As the weather starts to cool and the holiday season approaches, many of us turn to a trusted friend: the humble cranberry. These tart and tangy fruits are the perfect addition to any autumnal or wintery gathering, whether you’re serving up a warm breakfast, a hearty dinner, or a sweet treat. But beyond their traditional pairing with turkey at Thanksgiving, cranberries offer endless opportunities for creativity in the kitchen.
From sweet breads and cookies to savory sauces and salads, we’ve rounded up 18 delicious cranberry recipes that are sure to become new favorites. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping centerpiece or a simple snack to get you through the day, these mouthwatering dishes have got you covered.
Cranberry Orange Bread
This moist and flavorful bread is perfect for the holiday season, with the sweetness of orange zest and the tartness of cranberries combining beautifully. A delicious addition to your holiday spread or a thoughtful gift for friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, egg, cranberries, orange zest, and orange juice to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
5. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Transform your holiday meals with this easy-to-make homemade cranberry sauce recipe. Perfect for serving alongside roasted meats, stuffing, or as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz (3 cups) fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
Instructions:
1. Rinse the cranberries and pick out any stems or debris.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, water, and orange zest.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
4. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have popped and the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cranberry Walnut Salad
This refreshing salad combines the tartness of cranberries with the crunch of walnuts, perfect for a light and flavorful side dish or lunch. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and nutritious treat that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and honey until well combined.
2. Add the chopped walnuts and toss to coat with the dressing.
3. Stir in the cranberries and mix well.
4. Divide the mixed greens among four plates or bowls.
5. Top each plate with the cranberry-walnut mixture and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken
This sweet and tangy slow cooker recipe combines juicy chicken with a flavorful cranberry sauce, perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion. With minimal prep time and effortless cooking, you’ll be enjoying this delicious dish in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken, cranberries, chicken broth, honey, mustard, and thyme.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Cranberry White Chocolate Cookies
These sweet and tangy cookies combine the tartness of cranberries with the creaminess of white chocolate, perfect for a holiday treat or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
– 1 cup dried cranberries
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
4. Stir in white chocolate chips and cranberries.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture and mix until just combined.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Baked Brie with Cranberry Compote
Elevate your gathering game with this sweet and savory combination of creamy brie cheese, flaky pastry, and tangy cranberries.
Ingredients:
– 1 wheel of brie cheese (8 oz)
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 2 tbsp orange juice
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. Place brie cheese in the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the cheese.
4. Fold the edges of the pastry up over the cheese, pressing gently to seal.
5. In a small bowl, mix together sugar, cranberries, orange juice, and vanilla extract.
6. Spoon the cranberry compote over the brie cheese, leaving a small border around the edges.
7. Brush the top of the pastry with a little water and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese is melted and warm.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cranberry Pecan Stuffing
Elevate your holiday meals with this flavorful Cranberry Pecan Stuffing recipe, perfect for turkey or roasted chicken. Sweet and tangy cranberries combine with crunchy pecans and savory herbs to create a delightful side dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried sage
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the cranberries, pecans, parsley, garlic, and sage in butter until fragrant.
3. In a large bowl, combine bread, cranberry mixture, salt, and pepper.
4. Toss until bread is evenly coated.
5. Transfer to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cranberry Apple Crisp
Cranberry Apple Crisp: A Delicious Fall Treat
This warm and comforting crisp combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of apples, topped with a crunchy oat mixture. Perfect for a cozy fall evening or as a side dish for your holiday feast.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 cup diced apples (Granny Smith or Fuji work well)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine cranberries, apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until well combined.
3. Transfer the mixture to a 9×9-inch baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together oats, brown sugar, and chopped walnuts (if using).
5. Top the fruit mixture with the oat mixture.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is tender.
Cranberry Glazed Pork Tenderloin
Cranberry Glazed Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Elevate your dinner table with this sweet and savory cranberry glazed pork tenderloin recipe, perfect for a special occasion or everyday meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1-1.5 pound) pork tenderloin
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and olive oil.
3. Place the pork tenderloin on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the glaze all over the pork, making sure it’s fully coated.
5. Sprinkle garlic and thyme evenly over the top of the pork.
6. Roast the pork in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
7. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cranberry Lemon Scones
Brighten up your morning with these sweet and tangy scones, bursting with cranberries and infused with the warmth of lemon. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or afternoon treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 3/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender or fingers to work into the dry ingredients until crumbly.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk cream and egg. Add lemon juice and stir.
5. Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in cranberries.
6. Turn dough onto floured surface and gently knead 2-3 times.
7. Pat into a circle, about 1 inch thick. Cut into wedges.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Cranberry Spinach Quinoa Salad
This refreshing quinoa salad combines the sweetness of cranberries with the earthiness of spinach and the nuttiness of quinoa, making it a perfect side dish or light lunch. With its vibrant colors and tangy flavors, this salad is sure to delight!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, spinach leaves, and cranberries.
2. Crumbling the feta cheese (if using), add it on top of the quinoa mixture.
3. Drizzle olive oil and apple cider vinegar over the salad, tossing gently to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cranberry Almond Granola
Cranberry Almond Granola Recipe
Summary: A sweet and crunchy granola recipe infused with the flavors of cranberries and almonds, perfect for snacking or adding to your favorite yogurt or oatmeal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pecans)
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together oats, nuts, brown sugar, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
5. Fold in dried cranberries.
6. Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly toasted and fragrant.
8. Remove from oven and let cool completely before breaking into chunks.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cranberry BBQ Meatballs
Elevate your game day or party appetizer with these sweet and tangy cranberry BBQ meatballs. The combination of juicy meat, tangy cranberries, and rich BBQ sauce is a match made in heaven.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, and oregano. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Use your hands to shape mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
5. While meatballs are baking, combine cranberry and BBQ sauces in a small bowl.
6. Remove meatballs from oven and toss with cranberry-BBQ sauce mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Cranberry Ginger Mocktail
Perfect for a refreshing and flavorful drink without the added sugar of soda or juice, this Cranberry Ginger Mocktail is a delightful twist on a classic cocktail. With the warmth of ginger and the tartness of cranberries, this drink is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cranberry juice
– 1 cup ginger ale
– 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Slice of fresh ginger, for garnish
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine cranberry juice, ginger ale, lime juice, and simple syrup. Stir until well combined.
2. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
3. Serve the mocktail over ice in glasses and garnish with a slice of fresh ginger.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes.
Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
Add a pop of festive flavor to your holiday gatherings with this sweet and tangy Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip.
Ingredients:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
3. Add the granulated sugar and mix until combined.
4. Stir in the cranberry sauce and orange zest until well mixed.
5. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish or ramekin.
6. Sprinkle the chopped parsley on top.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dip is lightly set and slightly puffed.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cranberry Oatmeal Muffins
Start your day with a sweet and tangy treat that combines the warmth of oatmeal with the tartness of cranberries. These moist muffins are perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, egg, cranberries, and vanilla extract. Stir until just combined.
4. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until tops are golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cranberry Turkey Panini
Elevate your lunch game with this sweet and savory Cranberry Turkey Panini recipe. This tasty sandwich combines juicy turkey, crispy bacon, and tangy cranberries for a delicious twist on the classic panini.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of whole wheat bread
– 2 oz cooked turkey breast
– 2 slices of crispy bacon
– 1/4 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Mayonnaise or spread (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a panini press or grill to medium-high heat.
2. Lay two slices of bread on a flat surface.
3. Top each slice with turkey, bacon, cranberries, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
4. Place the remaining bread slices on top to create a sandwich.
5. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the bread is toasted and the filling is heated through.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 3-4 minutes
Cranberry Dark Chocolate Bark
A sweet and tangy combination of fresh cranberries and rich dark chocolate, perfect for a holiday treat or gift.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 cup (200g) dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Spread the cranberries on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 10-12 minutes, or until they pop and release their tartness.
3. Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
4. Stir in the honey, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
5. Pour the melted chocolate over the roasted cranberries and spread evenly to cover.
6. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight until set.
7. Cut into bars and dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes (roasting cranberries) + refrigeration time
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the tart and tangy flavors of cranberries with these 18 delicious recipes! From sweet treats like Cranberry Orange Bread and Cranberry White Chocolate Cookies, to savory dishes like Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken and Cranberry Glazed Pork Tenderloin, there’s something for every occasion. Plus, discover refreshing drinks like Cranberry Ginger Mocktail and sweet snacks like Cranberry Almond Granola. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast or a show-stopping centerpiece, these recipes are sure to impress your friends and family.
