Easy Cranberry Orange Relish

Skip the sauce and make cranberry orange relish this Thanksgiving. It's easy to throw together in the blender and it's perfect to make ahead of time.

Cranberry Orange Relish Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make this top-rated cranberry orange relish:

• Orange: This fruity Thanksgiving relish starts with a medium navel orange.
• Cranberries: Choose fresh cranberries that are firm, plump, and blemish-free.
• Sugar: White sugar lends extra sweetness to the cranberry orange relish.
• Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds subtle warmth and cozy flavor.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Relish

You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make this holiday-perfect fresh cranberry orange relish:

1. Zest: Grate about two teaspoons of zest from the orange, then discard the rest of the peel.
2. Pulse: Transfer the orange segments, grated zest, cranberries, sugar, and cinnamon to a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.
3. Refrigerate: Place the relish in a bowl, cover with storage wrap, and refrigerate to allow the flavors to meld.

How to Use Cranberry Orange Relish

Pair your fresh cranberry orange relish with roasted turkey and all the traditional Thanksgiving side dishes, such as mashed potatoes. What about the leftovers? Use it as a topping for pancakes or toast, as a sauce for chicken or beef, or as an addition to a fall-themed charcuterie board.

Can You Make Cranberry Orange Relish Ahead of Time?

Yes, this is a great make-ahead recipe. In fact, the cranberry orange relish needs to sit in the fridge for a while for the flavors to fully blend — so it's actually better to make it at least a day in advance.

How to Store Cranberry Orange Relish

Store the cranberry orange relish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It's served cold, so there's no need to reheat.

Can You Freeze Cranberry Orange Relish?

Yes, you can freeze cranberry orange relish for up to two months. Transfer it to freezer bags, squeeze out the excess air, and freeze flat. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Cookdap Community Tips and Praise

“Easy to make and delicious,” raves Paul Ocheltree. “This cranberry relish paired perfectly with Thanksgiving dinner and I was able to make it the night before and leave it in the fridge until the meal the next day.”

“Absolutely loved it,” says Emeraldwitch. “Just the right sweet/tart combination. I substituted five cutie oranges for the one navel orange. The blend was delicious.”

“Great flavor and definitely needs to blend for a couple hours,” according to Marlene. “I tasted it right away and then the next morning. The flavor was delicious!”