As the holiday season approaches, the vibrant flavor of cranberries can transform your meals into something truly special. These tart berries bring a burst of color and a zesty kick to dishes that will leave your guests raving. Get ready to explore some delightful cranberry recipes that will make your holiday table shine!
Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest

The World's Easiest Thanksgiving Cranberry Sauce from Serious Eats
Rating: 5 (5 reviews). Total Time: 45 min.
This classic cranberry sauce gets a refreshing twist with the addition of orange zest, creating a sweet and tangy condiment that pairs perfectly with turkey. The sauce is simmered on the stove, allowing the cranberries to pop and release their flavor, while the citrus brightens each bite.
- Fresh cranberries
- Granulated sugar
- Orange zest
- Water
What makes this cranberry sauce special is its simplicity and the way it elevates any holiday meal. It’s not just a side; it’s a vibrant companion that brings the whole plate together, making it a must-have at your festive gatherings.
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Cranberry Walnut Bread

Crusty Cranberry Nut No Knead Bread from Sally's Baking Addiction
Rating: 4.8 (396 reviews). Total Time: 20 hr.
This delightful quick bread combines the tartness of cranberries with the rich, nutty flavor of walnuts for a perfect holiday treat. Baked until golden brown, this bread is moist and bursting with flavor, ideal for breakfast or as a snack.
- Fresh or dried cranberries
- Chopped walnuts
- All-purpose flour
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Eggs
- Butter
What sets this bread apart is its cozy aroma that fills your kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere. It’s a wonderful option to share with friends and family, bringing warmth and sweetness to your holiday table.
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Cranberry-Orange Relish

This refreshing relish combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of oranges, making it a bright addition to any meal. Fresh cranberries are blended with oranges and sugar, creating a zesty and colorful condiment that’s sure to impress.
- Fresh cranberries
- Oranges
- Granulated sugar
- Walnuts (optional)
This relish is not only delicious but also a vibrant centerpiece on your holiday table. Its unique flavor profile makes it a standout dish that complements everything from ham to roasted vegetables.
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Cranberry Muffins
Fresh Cranberry Muffins from The View from Great Island
Rating: 4.8 (214 reviews). Total Time: 35 min.
Cranberry muffins are a delightful way to start your holiday mornings! These moist and fluffy muffins are packed with tart cranberries and a hint of sweetness, making them a perfect breakfast treat or snack.
- Fresh or frozen cranberries
- All-purpose flour
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Eggs
- Milk
- Butter
These muffins are always a hit during holiday gatherings, filling the air with a warm and inviting aroma. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, allowing you to impress your guests without spending all day in the kitchen.
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Cranberry Jello Salad
This nostalgic holiday dish combines cranberries with gelatin to create a fun and colorful salad that’s both sweet and tart. The refreshing texture makes it a delightful side dish that stands out on the table.
- Fresh cranberries
- Jello mix (cranberry or raspberry)
- Water
- Chopped pecans
- Cool Whip (optional)
It’s a fun dish that often brings back memories, making it a cherished part of holiday traditions. The bright color and sweet flavor make it a perfect accompaniment to richer main dishes, providing a lovely contrast.
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Cranberry Brie Bites
Cranberry Brie Bites (with video) from The Country Cook
Rating: 5 (220 reviews). Total Time: 25 min.
Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry from If You Give a Blonde a Kitchen
Rating: 4.9 (19 reviews). Total Time: 50 min.
These bite-sized pastries are a crowd-pleaser, combining creamy brie cheese with tart cranberry sauce, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Baked until golden, they’re perfect for holiday appetizers.
- Puff pastry sheets
- Brie cheese
- Homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce
- Egg (for egg wash)
These bites are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a showstopper at any holiday party. They’re easy to prepare and will have your guests coming back for more!
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Cranberry Glazed Ham
This stunning glazed ham is smothered in a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, making it the star of your holiday feast. As it bakes, the glaze caramelizes, creating a beautiful and flavorful crust.
- Ham (bone-in or boneless)
- Fresh or canned cranberry sauce
- Brown sugar
- Dijon mustard
- Cloves (optional)
What makes this dish so special is the way the cranberry glaze enhances the flavor of the ham, bringing a festive touch to your holiday table. It’s sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for the recipe!
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Cranberry Cheesecake
Sweet and tangy baked cranberry cheesecake from At the Immigrant's Table
Rating: 4.9 (112 reviews). Total Time: 5 hr 40 min.
This creamy cheesecake features a luscious cranberry topping that adds a beautiful pop of color and flavor. The tanginess of the cranberries balances the richness of the cheesecake, creating a dessert that’s simply irresistible.
- Cream cheese
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Graham cracker crust
- Fresh cranberries
- Vanilla extract
It’s a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, and the unique cranberry topping will have everyone talking. Each slice is a celebration of flavor, making this cheesecake a must-try!
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Cranberry and Spinach Salad
This vibrant salad combines fresh spinach with tart cranberries for a refreshing side dish that adds a burst of color to your table. Tossed in a light vinaigrette, it’s a healthy option that balances out richer holiday dishes.
- Fresh spinach
- Dried cranberries
- Feta cheese (optional)
- Walnuts or pecans
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
This salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a guilt-free addition to your holiday spread. The combination of textures and flavors makes every bite a delightful experience!
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Cranberry Chutney
This sweet and savory chutney is a wonderful addition to any holiday meal. With a mix of spices, apples, and cranberries, it’s a versatile condiment that pairs perfectly with meats, cheeses, or even as a spread on sandwiches.
- Fresh cranberries
- Apples
- Onion
- Brown sugar
- Apple cider vinegar
- Spices (like cinnamon and cloves)
This chutney brings a unique twist to your holiday spread, and it’s easy to make ahead of time. Its complex flavors will surprise and delight your guests, making them want to reach for more!
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Cranberry Rice Pilaf
Easy Cranberry Rice Recipe (Tasty Pilaf Recipe!) from Borrowed Bites
Rating: 5 (1 reviews). Total Time: 30 min.
This colorful rice pilaf features cranberries and nuts, creating a delightful side dish that’s both fragrant and flavorful. The tart cranberries provide a lovely contrast to the nutty rice, making it an exciting addition to your holiday table.
- Long-grain rice
- Fresh or dried cranberries
- Chopped nuts (like almonds or pecans)
- Butter or olive oil
- Vegetable or chicken broth
This dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing, with the bright red cranberries adding a festive touch. It’s an easy way to elevate your meal and impress your guests with something unique!
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Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Perfect Chewy and Gooey Chocolate Chip Cranberry Cookies from Simply Taralynn
Rating: 5 (32 reviews).
Soft & Chewy Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies from Running to the Kitchen
Rating: 5 (51 reviews). Total Time: 29 min.
Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies from Sally's Baking Addiction
Rating: 4.8 (124 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr 30 min.
These cookies blend the sweet and tart flavors of cranberries with rich chocolate chips, creating a chewy treat that’s perfect for the holidays. Baked until golden, they’re the ideal combination of flavors and textures.
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Butter
- Eggs
- Chocolate chips
- Dried cranberries
What makes these cookies truly special is their versatility; they’re great for holiday cookie exchanges or just as a sweet treat for your family. The combination of chocolate and cranberries is sure to satisfy every sweet tooth!
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Cranberry Granita
Cranberry Granita with Jalapeño and Lime from Street Smart Nutrition
Rating: 5 (29 reviews). Total Time: 4 hr 10 min.
This refreshing cranberry granita is a frozen dessert that’s light and tart, making it a perfect palate cleanser after a rich holiday meal. It’s easy to make and adds a chic touch to your dessert table.
- Fresh cranberry juice
- Water
- Sugar
- Lemon juice
This granita is not only a beautiful addition to your holiday spread but also a delightful way to cool off after a heavy meal. The bright flavor will leave your guests feeling refreshed and satisfied!








