Easy Cranberry Orange Relish Recipe

If you’re looking for a fresh, tangy, and downright delightful way to brighten up your holiday table, you’re going to want to try this Easy Cranberry Orange Relish Recipe. It’s got that perfect balance of tart cranberries, bright oranges, and crisp apples, all coming together with a little sweetness and a hint of cinnamon. I promise you, this isn’t your typical cranberry sauce—it’s fresher, zestier, and wildly addictive. Stick around, because I’m going to walk you through exactly how to make it so it turns out fantastic every single time.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here are straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in creating that balanced, fresh holiday flavor. Make sure to grab firm, ripe fruit because the texture makes all the difference. And the cinnamon? Totally optional, but I find it adds just a subtle warmth that rounds everything out.

• Fresh cranberries: Look for bright, plump berries without any soft spots to ensure freshness.
• Navel orange: Keep the peel on for extra citrusy zing—just wash thoroughly first.
• Granny Smith apple: The tartness here balances sweetness and adds crunch; no peeling needed.
• Granulated sugar: Adjust this to your taste—some apples and oranges are sweeter than others.
• Ground cinnamon (optional): Adds warmth and depth; great for a holiday twist but feel free to skip if you prefer.

Variations

This Easy Cranberry Orange Relish Recipe is super versatile, so don’t hesitate to put your own spin on it. I love playing with the ingredients based on what I have on hand or what flavors my family is craving.

• Less Sweet, More Tart: I sometimes reduce the sugar and add a splash of fresh lemon juice for extra brightness.
• Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg creates a cozy, festive feel that my relatives adore.
• Nutty Crunch: My go-to variation includes folding in chopped toasted pecans or walnuts, which add a nice texture contrast.
• Holiday Boost: Stir in a handful of dried cranberries or raisins for a chewy sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the fresh fruit.

How to Make Easy Cranberry Orange Relish Recipe

Step 1: Process the Cranberries

Start by tossing those fresh cranberries into your food processor. Here’s the trick: pulse them about 20 times to get a nice coarse chop. You don’t want puree, but you also don’t want big, chunky berries—think juicy little morsels. This texture keeps the relish chunky and fresh, instead of a mushy sauce.

Step 2: Add the Orange

Next, add the orange chunks (with the peel!) to the processor. This part gets a bit mushier—that’s perfectly fine because the orange skin brings that vibrant citrus flavor. Again, pulse about 20-30 times. You’ll see the texture become soft, but there will still be some little peel bits—which is exactly what you want.

Step 3: Chop the Apple

Add your quartered Granny Smith apple to the processor. This can stick a bit, so scrape down the sides halfway through pulsing. Another 20-30 pulses should get you finely chopped chunks that add crunch and tartness to the mix. The apple really rounds out the flavor and adds bulk without overpowering the cranberries and orange.

Step 4: Combine and Chill

Pour all the fruit into a mixing bowl. Stir in the granulated sugar and cinnamon (if using), mix well, cover, and pop it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least an hour before serving. This gives the sugar time to dissolve and the flavors to meld beautifully. You can even make it up to three days ahead for maximum flavor.

How to Serve Easy Cranberry Orange Relish Recipe

Garnishes

I love adding a few fresh mint leaves or even some whole cranberries on top for a pop of color and extra freshness. Sometimes, a sprinkle of finely chopped pecans adds a lovely crunch and looks elegant on a serving platter.

Side Dishes

This relish is a game changer alongside roast turkey, ham, or even grilled chicken. It’s also fantastic next to creamy mashed potatoes or spread on turkey sandwiches the next day. My kids adore it with simple roasted veggies too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive party, I like serving this in mini glass jars or cute ramekins with a little wooden spoon attached. It’s elegant and makes a great conversation starter. Another fun idea: swirl a bit into goat cheese spread and place on crostini for an easy appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover relish in an airtight container in the fridge. I find it keeps beautifully for up to 3 days, and the flavors only deepen. Just give it a quick stir before serving again.

Freezing

While I don’t usually freeze cranberry relish because I love that fresh flavor, it *can* be frozen in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Just note the texture may soften slightly when thawed.

Reheating

This relish is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you want it a bit softer, just leave it out for 20 minutes before serving or gently warm it in the microwave for a few seconds—careful not to cook it.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Easy Cranberry Orange Relish Recipe adds a fresh twist to holiday classics. When I first made it, I was amazed at how simple it is, yet how much it elevates the whole meal. Whether you’re a cranberry lover or just looking for a vibrant, easy side dish, you’ll find that this relish never disappoints. Trust me, your family and friends will keep asking for more!

Print