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Brighten up your Thanksgiving feast with the best Cranberry Relish! Featuring a delicious blend of tart cranberries, vibrant oranges, and sour pomegranate juice, cooked with sweet brown sugar, this flavor-packed orange and cranberry relish is the perfect complement to your holiday turkey and side dishes. Best of all, you’ll need just 9 ingredients and 20 minutes to make it.

“We love this cranberry pomegranate relish! Awesome with burrata, but also great in place of cranberry sauce on our Thanksgiving table.””

– MARTY
Overhead photo of Thanksgiving cranberry relish made with fresh cranberries and orange zest in a white bowl.

Update: This recipe was originally published in December 2017. I’ve made updates to the article below to include more information about making the best relish for Thanksgiving and Christmas turkey.

Hi friends. Well, we have officially made it to December, the month synonymous with holly-jolly entertaining – woo hoo!

And, since appetizers and side dishes are my favorite part of any soirée, we’re going to celebrate one of my favorite months with an epic dish that just so happens to double as a starter and a side dish.

Table of Contents

About this orange and cranberry relish

Add a burst of jewel-toned flavor to your holiday table with the best cranberry relish that everyone will love!

This simple, yet gloriously flavorful recipe will take your turkey to the next level of yum. Boasting a delicious combination of fresh cranberries gently cooked with citrusy orange zest and liqueur, tart pomegranate juice, sweet brown sugar, and herbal fresh thyme, this cranberry orange relish literally ticks off all the right culinary boxes. With vibrant, bright flavors, this relish perfectly complements a wide variety dishes, from turkey and stuffing to ham and savory sides like creamy corn casserole. And, it makes a delightful spread for sandwiches or topping for creamy cheeses!

But, this cranberry dish isn’t just delicious, it also happens to be a breeze to prepare – making it a perfect choice for both novice and seasoned cooks alike. This holiday relish situation is what I like to call easy elegance. It’s ridiculously easy to prepare, yet elegant and sure to impress – no matter how you serve it!

Why you’ll love this recipe

  • Unique Flavor Profile: The combination of tart cranberries and bright oranges creates a refreshing taste that stands out, enhancing the flavors of your Thanksgiving meal in a way that typical relishes do not.
  • Quick and Easy Preparation: This homemade relish requires minimal ingredients and delivers straightforward steps, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels. 
  • Versatile Pairing Options: While this thanksgiving cranberry relish is perfect for turkey, it also makes a wonderful complement to cheeses, salads, and even desserts.
  • Eye-Catching Presentation: With gorgeous vibrant colors, this cranberry dish adds a visually appealing element to your feast, enhancing the festive atmosphere of your gathering.
  • A Touch of Tradition: I’ve been making this orange and cranberry relish recipe for about 7 years and it has become a cherished tradition in my family. And, I’m hoping it will become a part of your holiday celebrations too!
Overhead photo of two slices of thanksgiving turkey topped with cranberry relish on a white plate.

What is a relish?

A relish is a sauce made up of fruits or vegetables, sugar and vinegar. Relishes can vary in flavor from sweet, tart or sour to spicy, medium or mild; or they can be any combination of these. While relishes and chutneys are quite similar, a relish is typically cooked for a shorter period of time and has a firmer texture.

Ingredients for Thanksgiving cranberry relish

  • Cranberries: You can purchase raw cranberries fresh, frozen or dried. For this recipe, I recommend fresh cranberries for the best taste; however, frozen cranberries will work too. Unfortunately, dried cranberries are not a good option for this sauce.
  • Shallot: One whole shallot adds a touch of delicate, soft onion flavor.
  • Pomegranate Juice: For sweet, tart flavor. Make sure you use 100% pomegranate juice. You can substitute 100% cranberry juice or fresh orange juice if you would like!
  • Orange Liqueur: Orange liqueur creates a depth of flavor and provides a hint of citrusy flavor. It’s one of my the secret ingredients to next level cranberry sauce!
  • Pomegranate Molasses: Pomegranate molasses is the other ingredient I swear by. It adds a intense sweet-and-sour flavor that just can’t be beat! You can find pomegranate molasses in the international aisle of major grocery stores. I’ve also included instructions for making your own molasses in the notes section of the recipe below!
  • Brown Sugar: I normally add 2/3 cup of sugar for a well balanced flavor, but if you want a sweeter relish, use 3/4 cup.
  • Thyme: Fresh thyme provides subtle herbal and floral flavors that give the sauce dimension.
  • Orange Zest: Fresh orange zest lend a punch of bright orange flavor. Make sure you stir the orange zest in after the relish is removed from the heat. Cooking the zest can make it taste slightly bitter.
  • Pomegranate Arils: Cranberry, orange and pomegranate is a stellar combination! Pomegranate arils add a pop of shiny, jewel-like color and brilliant sweet-tart, juicy flavor. You can substitute orange segments if you prefer.

If cranberries are on sale, grab extra and put them to good use here: Chicken Salad with Cranberries, Baked Chicken with Cranberries, Camembert with Fruit Sauce, and Cranberry Margaritas. 

Recipe variations

  • Spiced Relish: Incorporate warm spices like ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or allspice for a cozy, aromatic twist that enhances the holiday flavors.
  • Nutty Crunch: Stir in chopped and toasted walnuts or pecans for added texture and a delightful crunch.
  • Sweeten It Up: Mix in honey, agave, or pure maple syrup for a sweeter version that balances the tartness of the fruit.
  • Citrus Medley: Swap out the oranges and experiment with different citrus fruits like lemon, lime, or grapefruit to create a citrus medley that adds complexity and brightness to the dish.
Action photo of a spoon scooping cranberry relish for turkey out of a serving bowl.

How to make orange cranberry relish

This cooked orange cranberry relish recipe only requires 9 ingredients and a total of 20 minutes to make! It’s insanely quick and easy, yet produces a relish that is a total show stopper!

  1. Sweat the shallots: Heat the oil in a medium saucepan. Add in the shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 2 minutes.
  2. Add the liquids + sugar: Add in pomegranate juice, liqueur, molasses, sugar and thyme. Bring to a boil and immediately reduce heat to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 12 minutes.
  3. Add the cranberries and bring to a simmer.
  4. Simmer: Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries have just burst, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
  5. Add arils + zest: Stir in the pomegranate arils and orange zest. Taste and adjust for seasoning with salt or add honey if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
  6. Store or Serve: Transfer the thanksgiving cranberry relish to a container and chill until ready to serve. Serve & Enjoy!

Expert tips for the most success!

  • Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality cranberries and a ripe orange for the brightest flavor. Check cranberries for firmness and avoid any that are soft or shriveled.
  • Don’t Skip the Zest: Adding orange zest not only intensifies the citrus flavor but also adds a lovely aroma. 
  • Add a Touch of Acid: A hint of orange liqueur and pomegranate juice brighten up the flavors and a delicious complexity to this relish. However, you can swap the liqueur with fresh orange juice.
  • Incorporate Herbs and Spices: Fresh thyme lends a warm, earthy flavor with subtle notes fragrant lemon that beautifully enhances the other flavors. If you’re looking for warming flavors as well, consider adding a dash of cinnamon, to create a more complex flavor profile. Just a hint can elevate the relish significantly.
  • Experiment with Texture: I prefer a chunky relish, but you do you! Depending on your preference, you may want to consider pulsing the ingredients in a food processor for a smoother consistency. 
  • Balance Sweetness and Tartness: Be sure to taste the turkey relish and adjust the flavors to your specific taste. For a sweeter dish, add sugar, honey, or maple syrup gradually, tasting as you go. And, for a more tart or sour dish, add a little orange juice or pomegranate juice to achieve the perfect tartness. 
  • Chill Before Serving: Allow the cranberry and orange relish to chill in the refrigerator for at least a couple of hours (or overnight) before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and enhances the overall taste.

Step by step photos: making this recipe at home

Please scroll down for the ingredients and detailed instructions in the complete printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Overhead photo collage of how to make Fresh Cranberry Relish Sauce step by step with written instructions on each step.

FAQs: frequently asked questions

You’ve got questions? I’ve got answers! If you have a question you don’t see listed below, please drop them in the comments section. I’m happy to help when I can! 

What’s the difference between a relish and a sauce?

Cranberry relish is a type of cranberry sauce. Fresh cranberry relish cooks the cranberries until they just burst open, about 4 minutes. As it cools, the natural pectin (starch) in the cranberries thickens the mixture making the sauce thick and chunky. On the other hand, classic homemade cranberry sauce is cooked for a longer period of time with a larger amount of liquid which results in a softer texture.

It’s worth noting that there is also another type of thanksgiving cranberry relish recipes which involves finely chopping the berries to create a dish that is more similar to a raw salsa than a sauce.

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely. You can use frozen cranberries to make this relish recipe. Just make sure to thaw the berries completely and drain any excess moisture before using them to make this dish.

Do I have to use orange liqueur?

While the orange liqueur adds a depth of vibrant citrus flavor, you don’t have to use it in this cooked orange cranberry relish recipe. Below are a few substitute options you can try:

  1. Fresh Orange Juice and Zest: Swap out the liqueur for freshly squeezed orange juice and add a little more orange zest to the relish.
  2. Orange Extract: A few drops of high-quality orange extract can capture the essence of orange liqueur. Just be sure to start with a very small amount, as it can be quite concentrated.
  3. Citrus Syrup: Make a simple syrup by simmering equal parts sugar and water with a large orange peel. This will give you a sweet flavor reminiscent of orange liqueur.
  4. Apple Cider Vinegar: For a tangy kick, a splash of apple cider vinegar and a little bit of sugar to round out the flavor.

Can I add other fruits to my cranberry relish?

Absolutely! I recommend experimenting with other fresh fruits, such as apples or pears, to create a unique and flavorful relish YOU love.

How do I adjust the sweetness of my relish?

If you’re looking for a less-sweet relish recipe, simply start with a smaller amount of brown sugar and then taste as you go. And, if you’re looking for a sweet relish, simply add more brown sugar. Just remember you can always add more sweetener if you need to, but you can’t remove it once you add it!

Can I make cranberry relish ahead of time?

Definitely! In fact, making it a day of two in advance will give the flavors an opportunity to meld, creating a more flavorful cranberry orange relish.

Is it possible to can this cranberry relish recipe?

While you can can cranberry relish recipes, you’ll need to follow safe canning practices and be sure to include enough acidity to prevent spoilage.

Close-up photo of the best homemade cranberry relish with orange zest.

What to do with cranberry relish

Fresh cranberry relish isn’t just for the holidays! It’s an incredibly versatile sauce and there are numerous ways to serve or use it! Plus, it pairs beautifully with a wide variety of dishes:

Common serving suggestions

Unique ways to use relish

  • Crostini: Top oven baked crostini with soft cheese, such as goat cheese or this whipped ricotta cheese dip, and a healthy spoonful of cranberry sauce for an easy, elegant appetizer.
  • Nachos: Give your nachos a holiday twist! Top your chips with shredded chicken or turkey, pepper jack cheese, and plenty of cranberry sauce.
  • Tacos: Dollop relish on top of tacos for a burst of sweet-tart flavor. Turkey tacos with cranberry relish are a unique way to use up those Thanksgiving leftovers.
  • Sandwiches and Burgers: Use relish as a spread on your favorite burger, sandwich or panini.
  • Dessert or Baked Good Topping: Spoon sauce on top of vanilla ice cream and cheesecakes for a festive flare. Or use it as a jam or preserve and spread it over loaf cakes, muffins with a pat of butter (its amazing with these cranberry muffins with white chocolate), and more.
Overhead photo of two slices of thanksgiving turkey topped with cranberry relish on a white plate.

Storing leftovers

  • Cool: Allow cooked orange cranberry relish to cool to room temperature on the counter. Once cool, transfer the relish to an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • Store: Properly stored thanksgiving cranberry relish will keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
  • To use, make sure you remove the relish from the refrigerator for 30 minutes prior to serving to remove the chill. Or, if you want to serve the relish warm, place the relish in a small saucepan over low on the stovetop. Cook, stirring occasionally, until heated throughout.
  • For a longer shelf life, cranberry orange relish can be canned and stored in a cool, dark place at room temperature. However, you’ll need to follow safe canning practices and ensure you use enough acid and sugar in your relish.

Freezing instructions

  • Freezer storage: To freeze this relish recipe, first allow the sauce to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as the relish may expand when frozen. Orange cranberry relish will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months.
  • Thawing: When you’re ready to use it, simply transfer the frozen relish to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. Alternatively, you can thaw it in the microwave on a low setting, stirring occasionally until it reaches the desired consistency.
Angled photo orange cranberry relish in a white serving bowl.

Now that you’re equipped with the best orange cranberry relish recipe, it’s time to bring some deliciousness to your holiday table. Gather your ingredients, and make your celebration truly sparkle! Until next week, friends, cheers.

Cheyanne

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More homemade sauces with fruit!

Overhead photo of orange and cranberry relish garnished with fresh orange zest in a white serving bowl with a serving spoon inserted into the relish.

Orange and Cranberry Relish for Thanksgiving Turkey and More!

5 from 4 votes
Author: Cheyanne Holzworth
Total Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Brighten up your Thanksgiving feast with the best Cranberry Relish! Featuring a delicious blend of tart cranberries, vibrant oranges, sour pomegranate juice, and sweet brown sugar, this flavor-packed orange and cranberry relish is the perfect complement to your holiday turkey and side dishes. Best of all, you'll need just 9 ingredients and 20 minutes to make it.

Equipment

  • 1 Medium Saucepan

Ingredients 

  • 2 teaspoons Vegetable Oil
  • 1 medium Shallot – finely diced (about 1/4 cup)
  • ¼ Cup Pomegranate Juice
  • 3 TBS Orange Liqueur (or Orange Juice Concentrate)
  • 2 TBS Pomegranate Molasses
  • 2/3 Cup Light Brown Sugar – packed
  • ¾ tsp Fresh Thyme – chopped
  • 1 (12 ounce) bag Fresh Cranberries
  • ½ Cup Pomegranate Arils
  • 2 tsp Orange Zest (zest only!)
  • to taste Coarse Kosher Salt

Instructions

  • Sweat the Shallots: Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the shallots to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 2 minutes.
  • Add the Liquids, Sugar, and Thyme: To the pan, add the pomegranate juice, orange liqueur, pomegranate molasses, sugar, and thyme. Season with a generous pinch of salt.
    Use a whisk and stir the ingredients together until combined.
    Increase the heat under the pan to medium and bring the contents to a boil.
    Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to maintain a simmer.
    Cook the relish, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is slightly thickened, about 12 minutes.
  • Add the Cranberries: Add the cranberries to the pan and increase the heat to medium.
    Bring the relish to a simmer. Once simmering, immediately reduce the heat to maintain simmer.
  • Simmer the Relish: Let the relish simmer, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries have just burst, about 4-5 minutes.
    Once the cranberries have burst open, remove the pan from heat.
  • Add Pomegranate Arils and Orange Zest: Stir the pomegranate arils and orange zest into the cranberry relish.
    Taste and adjust the orange cranberry relish for seasoning – adding more salt for overall flavor, honey for sweetness, or orange juice for tang.
  • Store or Serve Cranberry Relish: If you prefer a hot dish, transfer the cranberry relish to a serving bowl and garnish with more orange zest and fresh thyme. Enjoy!
    Alternatively, transfer the relish to a storage container or cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill until ready to serve.

Video

Notes

  1. Orange Liqueur: The recipe below calls for a very small amount (3 TBS) of orange liqueur. If you aren’t a fan of cooking with liqueur, please note that the alcohol cooks out of the sauce. The orange liqueur simply adds a bright, citrusy, acidic flavor to the relish. I highly suggest you don’t skip it.
  2. Pomegranate Molasses: This recipe also utilizes pomegranate molasses which is simply reduced pomegranate juice (sometimes with a touch of sugar). It adds a depth of sweet and sour flavor to the relish, which tastes amazing! You can find pomegranate molasses in either the ethnic or international isle of most major grocery stores.
  3. Storage: This cranberry orange relish can be made up to two days in advance and stored in a container with a tight fitted lid in the refrigerator. Just remove the relish from the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to using to remove the chill.
  4. Homemade Pomegranate Molasses:
    • Ingredients:
    • 2 cups (100% Pure) Pomegranate Juice
    • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
    • 1 TBS Lemon Juice
    • Directions:
    • Combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring mixture to a simmer while stirring to dissolve sugar. Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
    • Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is reduced to 1/2 of a cup and reaches a syrup-like consistency, about 55-60 minutes.
    • Taste and adjust to your liking adding more sugar if you want it a bit sweeter, or more lemon if you want it a bit more tart.
    • Let the pomegranate molasses chill completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  5. Need to Scale the Recipe? Hover your mouse over the number of servings in the recipe card. You’ll see a sliding scale pop up, you can use that to scale the recipe up or down as needed.
  6. Got questions? I’ve got answers! If you ever run into an issue, have a question, or need any clarification – please feel free to drop them in the comments section. I’m happy to help when I can! 
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and the nutrition facts are an estimate based upon 6 servings. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.

Nutrition

Calories: 168kcal    Carbohydrates: 36g    Protein: 0.4g    Fat: 2g    Saturated Fat: 0.3g    Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g    Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4g    Trans Fat: 0.01g    Sodium: 11mg    Potassium: 108mg    Fiber: 1g    Sugar: 33g    Vitamin A: 15IU    Vitamin C: 3mg    Calcium: 27mg    Iron: 0.3mg
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

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Close-up 45-degree angle photo of toasted slices of baguette with soft cheese and cranberry relish on a white platter.