Cranberry Orange Relish (The Best Cranberry Relish)
Do you love cranberry relish? This Cranberry Orange Relish has so much flavor! It is easy to make and will definitely become a staple side dish at your Thanksgiving table.
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Homemade Cranberry Orange Relish Recipe
I can’t believe that Thanksgiving is tomorrow! In my opinion, Thanksgiving dinner isn’t complete without a little cranberry sauce on the side. This recipe for cranberry orange relish is one of my sister’s favorite recipes, so I thought I’d share it again!
I personally can never decide which I prefer on Thanksgiving: cranberry relish, cranberry sauce or gravy. But, I love gravy on mashed potatoes and turkey.
I like to have cranberry sauce and cranberry relish on turkey and rolls. And I usually have to have a little bit of each.
I love this cranberry orange relish for a little something extra special. Cranberry sauce with orange juice is so simple to prepare at home, taking only about 15 minutes from start to finish.
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There is really no reason to use the canned stuff, unless of course you happen to really love it. You’ll appreciate how much fresher homemade cranberry relish tastes compared with the store-bought canned varieties.
This cranberry orange relish recipe is chunky thanks to golden raisins, walnuts, and of course cooked cranberries.
If you prefer a smooth cranberry sauce, you’ll want to try this Red Wine Pomegranate Cranberry Sauce.
Cranberry Orange Relish Ingredients
This cranberry sauce recipe with orange juice uses only a few ingredients. I tried to make this cranberry orange relish recipe as simple as possible, and I think the ingredients list reflects that.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this homemade cranberry sauce:
- Fresh Orange Juice
- Water
- Sugar
- Real Maplel Syrup
- Ground Cinnamon
- Ground Nutmeg
- Orange zest
- Vanilla Extract
- Salt
- Fresh Cranberries
- Golden Raisins
- Walnut Pieces
Tip: If you have leftover cranberries after preparing this recipe, you can easily freeze cranberries and use them at a later date! Head over to my How to Freeze Cranberries tutorial for all the details!
For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions to make this cranberry and orange relish, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.
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How to Make Cranberry Orange Relish
After you gather all of the ingredients, this recipe comes together in 5 super quick and easy steps. It’s so easy that my kids can make it themselves, which is always nice to spread the Thanksgiving day tasks out.
- Combine all of the liquids, sweeteners, and seasonings.
- Cook the orange juice mixture to heat it and dissolve the sugar.
- Add cranberries and raisins.
- Continue to cook until cranberries “pop.”
- Turn off heat and add the walnut pieces.
You can serve this Cranberry Orange Walnut Relish warmed, just after preparing. Or, you can chill it for 2 hours, or up to 3 days, before serving it on Thanksgiving Day with your meal.
The above is simply a quick summary of this recipe for cooked cranberry orange relish. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.
Tips for Making the Best Cranberry Relish
- I don’t recommend adding less sugar than the recipe calls for or substituting a sugar-free sweetener. You need all the sugar to balance out the tartness of the cranberries.
- Also, make sure you’re using real maple syrup and not pancake syrup in this recipe. Pancake syrup is usually just flavored corn syrup, which isn’t what you want.
- Once the cranberry orange relish is cool enough, taste it to see if you’d like to add more spices. Every palate is different, so use your best judgement.
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Homemade Cranberry Orange Relish FAQs
Got questions about how to make this orange cranberry relish? Here are the answers to a few commonly asked questions. Feel free to leave any other questions in the comments on this post and I’ll respond with answers.
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes! If you’re making this recipe outside of the holiday season and can’t find fresh, you can use frozen cranberries instead of fresh in this cranberry orange relish recipe.
I have used both fresh and frozen cranberries to make this cranberry orange relish recipe with great results either way, so feel free to use what works best for you.
Sometimes, I like to buy my fresh cranberries ahead of time to avoid the Thanksgiving rush. Then, I’ll stash the bag in the freezer until I’m ready to make this recipe.
Is it ok to make cranberry orange relish ahead?
Yes! I always make my cranberry orange relish a couple days before Thanksgiving.
You can make this up to 3 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Can you freeze cranberry relish?
Yes, most definitely!
Let the cranberry orange relish cool completely at room temperature, then pack it inside freezer bags or freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to eat the frozen cranberry sauce, pop it in the fridge overnight to thaw.
Check out this how to freeze cranberry sauce tutorial for more details and tips!
What should I do with leftover cranberry orange relish?
In addition to gracing your Thanksgiving table, there are all sorts of fun recipes you can make using any leftover cranberry orange relish that you have after Thanksgiving.
One of the best parts of making homemade cranberry relish is that there is some leftover to make something else yummy with!
Here are a few fun recipes you can make using any leftover cranberry relish after your Thanksgiving celebrations.
- If you polished off all the pie on Thanksgiving Day, but are craving something sweet go to with leftover, make these cute Bite Sized Cranberry Walnut Tarts. Super easy and so cute!
- Make this Whipped Cranberry Butter. IT IS SO GOOD. You will want to put it on everything, but I especially love it on a warm roll.
- Add it to Leftover Turkey Sandwiches. One of my favorites post-Thanksgiving things to eat!
- Stir some of this cranberry sauce with orange juice into maple syrup to make Cranberry Orange Maple Syrup. It will be so good poured over pancakes and waffles for a post-Thanksgiving brunch.
- Make a fun Thanksgiving flavored cranberry ice cream by preparing this No Churn Vanilla Frozen Yogurt, but instead of using the balsamic strawberry rhubarb mixture use cranberry sauce or relish.
- For an easy snack, pour leftover cranberry orange relish on top of a block of cream cheese. Serve with crackers for dipping.
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Try this Cranberry Orange Relish!
Next time you’re looking for perfect accompaniment to Thanksgiving turkey, give this orange cranberry relish a try instead of the standard cranberry sauce.
Did you think this cooked recipe for cranberry relish had the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavor? Leave a comment below and give it a review for others to see what you thought of this great recipe.
On Instagram? Share your photo and tag me with @goodlifeeats and #goodlifeeatsrecipes. I’d love to see your photo of this family favorite side dish!
What Readers are Saying about this Cranberry Relish Recipe:
★★★★★
Linda says –
“This is the best relish I have ever eaten !!! Ty for the recipe! It’s a keeper!”
★★★★★
Nicole says –
“Awesome!!!!! I made a batch and for tarts and butter. Tarts for hubby’s work and the butter to be served with warm bread when my parents arrive from a long winter drive. Thank you so much.”
More Fresh Cranberry Recipes:
Want more cranberry Thanksgiving recipes? Here are a few reader (and family) favorites:
Cranberry Rosemary Shrub Cocktail is the perfect cocktail for your holiday meal! A homemade cranberry shrub with hints of black pepper, rosemary, and cinnamon is combined with bourbon and seltzer for a festive and colorful drink.
Deep Dish Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie is a unique Thanksgiving dessert your whole family will love! Serve with whipped cream or à la mode.
Pomegranate Walnut Cranberry Bars are the perfect wintery recipe to add to your holiday baking list. A crumb crust is layered with sweet and tart cranberries and topped with a crunchy and crumbly walnut topping.
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Do you have to have cranberry sauce on Thanksgiving? Or are you more of a gravy person?
Cranberry Orange Relish
This Cranberry Orange Walnut Relish is so easy to make and will definitely become a staple at your Thanksgiving table.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 4 tablespoons real maple syrup
- 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1/3 cup Golden raisins
- 2/3 cup Walnut pieces
Instructions
- Combine orange juice, water, sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, orange zest, vanilla, and salt in a medium saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar has dissolved.
- Stir in the cranberries and golden raisins.
- Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook for 3-5 minutes - or until the cranberries pop.
- Remove from heat and stir in the walnut pieces.
- Cover and chill 2 hours before serving with turkey.
Notes
Storage Tips
- You can serve this Cranberry Orange Walnut Relish warmed, just after preparing. Or, you can chill it for 2 hours, or up to 3 days in a sealed container, before serving it on Thanksgiving Day with your meal.
- This cranberry relish can also be made ahead and frozen. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving. If serving warm, heat on the stove over medium-low heat until desired temperature is reached.
CAN I USE FROZEN CRANBERRIES INSTEAD OF FRESH?
Yes, you probably can use frozen cranberries instead of fresh in this cranberry orange relish recipe. I haven’t actually used frozen cranberries in this recipe before, but it should be fine!
TIPS FOR MAKING THE BEST CRANBERRY RELISH
- I don’t recommend adding less sugar than the recipe calls for or substituting a sugar-free sweetener. You need all the sugar to balance out the tartness of the cranberries.
- Also, make sure you’re using real maple syrup and not pancake syrup in this recipe. Pancake syrup is usually just flavored corn syrup, which isn’t what you want.
- Once the cranberry orange relish is cool enough, taste it to see if you’d like to add more spices. Every palate is different, so use your best judgement.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 182Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 35mgCarbohydrates: 33gFiber: 3gSugar: 26gProtein: 2g
GoodLifeEats.com offers recipe nutritional information as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although GoodLifeEats.com makes every effort to provide accurate information, these figures are only estimates.
Original image from this recipe’s original posting date – November 10, 2011
Joyce says
Doesn’t say when to use the 2 tablespoons of water
Katie says
Thank you for pointing that out. I’ll edit the typo. Add it at the same time as the orange juice.
Carolyn says
I make cranberry sauce/butter all year, it’s delicious on toast & chicken salad sandwiches. We freeze extra bags of cranberries during the holidays. Thanks for a great recipe 🙂
Katie says
Great idea! I love cranberry sauce mixed with a little maple syrup on pancakes too.
Carolyn says
Every winter we freeze 6-8 bags of cranberries, they’re in season such a short time. Today l made cranberry sauce in the middle of August, it’ll go good on a chicken salad sandwich.
Katie says
yummy!
carolyn says
I recently made this relish, I added 1/4 cup more of sugar & also a splash of balsamic vinegar. Very good redirection 🙂
Nicole says
Awesome!!!!! I made a batch and for tarts and butter. Tarts for hubby’s work and the butter to be served with warm bread when my parents arrive from a long winter drive. Thank you so much. 🙂
ilovecooking says
Homemade cranberry sauce is always the best. It’s a great alternative to store bought, and it tastes so fresh. I love cranberry and orange paired together. I’ve never used walnuts or raisins in any cranberry sauce I’ve made before though, that’s interesting. Your picture makes it look soo delicious!
Bea says
I do not like Cranberry sauce but cranberries are great in banana cake, apple crisp and this recipe would be great in tarts…maybe with a little custard beneath…or whipped cream on top!
Jen @ My Kitchen Addiction says
Cranberry and orange is such a lovely combination. Love the sound of this relish! I have to admit that the cranberry sauce/relish is one of my favorite parts of Thanksgiving!
Casey@Good. Food. Stories. says
I’m going to try this out on a non-Thanksgiving day… my mom would kill me if I took the job of making cranberry relish away from her. (oh, tradition!)
Tracy says
I like both! And I agree that homemade cranberry sauce is the best!
Jamie | My Baking Addiction says
I love homemade cranberry sauce – the addition of the orange zest and walnuts is just perfect!
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says
I am absolutely a cranberry sauce over gravy person!
Living The Sweet Life says
I know this is a thanksgiving post … but I must try this over home made waffles – – *yummm*!! Thanks for the recipe, this is a brilliant idea.
Natalie @ Cooking for My Kids says
I love the addition of all of the perfect fall spices. Yummy!
Kathryn says
I love the tang of cranberry sauce with roast turkey and vegetables. It’s just a perfect match!
Carrie says
Cranberry sauce, relish, or chutney… Best part of Thanksgiving if you ask me… Nothing better than tart/sweet ontop of a savory meat!