This colorful cranberry orange relish is a bright and zesty side dish for your Thanksgiving table. Made with fresh cranberries and juicy oranges, it brings a refreshing twist to your meal!
Let’s be real, it’s hard not to snack on this relish while prepping dinner—it’s that tasty! 🍊 I love serving it chilled; it adds the perfect zing to turkey and stuffing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are key for that tangy flavor. If you can’t find them, frozen cranberries work too. Just thaw them before using, but be careful as they can get mushy.
Orange: A large seedless orange brings sweetness and zest. If you prefer, you can use two small oranges or even a tangerine. Blood oranges can add a unique twist with their color and flavor!
Sugar: The recipe calls for granulated sugar, but you can substitute with honey, maple syrup, or agave for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the amount to taste, as these can be sweeter than sugar.
Nuts: While pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch, feel free to leave them out if you want a nut-free option. Sunflower seeds could be a great alternative for a similar texture!
How Do I Make Sure My Relish Has the Right Texture?
Getting the right texture for your cranberry orange relish is super important. The goal is a chunky mixture, which gives you that fresh bite.
- When using the food processor, pulse rather than blend to keep some of the texture. Start with a few pulses and check the consistency.
- If you find the mix is too chunky, you can pulse it a couple more times, but be careful not to turn it into a puree.
- Letting the relish sit in the fridge for an hour is also key. This allows the flavors to meld and the sugar to dissolve well.
Fresh Cranberry Orange Relish Recipe for Thanksgiving
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 1 large orange (preferably seedless or seeded but deseeded)
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for texture
- Optional: Fresh rosemary or mint sprigs for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cranberry orange relish takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll want to set aside at least 1 hour for it to chill in the fridge, letting all those lovely flavors blend beautifully. In total, you’ll need around 1 hour and 15 minutes before serving it up at your Thanksgiving feast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold water. Make sure to remove any that are soft or damaged, as they can affect the taste of your relish. Once clean, drain the cranberries well.
2. Prep the Orange:
Next, take your large orange and peel it, being sure to remove as much of the white pith as you can to avoid bitterness. Cut the orange into quarters; it’s handy to have everything ready to go for the blending part!
3. Chop it Up!
Now it’s time to turn on that food processor! Add the rinsed cranberries and the orange quarters into the bowl. Pulse the mixture several times until it’s finely chopped but still has some texture. You don’t want to make it a puree, so keep an eye on it!
4. Mix in the Sugar:
Transfer your chopped cranberry-orange mix into a bowl. Start stirring in the granulated sugar, beginning with 1/2 cup. Taste it – if you like it sweeter, feel free to add more sugar until you reach your desired sweetness!
5. Add Nuts (if desired):
If you’re using nuts, fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts now. They’ll add a delightful crunch that complements the tangy relish beautifully.
6. Chill and Blend the Flavors:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 1 hour. This is important as it allows the flavors to meld together and the sugar to fully dissolve – trust me, this step makes all the difference!
7. Garnish and Serve:
When you’re ready to serve, take it out of the fridge and give it a little stir. You can garnish the relish with orange slices and a sprig of fresh rosemary or mint for a lovely presentation. Serve it chilled alongside your turkey and enjoy this bright, tangy delight on your Thanksgiving table!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain off excess moisture before processing to avoid a watery texture in your relish.
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Relish?
Absolutely! Start with 1/2 cup of sugar and taste as you mix. Feel free to add more sugar, honey, or maple syrup to reach your desired level of sweetness.
How Long Will the Relish Last in the Fridge?
This relish can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before serving after a few days to refresh the flavors.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! In fact, it’s a great idea to make it a day or two in advance. This allows the flavors to deepen and meld together nicely. Just remember to cover it well in the fridge!