-ahead condiment to brighten any meal.

Ingredients

This vibrant Cranberry Relish combines tart cranberries with sweet citrus for a refreshingly bright condiment that’s perfect for holiday meals.

• 12 ounces fresh cranberries, washed
• 1 orange, peel on, cut into 8 wedges
• 1 cup granulated sugar (or substitute with honey or maple syrup to taste)

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	10 minutes
Total Time	25 minutes

Context: This Cranberry Relish recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes, making it a quick and convenient choice for holiday meals.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Ingredients

Gather 12 ounces fresh cranberries, 1 orange (zested and juiced), ¾ cup granulated sugar, and ¼ cup water. Rinse cranberries thoroughly and discard any soft or discolored berries.

Tip: Use a microplane for fine orange zest to distribute citrus flavor evenly throughout your Cranberry Relish.

Step 2 — Combine Ingredients

In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, sugar, and water. Stir gently to coat the cranberries with sugar.

Tip: Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes before heating to help the sugar begin dissolving, which prevents graininess.

Step 3 — Cook the Relish

Place saucepan over medium heat and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Cook for 10-12 minutes until cranberries have popped and mixture has thickened slightly.

Tip: Listen for the popping sound—this indicates the cranberries are breaking down and releasing their pectin for natural thickening.

Step 4 — Test Consistency

The Cranberry Relish is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and most berries have burst. It will thicken further as it cools.

Tip: For chunkier relish, remove from heat when about half the berries remain whole. For smoother relish, cook until all berries have popped.

Step 5 — Cool Completely

Transfer the Cranberry Relish to a heatproof bowl and let cool to room temperature, about 1 hour. Do not cover while hot to prevent condensation.

Tip: Spread relish in a thin layer for faster cooling if you’re short on time.

Step 6 — Adjust Sweetness

Taste the cooled relish and add more sugar if desired. Remember flavors will continue to develop as it chills.

Tip: Add sugar 1 tablespoon at a time, stirring thoroughly between additions to avoid over-sweetening.

Step 7 — Chill Before Serving

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. The Cranberry Relish will thicken significantly as it chills.

Tip: For best flavor and texture, make your Cranberry Relish at least one day ahead to allow flavors to fully meld.

Step 8 — Serve and Store

Transfer to a serving dish and bring to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Tip: This Cranberry Relish freezes well for up to 3 months—portion into freezer containers for easy future use.

Nutritional Information

Calories	90
Protein	0.5g
Carbohydrates	23g
Fat	0.1g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	5mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Maple syrup instead of white sugar — Adds rich, caramel-like sweetness with trace minerals.
• Orange zest instead of orange juice — Provides bright citrus flavor without added sugar.
• Chopped apples instead of some cranberries — Naturally sweetens the relish and reduces tartness.
• Fresh ginger instead of candied ginger — Delivers spicy warmth without sugar coating.
• Chopped pecans instead of walnuts — Offers a buttery, lower-carb crunch alternative.
• Cinnamon stick instead of ground cinnamon — Infuses subtle spice without settling in the relish.
• Low-sodium vegetable broth instead of water — Enhances depth of flavor while controlling salt.
• Chia seeds instead of pectin — Creates natural thickening with added fiber and omega-3s.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this vibrant Cranberry Relish with roasted turkey or baked ham for a classic holiday meal.
• Serve it alongside a cheese board featuring brie or sharp cheddar for a sweet and savory appetizer.
• Use it as a refreshing condiment for turkey sandwiches or leftover holiday wraps.
• Top grilled chicken or pork chops with a generous spoonful of Cranberry Relish for a bright, tangy finish.
• Incorporate it into a festive salad by mixing it with greens, goat cheese, and candied pecans.
• For an elegant presentation, serve the Cranberry Relish in a hollowed-out orange or small glass bowl garnished with fresh mint.

This Cranberry Relish is wonderfully versatile, making it perfect for holiday dinners, casual gatherings, or everyday meals where a pop of flavor is desired.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using canned cranberry sauce instead of fresh berries. Fix: Fresh cranberries provide superior texture and a brighter, more vibrant flavor that makes this Cranberry Relish shine.
• Mistake: Overcooking the cranberries into a mushy jam. Fix: Cook just until the berries pop to maintain a pleasant, chunky relish consistency.
• Mistake: Skipping the citrus zest. Fix: The zest adds essential aromatic oils that elevate the relish beyond simple sweetness.
• Mistake: Not balancing the tartness with enough sweetener. Fix: Taste and adjust sugar or maple syrup after cooking, as berry tartness can vary.
• Mistake: Adding ingredients like nuts too early. Fix: Stir in walnuts or pecans just before serving to keep them crunchy.
• Mistake: Serving the relish immediately while still warm. Fix: Chill for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld perfectly.
• Mistake: Using a dull knife or food processor to chop additions. Fix: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts for ingredients like apple or orange, preventing a pulpy mess.
• Mistake: Forgetting to adjust for altitude. Fix: At high altitudes, add a tablespoon more liquid and extend cooking time slightly to prevent scorching.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your Cranberry Relish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. Ensure it is cooled to room temperature before refrigerating.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze your Cranberry Relish in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use.
• Reheat: Gently warm the relish in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a safe serving temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).

Always use clean utensils when serving to prevent contamination and extend the freshness of your Cranberry Relish.

Conclusion

This easy cranberry relish is the perfect sweet-tart side dish for your holiday table. Pair it with our Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe (Foolproof!) and Parker House Rolls Recipe for a complete feast. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments below!

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FAQs

Can I make this Cranberry Relish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this Cranberry Relish up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors meld and improve over time, making it a great make-ahead dish.

How long does homemade Cranberry Relish last?

Homemade Cranberry Relish will keep for about 1 to 2 weeks when stored properly in the refrigerator. Ensure it is in a sealed container to maintain freshness and prevent it from absorbing other odors.

Can I freeze Cranberry Relish?

Yes, you can freeze this Cranberry Relish for up to 3 months. Place it in a freezer-safe container, leaving some headspace for expansion. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.