Mouthwatering Cranberry Recipes (2024)

ByStacie VaughanOn Updated

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When you think of cranberries, what is the first recipe that comes to mind? For me, I pictured our Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners and the dish of cranberry sauce on the table beside the turkey. I also think of leftover turkey sandwiches with mayonnaise and cranberry sauce – yummy! Really though I wasn’t even scraping the surface to just how many cranberry recipes there are out there just waiting for me to make.

Cranberries can be used in baking and there are loads of bread, muffin and cookie recipes out there online. It can also be used in savoury dishes to add a bit of tartness. I’ve purchaseddried cranberries (Craisins) in the past and grab a quick handful for a snack.

Mouthwatering Cranberry Recipes (1)

I’ve collected some mouthwatering cranberry recipes to try if you want to go beyond the traditional cranberry sauce recipes. I’m not sure which one I want to make first though since they all look fantastic.

Mouthwatering Cranberry Recipes (2)

I've collected some mouthwatering cranberry recipes to try if you want to go beyond the traditional cranberry sauce recipes. I'm not sure which one I want to make first though since they all look fantastic.

Mouthwatering Cranberry Recipes (3)

Cherry Cranberry Pie

Sweet and tart deliciousness. This holiday pie is easy to make and makes a wonderful addition to your Christmas dinner.

Mouthwatering Cranberry Recipes (4)

Cranberry Cobbler Dump Cake

This Cranberry Cobbler Dump Cake recipe is unbelievably delicious and easy! It’s also a great way to use up leftover cranberry sauce.

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The Best Cranberry Orange Bread

Photo Credit:www.playpartyplan.com

This cranberry orange bread recipe combines the popular flavor of cranberry bread with the tart pop of citrus. Combined you have one of the absolute best and most moist cranberry orange bread recipes ever.

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Cranberry Walnut Holiday Cheese Log

Photo Credit:www.5minutesformom.com

Your guests will love this Cranberry Walnut Holiday Cheese Log. It is the perfect holiday appetizer. It’s full of flavor and looks fantastic on your table. The best part is how easy it is to make!

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Leftover Turkey Salad Panini Sandwich with Cranberries and Pecans

Photo Credit:homecookingmemories.com

This Leftover Turkey Salad Panini Sandwich with Cranberries and Pecans is a fast and easy way to use leftover Thanksgiving turkey.

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Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars

Photo Credit:whoneedsacape.com

Make delicious Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars at home! This easy to make dessert is perfect for the holidays or any day with a cup of coffee.

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Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce

Photo Credit:recipesfromapantry.com

Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce is quick and easy to make using fresh or frozen cranberries. All you need is 5 minutes of hand-on time and 5 ingredients!

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15 Minute Cranberry Brie Bites

Photo Credit:confessionsofparenting.com

Cranberry brie bites are the perfect addition to your next holiday party! This simple appetizer are so easy to prep, but look like you slaved all day in the kitchen!

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Cranberry Bundt Cake

Photo Credit:www.beyondthechickencoop.com

Cranberry bundt cake is a perfect dessert for all your holiday meals or special dinners.

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Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze

Photo Credit:www.berlyskitchen.com

Cranberry Orange Bread is incredibly moist, dense, and full of orange and cranberry in every bite. It's even topped with a sweet orange glaze that puts it over the top.

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Slow Cooker Cranberry and Orange Gammon

Photo Credit:www.slowcookerclub.com

A perfect ham recipe, slow cooker cranberry and orange gammon is an amazing combination you’ll want to cook again and again. Cranberries are the star here, and turn an already tasty meat into a decadent treat!

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4-Minute Instant Pot Cranberry Relish

Photo Credit:www.cleaneatingkitchen.com

Use frozen cranberries to make Instant Pot Cranberry Relish with no foaming! You only need four minutes cooking time for this sweet and delicious cranberry relish that thickens as it cools.

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Walnut Cranberry Bars (with Crumb Topping!)

Photo Credit:www.goodlifeeats.com

Pomegranate Walnut Cranberry Bars are the perfect wintery recipe to add to your Christmas 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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Cranberry Curd Pie

Photo Credit:www.bunsenburnerbakery.com

A sweet-tart silky smooth cranberry curd in a gingersnap nut crust, this Cranberry Curd Pie is perfect for fall celebrations.

Cranberry Pesto Stuffed Lamb

Photo Credit:www.runningtothekitchen.com

A simple cranberry pesto made with basil, mint, garlic and pine nuts makes this stuffed American lamb recipe a gorgeously festive and delicious winter dish perfect as a holiday dinner party centerpiece.

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Cranberry Cheesecake Dream Bars with an Almond Shortbread Crust

Photo Credit:lifecurrentsblog.com

These Cranberry Cheesecake Dream Bars with an Almond Shortbread Crust are amazing. A buttery almond crust topped with a creamy no-bake vanilla cheesecake layer. And all crowned by a festively tart cranberry topping. So lovely. So seasonal. And, great for the holidays.

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Orange Cranberry Scones

Photo Credit:www.baked-theblog.com

A festive recipe for orange cranberry scones with orange zest and fresh cranberries, finished with cranberry glaze. Heavy cream adds moisture and tenderness, but we’ve got you covered with a vegan option as well.

Mouthwatering Cranberry Recipes (21)

Cranberry Strawberry Chia Sauce

Photo Credit:www.bucketlisttummy.com

This Cranberry Strawberry Chia Sauce is the perfect, hearty combination of tangy and sweet. A fall staple, this will be a perfect addition for your Thanksgiving table.

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Banana Cranberry Bread

Photo Credit:flavormosaic.com

This moist, scrumptious Banana Cranberry Bread adds tangy fresh cranberries for an extra zip to this homemade banana bread.

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Cranberry Salsa with Jalapenos

Photo Credit:www.diprecipecreations.com

This cranberry salsa with jalapenos and cream cheese is a quick, festive and fresh salsa recipe perfect for fall and winter. Takes only 5 minutes to make!

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Cranberry Coffee Cake

Photo Credit:www.365daysofbakingandmore.com

Cranberry Coffee Cake is a delicious dessert for your Fall baking! The perfect balance of tart and sweet, it's great paired with your morning cup of coffee, too!

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Creamy Panna Cotta Recipe with Cranberry Sauce

Photo Credit:drivemehungry.com

Indulgent, ultra rich and creamy panna cotta topped with a bright homemade cranberry sauce. Make ahead for the perfect dessert!

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Cranberry Salad

Photo Credit:www.missinthekitchen.com

This Cranberry Salad is a must for holiday dinners! It is packed with fresh cranberries, oranges, apples, pomegranate and pineapple. It goes perfectly with turkey or ham and is a delightful side to add to your holiday spread.

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Cranberry Cake with Almonds

Photo Credit:amagicalmess.com

Sweet and tart cranberry cake is perfect for the holidays. With crunchy almonds, moist cake, and tangy cranberries, this dessert is packed with flavor and texture.

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Cranberry Pecan Pretzel Salad Recipe

Photo Credit:www.thegunnysack.com

This Cranberry Pecan Pretzel Salad recipe with cranberry sauce, sugared pecans and pretzels is perfect for holiday dinners from Thanksgiving to Christmas.

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Cranberry Curd Bars with a Pistachio Shortbread Crust

Photo Credit:playdatesparties.com

Tangy and sweet, cranberry cues bars with a pistachio crust are a unique and delicious dessert for your holiday celebration.

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Cranberry Orange Overnight Oatmeal Muffins

Photo Credit:www.crumbtopbaking.com

Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Muffins are made with overnight oats and bursting with fresh cranberries, sweet orange and chocolate chunks!

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Homemade Christmas Jam

Photo Credit:www.therusticelk.com

This Christmas jam has a delicious blend of cranberries, strawberries and citrus to blend together your favorite flavors of the season into a gift able treat.

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Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Chutney

Photo Credit:saltandbaker.com

Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Chutney will become your new go-to recipe! You can serve these as a holiday appetizer or as a main course for a meal.

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Cranberry Jello Salad

Photo Credit:neighborfoodblog.com

Cranberry Jello Salad is a delightful dessert or side dish for the holidays. Sweet, tangy, and a gorgeous ruby color, it's always a crowd pleaser.

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Cranberry Cheesecake Tart

Photo Credit:sweetcayenne.com

This simple and elegant Cranberry Cheesecake Tart is a festive treat that can be made ahead and assembled right before a party - it's one of my favorite holiday desserts!

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Mouthwatering Cranberry Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Why does my homemade cranberry sauce taste bitter? ›

Dear Evelyn: I had the same problem when I first started making my own cranberry sauce. I found out that you should cook them just until they pop. Further cooking will make them bitter, and once that happens, you need to start again.

What happens if you overcook cranberry sauce? ›

If your cranberry sauce is too thick, it's most likely overcooked. When you cook cranberries (or any berries), they burst, releasing pectin—a natural thickener. The key to a perfect consistency is to allow some but not all of the cranberries to split open—something you'll achieve with less time on the stove.

What if I add too much water to cranberry sauce? ›

What to do if the cranberry sauce is too thin or loose. If you inadvertently added too much water, simply bring the cranberry sauce back to the stove top and bring it to a low boil, cooking it down just a bit to help thicken it up.

Why should cranberries not be eaten raw? ›

Is it safe to eat cranberries raw? Cranberries are generally considered safe whether they are cooked or raw. However, because of their notoriously bitter, sharp taste, most people prefer not to eat them raw or unsweetened. This bitterness is due to the high tannin content of cranberries.

How do you reduce the bitterness in cranberry sauce? ›

If your cranberry sauce comes out tasting too bitter, don't reach for the sugar. Granulated sugar might make the situation worse, especially if you don't have time to reheat the sauce so the sugar can dissolve properly. Instead, reach for another sweetener: maple syrup.

How do you get the bitter taste out of cranberry juice? ›

Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of raw honey to your juice. and give it a stir.

How do you fix watery cranberry sauce? ›

Try reducing the sauce down even further so more of the liquid cooks off and the mixture thickens. If that doesn't work, add a thickener like gelatin, pectin or a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch whisked into juice or water). Let the sauce cool before refrigerating to completely set.

Does homemade cranberry sauce thicken as it cools? ›

Serve warm, room temperature, or chilled. Cranberry sauce will thicken as it cools.

How do you fix too sweet cranberry sauce? ›

My cranberry sauce is too sweet now that I taste it. How do I fix it? Add a splash of red wine or apple cider vinegar and a pinch of salt to lessen sweetness.

How do you know when cranberry sauce is done? ›

Add the cranberries to the pot and return to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until most of the cranberries have burst. Stir in the mix-ins, if using: Once the cranberries have burst you can leave the cranberry sauce as is, or dress it up with other ingredients.

Why is my homemade cranberry sauce runny? ›

Though they won't tolerate runny sauce, so it's time to fix that. The simplest reason that your cranberry sauce is too runny is that it has too much liquid in it. Usually, this is just water, but some people use orange juice or other flavored fluids. No matter what you're using, the answer is to cook it longer.

How to improve cranberry sauce? ›

Spirits are a wonderful addition to cranberry sauce, but remember that a little goes a long way. Go with spirits and fortified wines used to make other sauces, and start with port, sherry, madeira, marsala, sweet vermouth, or even bourbon. Add it to your sauce a teaspoon at a time until you get the flavor you want.

Who Cannot eat cranberries? ›

Cranberry has relatively high levels of oxalate, chemicals that may raise the risk of kidney stones in some people. If you have kidney stones, talk to your doctor before taking cranberry supplements or drinking a lot of cranberry juice. DO NOT use cranberry if you already have a UTI.

Do cranberries clean your stomach? ›

Digestive Health

Compounds called proanthocyanidins provide cranberries' vibrant color and also work as antimicrobial agents. They can help prevent bad bacteria, such as E. coli, from colonizing your gut and may also strengthen the gut barrier and reduce inflammation in and around your digestive tract.

What are the cons of eating cranberries? ›

Cranberries come under the category of GRAS (generally regarded as safe), but consumption in large amounts can cause upset stomach and diarrhoea in young children. Concentrated extracts of cranberries contain a high amount of oxalates. Oxalates are a risk factor for kidney stones when consumed in high amounts.

How do you counteract bitterness in sauce? ›

Sweetness: From sugar, honey, fruits or otherwise, sweetness will counteract bitter and sour flavours. It can also be used to cut down the heat of a particularly spicy meal. Saltiness: Salt plays two very important roles in flavouring a dish. Firstly, it balances against bitterness.

Why does my homemade sauce taste bitter? ›

Leaf states that this can be due to burning the sauce in the pot or simply dealing with a batch of produce that are overly acidic or metallic from canning or cooking. This can also come from under-ripe or low-quality tomatoes, as well as stirring in a hefty amount of tomato paste, per Boss The Kitchen.

How do you remove bitterness from juice? ›

You could add a small amount of salt to the mix. The salt will help balance the acids and neutralize the bitter flavor. Don't add enough to taste but just enough to reverse the bitterness.

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