The Best Homemade Cranberry Relish Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade cranberry relish is a burst of flavor that’s perfect for any meal, especially during the holidays. It’s easy to make, and it brings a fresh, zesty twist to your table.
- Simple to prepare: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is a breeze, even for beginners.
- Customizable sweetness: You can adjust the sugar to suit your taste, making it as tart or as sweet as you like.
- Versatile and crowd-pleasing: Serve it as a side dish, spread it on sandwiches, or pair it with cheese—it’s sure to impress everyone!
Recipe

This homemade cranberry relish is a vibrant and zesty side dish that pairs perfectly with holiday meals. Its fresh, tangy flavor comes from a simple blend of cranberries, orange, and sugar, making it a delightful alternative to traditional cranberry sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 (12 oz) bag fresh cranberries, rinsed and sorted
- 1 medium orange, peeled and quartered
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Instructions:
- In a food processor, combine the cranberries and orange quarters. Pulse until finely chopped but not pureed.
- Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl. Stir in the sugar until well combined.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. Stir before serving.
Notes:
- For a less tart relish, reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup.
- This relish can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Equipment:
- Food processor
- Medium bowl
Time:
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 0 minutes
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
Serves 6-8
Nutrition
This homemade cranberry relish is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional content per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Saturated Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 5mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 28g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 22g |
| Protein | 0.5g |
| Vitamin C | 15% DV |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my homemade cranberry relish alongside roasted turkey—it’s a classic pairing that just feels like the holidays. For a simpler option, I’ll spread it on a cheese board, especially with creamy brie or sharp cheddar, and it always gets rave reviews. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser no matter how you use it!
Turkey Pairings
When you’ve got a juicy turkey ready to serve, it’s all about finding the right sides to make the meal shine. I love pairing it with classic holiday sides like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and stuffing that’s infused with turkey spices like sage, thyme, and rosemary. Those flavors just scream comfort and tradition. A buttery roll or two never hurts, and don’t forget a tangy cranberry relish to balance it all out. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a big, warm hug. Trust me, your guests will be asking for seconds—and the recipe!
Cheese Accompaniments
Nothing elevates a cheese board quite like the right accompaniments—it’s all about balance. When I’m putting together festive platters, I love pairing cranberry relish with a mix of cheeses. A sharp cheddar contrasts beautifully with its tangy sweetness, while creamy brie softens the relish’s zing. For something unexpected, try a crumbly blue cheese—it’s bold but works surprisingly well. I always add toasted nuts, like walnuts or almonds, for crunch, and a handful of fresh herbs for a pop of color. These cheese pairings transform a simple relish into a showstopper, perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.