Fresh cranberry relish is a must-have for any holiday meal, or even just for a cozy weekend brunch. I really love how a simple bowl of homemade relish can brighten up so many dishes. Today, I’m sharing two easy ways you can make your own delicious cranberry sides at home.
Whether you prefer a bright citrusy flavor or a classic, straightforward berry taste, I have you covered. These recipes are simple to follow and use fresh ingredients you can find easily. Let’s get started on making these wonderful cranberry treats!
Jump to Recipe:
Easy Cranberry Orange Relish for Your Table
This relish brings together the tartness of cranberries with the sweet zest of oranges. It’s a fantastic side dish that adds a bright flavor to any meal.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Fresh Cranberries: Always use fresh, firm cranberries for the best texture and taste. Frozen berries work too, but fresh are ideal.
- Orange Zest: Don’t skip the zest! It holds most of the orange’s essential oils, giving a strong, fresh citrus note to your relish.
- Sweetness Balance: Adjust the sugar to your preference. Some like it tarter, others sweeter. Taste as you go!
What You Need
- 1 (12-ounce) bag fresh cranberries
- 1 medium orange, zested and juiced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or to taste)
- 1/4 cup water
🍽️ Yields: 6 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Wash the cranberries well and pick out any soft ones. Zest and juice your orange. Get a medium saucepan ready.
Step 2: Combine and Cook
In the saucepan, add the cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, sugar, and water. Stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. The cranberries will burst and the sauce will thicken. Stir occasionally. Remove from heat and let it cool completely before serving.
📝 Final Note
Store any leftover relish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors get even better after a day or two!
Classic Cranberry Relish: A Simple Side Dish
This straightforward cranberry relish recipe is a timeless favorite. It’s easy to make and lets the natural bright flavor of cranberries shine through.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses just a few items, so choose good quality cranberries. They are the star!
- Texture Control: For a chunkier relish, cook it for a shorter time. For a smoother one, cook longer and mash some berries gently.
- Chill Time: This relish is best served cold. Allow plenty of time for it to chill in the refrigerator before you serve it.
What You Need
- 1 (12-ounce) bag fresh cranberries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
🍽️ Yields: 4-5 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Get Ready
Wash your cranberries and remove any stems or bad berries. Grab a medium saucepan.
Step 2: Cook the Berries
In the saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, and water. Place it over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 3: Simmer and Thicken
Reduce the heat to low and let the relish simmer for 10-12 minutes. The cranberries will soften and burst, and the sauce will naturally thicken as it cooks. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
Take the saucepan off the heat and let the relish cool completely. Transfer it to a serving bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before you eat it.
📝 Final Note
You can add a pinch of cinnamon or a tiny bit of ground cloves during cooking for an extra warm spice note if you like.