Cranberry orange relish is a sweet, tart, and slightly spiced side dish made from fresh cranberries, citrus segments, and sugar. Served chilled, it adds brightness and contrast to rich main dishes and is a staple during Thanksgiving and holiday feasts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh and flavorful: Bursting with citrus and natural sweetness.
Quick and easy: Minimal prep with no baking required.
A holiday essential: A classic side for festive meals.
Make-ahead friendly: Tastes better as it chills and flavors meld.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Fresh cranberries
Navel orange (peeled and segmented)
Orange zest
Granulated sugar
Water
Cinnamon (optional)
Nutmeg (optional)
Pinch of salt

directions

Prepare cranberries: Rinse the cranberries thoroughly.
Cook: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, orange segments, orange zest, sugar, and water. Stir well.
Simmer: Cook for 10–15 minutes, or until cranberries burst and the mixture thickens slightly. Stir occasionally.
Add spices: If desired, stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt for added warmth.
Cool and chill: Remove from heat and let the relish cool to room temperature. Transfer to a container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6–8
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours 20 minutes

storage/reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
Freezing: Can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating: Not needed—this relish is served chilled.

FAQs

Can I use canned cranberries instead of fresh?

Fresh cranberries are ideal for texture and flavor, but frozen can be used as a substitute.

Is cranberry relish the same as cranberry sauce?

No, relish typically includes whole fruit segments and zest, while sauce is more uniform and gelatinous.

How do I reduce the sugar?

You can cut the sugar slightly or replace some of it with honey or maple syrup, though the texture may change.

Can I add other fruits?

Yes, apples, pears, or pineapple chunks add interesting flavor layers.

Should I peel the orange?

Yes, remove the peel and white pith before adding the orange segments to avoid bitterness.

Can I make this without cooking?

Yes. For a raw relish, pulse cranberries, orange segments, zest, and sugar in a food processor until finely chopped. Chill before serving.

What meals does it pair well with?

It’s excellent with turkey, ham, pork roast, or even as a spread on sandwiches.

Is it suitable for vegans?

Yes, it contains no animal products.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely. Just use a larger saucepan and extend the simmer time slightly.

Why is my relish too thick?

You may have simmered too long. Stir in a tablespoon or two of water after chilling to loosen it.

Conclusion

This Cranberry Orange Relish is a zesty and festive addition to any holiday table. Its balance of tart and sweet flavors perfectly complements rich main dishes, and its make-ahead ease makes it a stress-free favorite year after year.