Fresh Cranberry Orange Relish: 5-Minute Holiday Condiment That Steals the Show

Vibrant Cranberry Orange Relish: The Perfect Thanksgiving Side

There’s nothing quite like a homemade cranberry orange relish to brighten up your holiday table. This zesty, no-cook condiment brings a refreshing tang that perfectly complements rich Thanksgiving dishes while offering a vibrant pop of color to your spread.

Why You’ll Love This Fresh Cranberry Orange Relish

Unlike cooked cranberry sauce, this raw cranberry relish with orange maintains all the vibrant flavors and nutritional benefits of fresh fruit. The bright citrus notes cut through the cranberries’ natural tartness, creating a perfectly balanced accompaniment for turkey, ham, or even spread on leftover sandwiches.

Here’s why this recipe stands out:

• Make-ahead friendly – actually improves with time as flavors meld
• No cooking required – just blend and chill
• Versatile condiment – works with both savory and sweet applications
• Fresh and healthy – packed with vitamin C and antioxidants

Ingredients for the Perfect Cranberry Orange Relish

• 12 ounces fresh cranberries, rinsed and sorted
• 1 medium navel orange
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon orange liqueur (optional, for adult version)

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Cranberries: Fresh cranberries work best, but frozen can be used in a pinch (no need to thaw).

Orange: Choose a juicy navel orange with bright, fragrant zest. For extra citrus flavor, consider adding a small tangerine too.

Sweetener options: While granulated sugar is traditional, you can experiment with honey, maple syrup, or even a sugar substitute if preferred. Just remember that the relish will continue to develop flavor as it sits, so it’s best to start with less sweetener and adjust after chilling.

How to Make Fresh Cranberry Orange Relish

1. Thoroughly wash the orange. Using a microplane or zester, grate approximately 2 teaspoons of orange zest and set aside.
2. Peel the orange, removing all the white pith. Separate the orange into segments, removing any seeds.
3. In a food processor, combine the cranberries, orange segments, reserved orange zest, sugar, and cinnamon.
4. Pulse until the mixture reaches your desired consistency – about 8-10 pulses for a chunkier relish, or process longer for a smoother texture.
5. Transfer the mixture to a glass container with a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Before serving, taste and adjust sweetness if needed by stirring in additional sugar.

Pro Tips for the Best Cranberry Orange Relish

• Don’t overprocess – maintaining some texture makes for a more interesting relish
• Make it ahead – the flavors develop beautifully after 24-48 hours in the refrigerator
• Adjust sweetness later – cranberries can vary in tartness, so wait until after chilling to make final sweetness adjustments
• Try adding nuts – a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts adds delicious texture and depth

Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Orange Relish

While traditionally served alongside turkey at Thanksgiving, this versatile orange cranberry relish has many delicious applications:

• Spoon over roasted turkey, chicken, or ham
• Spread on turkey sandwiches or wraps
• Serve with a cheese board – especially good with brie or cream cheese
• Top vanilla ice cream or pound cake for a tangy-sweet dessert
• Mix into plain yogurt for a breakfast treat
• Blend into smoothies for a vitamin boost

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

This cranberry orange relish recipe is perfect for preparing in advance! In fact, it gets better with time as the flavors meld together.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 10-14 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutrition Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make cranberry orange relish with frozen cranberries?

Yes! Frozen cranberries work well in this recipe. There’s no need to thaw them first – just process them while still frozen for the best texture.

How long does homemade cranberry orange relish last?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this relish will keep for 10-14 days, making it perfect for holiday meal prep.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

Absolutely. Start with half the recommended amount and add more to taste after the relish has chilled. The natural sweetness develops as it sits.

What can I add to cranberry orange relish for extra flavor?

Get creative with additions like chopped toasted nuts, a splash of Grand Marnier, grated ginger, diced apple, or even jalapeño for a spicy kick!

Wrap Up: A Holiday Essential

This vibrant cranberry orange relish brings a fresh, zesty element to any holiday table. Its bright flavor profile cuts through rich dishes, and its make-ahead convenience makes it a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving menu. With just minutes of active preparation time, you’ll have a homemade condiment that’s infinitely better than anything from a can. Give this recipe a try this holiday season, and it might just become your new family tradition!

Recipe adapted from Allrecipes