The Best Fresh Cranberry Relish – An Easy 5-Minute Recipe

Introduction

Fresh cranberry relish is a vibrant and tangy addition to any holiday table. This easy 5-minute recipe combines tart cranberries with citrus and warm spices for a refreshing, make-ahead condiment.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 orange, juice and zest of (plus more for serving, optional)
• 1/2 lemon, juice and zest of
• 3/4 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Step 1: Combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice and zest, lemon juice and zest, kosher salt, and ground cinnamon in a food processor.
2. Step 2: Pulse the mixture several times until the berries are broken down but still slightly chunky for texture.
3. Step 3: Transfer the relish to a bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Step 4: Garnish with additional orange zest if desired, and serve chilled alongside your favorite dishes.

Tips & Variations

• For a smoother relish, pulse longer in the food processor, but be careful not to overblend into a puree.
• Replace granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener alternative.
• Add a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg for extra warm spice notes.
• Include chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch just before serving.

Storage

Store the cranberry relish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat is not necessary, as it is best served chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this relish ahead of time?

Yes, this relish actually benefits from making ahead. Refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Frozen cranberries can be used if fresh are not available, but thaw and drain any excess liquid before processing to avoid a watery relish.

The Best Fresh Cranberry Relish – An Easy 5-Minute Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 336 reviews

This vibrant and tangy Fresh Cranberry Relish is a quick and easy 5-minute recipe perfect for adding a burst of flavor to your holiday meals or any occasion. Combining fresh cranberries with citrus zest and juice, sugar, and warm spices, this no-cook relish brings a refreshing twist to traditional cranberry sauce with minimal effort.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: About 2 cups 1x
• Category: Condiment
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 1 lb. fresh cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 orange, juice and zest (plus extra for serving, optional)
• 1/2 lemon, juice and zest
• 3/4 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: Place the fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, orange juice and zest, lemon juice and zest, kosher salt, and ground cinnamon into a food processor bowl.
2. Pulse Mixture: Pulse the ingredients in the food processor several times until the cranberries are broken down but the texture remains slightly chunky, creating a vibrant relish.
3. Chill Relish: Transfer the cranberry relish to a container and refrigerate until ready to serve. This helps the flavors meld together perfectly.
4. Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish with additional orange zest if desired for extra color and aroma.

Notes

• This relish is best served chilled and can be made a day ahead to enhance the flavors.
• Use fresh cranberries for the best texture and tartness; frozen can be substituted if fresh are unavailable.
• Adjust sugar quantity to taste depending on the tartness of your cranberries.
• Perfect accompaniment for holiday turkey, chicken, or as a spread on sandwiches.
• Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Keywords: cranberry relish, fresh cranberry sauce, holiday condiment, easy cranberry relish, no-cook relish