Cranberry sauce is often on holiday dinner menus, but have you ever tried cranberries in relish form? This fresh and chunky sauce pairs perfectly with roasted turkey and glazed ham.
I always make a traditional cooked cranberry sauce, but then I stumbled across the idea of uncooked cranberry relish in a magazine and was intrigued. Turns out, this is a delicious, refreshing addition to Thanksgiving and it couldn’t be any easier to make. If you have any extra cranberries on hand after making this relish, you should definitely use them in my delicious cranberry bread recipe!
What is cranberry relish?
Cranberry relish is a condiment made from uncooked crushed cranberries and sugar. Apples and oranges are often used as flavoring agents and this sauce also sometimes contains nuts such as walnuts or pecans. This relish differs from cranberry sauce because cranberry sauce is cooked and has a different consistency.
How do you make cranberry relish?
The first step is to chop your cranberries. I find that a food processor works best for this step. You’ll want to carefully pulse your cranberries into small pieces without actually blending them into mush. I find that hitting the pulse button about 8-10 times does the trick. After the cranberries are chopped, you’ll want to chop your apple and orange in a similar fashion. Add sugar, then let everything sit until the flavors are well combined.
What is cranberry relish used for?
Cranberry relish can be served alongside roasted meats such as turkey or ham. It can also be spooned over a block of cream cheese and served as a dip with crackers. I also enjoy a spoonful of relish with vanilla yogurt, or as a topping for pancakes or waffles.
Can relish be made ahead of time?
This relish can be made up to 3 days before you plan to serve it. You’ll want to make your relish a minimum of one hour before you plan to serve it so that there’s time for the flavors to meld. Store your relish in a covered container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
Can cranberry relish be frozen?
I don’t recommend freezing this recipe because the fruits will release a lot of liquid when thawed and you’ll end up with a watery relish.
Cranberry Relish Variations
This is a basic recipe for relish but there are so many different ways you can flavor this condiment.
Ginger: Add 2 teaspoons chopped crystallized ginger. Pear: Substitute pear for the apple. Pineapple: Add drained, crushed pineapple to the relish. Nuts: Add finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the relish. Spice: Add a pinch of cinnamon. Celery: Add 1/4 cup finely chopped celery.
Once you get a taste of this amazing sweet and tart condiment, you’ll be hooked and it will become part of your regular holiday menu. Some of my family members even prefer this relish over cranberry sauce and I have to admit, they’re both super delicious!
More holiday recipe favorites
Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots Cranberry Jello Salad Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Butterflake Rolls Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Cranberry Relish Video
