Easy Cranberry Orange Relish Recipe

If you’ve been hunting for a fresh, bright, and surprisingly simple holiday side dish, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Easy Cranberry Orange Relish Recipe is absolutely fan-freaking-tastic, and it’s one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it’s so straightforward yet bursting with vibrant flavors. Trust me, once you whip this up, you’ll never think of cranberry sauce the same way again!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

I love how the simple ingredients in this Easy Cranberry Orange Relish Recipe work together to create such a vibrant balance of sweet, tart, and citrusy flavors. When shopping, look for firm, fresh cranberries and a juicy navel orange—the quality really makes a difference here.

• Fresh cranberries: Choose bright, firm berries without any soft spots for the best texture and tang.
• Navel orange: Using the whole orange—peel included—adds a zesty brightness and slight bitterness to balance the sweetness.
• Granny Smith apple: Adds crispness and natural sweetness, which pairs beautifully with the cranberries and orange.
• Granulated sugar: Just enough to mellow the tartness without overpowering; I sometimes adjust based on how tart the fruit is.
• Ground cinnamon (optional): A warm spice that complements the fruit flavors nicely, though it’s totally optional if you prefer it pure and simple.

Variations

This Easy Cranberry Orange Relish Recipe is a wonderful base that I love to customize depending on the occasion or what’s on hand in my kitchen. Feel free to experiment—you might discover a new favorite twist!

• Spiced Up: I sometimes add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger when I want a more warming, festive flavor that fills the room.
• Less Sweet: If you prefer tartness, reduce the sugar by a tablespoon or two; I’ve found this keeps the flavors bright without losing balance.
• Nutty Texture: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts on top right before serving gives it an amazing crunch and extra depth.
• Herbal Kick: A sprig or two of finely chopped fresh rosemary or mint can turn this relish into a stunning, unexpected flavor bomb.

How to Make Easy Cranberry Orange Relish Recipe

Step 1: Pulse the Cranberries to Just the Right Size

Start by washing and picking through your cranberries—discard any that are soft or bruised. Toss them into your food processor and pulse about 20 times. You want the cranberries to be nicely chopped with bite-sized bits; avoid pureeing them into a smooth paste. I found that this coarse texture really makes the relish stand out.

Step 2: Chop the Orange Until Juicy and Chunky

Next, add your chopped orange pieces—peel included—to the food processor. Pulse 20 to 30 times until the texture is quite mushy but still with some tiny peel chunks left. This step releases all the bright, zesty oils from the peel and balances the sweet and tangy notes perfectly.

Step 3: Finely Chop the Granny Smith Apple

Add the quartered, cored apple to the processor and pulse another 20 to 30 times. You might need to scrape down the sides halfway through as the apple bits can stick. The apple adds sweetness and freshness that brings the whole relish together nicely.

Step 4: Mix Everything and Let It Chill

Transfer all your chopped fruit to a bowl. Stir in the sugar and the optional cinnamon (I like to add it because it adds warmth, but it’s totally up to you). Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour to let those flavors meld – pro tip, the longer it chills (up to 3 days), the better it tastes!

How to Serve Easy Cranberry Orange Relish Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top the relish with a sprig of fresh rosemary or a few whole cranberries right before serving because it adds a festive look and fresh aroma. Sometimes a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts works beautifully too for that extra texture pop.

Side Dishes

This relish is my go-to partner with roast turkey, baked ham, or even roast chicken. It also pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes and stuffing. My family goes crazy for it when I serve alongside a rich gravy or buttery dinner rolls.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I like to serve the relish in a beautiful glass bowl or even hollowed-out mini pumpkins for a festive touch. If you’re feeling adventurous, use it as a colorful topping for cream cheese crostini—guests always love that unexpected twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once you’ve made this Easy Cranberry Orange Relish Recipe, simply cover and refrigerate it in an airtight container. I’ve found it stays fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days—sometimes longer if properly sealed.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this relish because the texture of fresh fruit shifts after thawing, but if you must, freeze in small portions and thaw overnight in the fridge. The flavor remains nice, but the texture softens noticeably.

Reheating

This relish is best served cold or at room temperature, so I typically don’t reheat it. If you want it slightly warmer, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to bring out the flavors.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cranberry Orange Relish Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s one of those simple, comforting dishes that brings a fresh pop of flavor to holiday meals and beyond. I love how it’s so easy to make, yet feels special enough to impress guests. If you’re looking to add a bit of brightness and color to your table, give this a try. Your family and friends will thank you, and honestly, you’ll probably find yourself making it all year round—even outside of the holidays!

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