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If you love the sweet-tart flavor of fresh and dried cranberries, you’re in the right place. Discover 20 Cranberry Recipes including cranberry sauces, salads, sides, desserts, and more.
Meggan’s notes
Cranberry Season comes just once per year, and that’s your best chance to cook all things Fresh Cranberry. You’ll need cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving, of course, and this easy, sweet-tart side can easily be made ahead (months ahead, even) and stashed away in the freezer. I’ve got several versions below to choose from (I highly recommend cranberry sauce with apples. It’s my fave!).
Until the moment of fresh cranberries, though, you can busy yourself with a variety of sweet and savory salads and baked goods featuring dried cranberries. Cranberry orange muffins are a must, while the kale salad and couscous salad are packed with flavors and textures. Put leftover cranberry sauce to use in a cranberry cream cheese galette, and don’t forget to make white chocolate cranberry cookies for your holiday cookie plate.
I have personally developed every cranberry recipe in this list. I’ve anticipated your questions and provided tips and tricks whenever possible. As a classically-trained chef, my goal is for you to find success in the kitchen each and every time, no matter what recipe you’re making.
Cranberry Sauce Recipes
1. Cranberry Sauce with Orange Juice
This classic Cranberry Sauce has just 5 ingredients and takes 10 minutes to make (plus chilling time). It’s sweetened with orange juice and the perfect antidote to all the richness on your Thanksgiving menu. It’s also ideal to make ahead and/or freeze.
2. Cranberry Apple Sauce
Update your Cranberry Sauce with apples for a simple and sweet twist on the classic Thanksgiving side. Tasty without getting too crazy!
3. Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce
When stove-top and oven space are in high demand, Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce is a no-brainer. This classic recipe uses fresh or frozen cranberries and orange juice for extra sweetness and flavor.
4. Cranberry Sauce for Two
The best, easiest Cranberry Sauce recipe you’ll ever make flavored with fresh orange juice and just a little sugar. This classic version makes enough for two people and is ready in under 10 minutes.
5. Cranberry Relish Recipe
This 3-ingredient, 5-minute Cranberry Relish is made with raw cranberries and is the easiest side dish you’ll make this Thanksgiving. Make it ahead, too, because the flavor improves as it sits. Freezer friendly.
Cranberry Salad Recipes
6. Kale Salad
You’re one bite away from craving this delicious, colorful Kale Salad. With a fresh strawberry vinaigrette and a plethora of complimentary toppings, it’s an ode to the spectacular cuisine of California.
7. Asparagus Salad
This delicious, colorful Asparagus Salad has red peppers, bacon, dried cranberries, and almonds. It’s crunchy, a little sweet, and totally addictive.
8. Apple Coleslaw
Infuse fall flavors into your summery coleslaw with this easy Apple Coleslaw recipe that’s coated in a zippy honey mustard dressing. This make-ahead salad recipe takes just 5 minutes to prepare!
9. Couscous Salad
This vibrant Couscous Salad combines chewy couscous, crunchy vegetables, crisp almonds, and a spiced curry dressing, offering a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Cranberry Cookie Recipes
10. White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
When it’s time for dessert, White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies are always the first to get gobbled up. This stand-out recipe mixes creamy white chocolate and tart dried fruit in buttery cookie dough that’s so easy to make ahead, freeze, and bake later when things get busy.
11. Breakfast Cookies
Filled with oats, coconut, pecans, and cranberries, these hearty Breakfast Cookies have an incredible texture, delicious flavor, and perfect chew. Makes a great snack, too!
Cranberry Dessert Recipes
12. Cranberry Bliss Bars
This Starbucks copycat Cranberry Bliss Bar Recipe combines everything you love about blondie bars with cream cheese frosting. White chocolate and dried cranberries elevate these bar cookies to irresistible territory. As good as the store-bought ones are, the homemade version is even better!
13. Cranberry Orange Muffins
Made with dried cranberries, fresh orange zest, and a crunchy streusel topping, these Cranberry Orange Muffins are bakery-quality guaranteed. Take 15 minutes to prep, and you’ll be treated to a dozen warm, homemade muffins ready to savor or share.
14. Cranberry Galette with Cream Cheese
This Cranberry Cheesecake Galette is an easy free-form tart with a rich cheesecake filling and cranberry sauce. Keep things easy with store-bought pie crust and your leftover cranberry sauce from the holidays!
15. Cranberry Wreath Cake with Sugared Cranberries
Cranberry Wreath Cake is a luscious chocolate cake covered in sweet vanilla buttercream and is perfect for the holidays or any winter celebration. A crown of fresh rosemary and sugared cranberries makes a stunning finishing touch.
Savory Cranberry Recipes
16. Harvest Roasted Vegetables
An easy recipe for Harvest Roasted Vegetables with butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, cranberries, bacon, and walnuts. Your new favorite fall side dish!
17. Rice Stuffing
This Rice Stuffing is made pilaf-style with cranberries, pecans, scallions, and a little curry powder for warmth. Outstanding with any holiday menu, but easy enough to make every night of the week.
18. Turkey Roll Ups (Costco Copycat)
Learn how to make Turkey Roll Ups at home, just like the ones from Costco. They are easy to make, cheaper, and tastier than the store-bought version, and you don’t have to fight the crowds to enjoy them.
Cranberry Juice Recipes
19. Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Cider
Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Cider is simple to make, sweet, and delicious. This welcoming, spiced hot beverage makes the whole house smell amazing, too.
20. New Mother Mocktail
New mothers, non-drinkers, and anyone celebrating will appreciate a New Mother Mocktail served in a beautiful glass with lots of crushed ice. A blend of three different fruit juices makes sure every sip tastes special.
