46 Cranberry Recipes That Are Sweet and Tart in the Best Way Possible
Use them in savory applications, too!
If you've ever wondered why cranberries are so popular around Thanksgiving, it's because the season for harvesting fresh cranberries falls between September and November! So, when you see bags of cranberries make their way to the produce aisle of the supermarket, that means they are fresh and ready to make that cranberry sauce. But there are also tons of other ways to put the sweet-tart berry to good use!
Here, you’ll find the best cranberry recipes that go beyond the classic Thanksgiving side dish, including festive cranberry scones, cranberry margaritas, and Thanksgiving stuffing all made with the ruby red edible jewels. The tangy flavor of cranberries is perfect for balancing out the sweetness in fall desserts. For instance, you can try Ree Drummond's cranberry apple crumb pie or the cranberry cake topped with sugared cranberries. Looking for something savory? Try the festive cranberry goat cheese balls or the turkey BLT with cranberry mayo—it's perfect for using up Thanksgiving leftovers.
You can combine cranberries with other seasonal fruit too, like citrusy oranges and pomegranate recipes. Use them whole or try repurposing leftover cranberry sauce in the days following Thanksgiving. And while fresh cranberries are usually only available during the last few months of the year, you'll also find ways to use dried and frozen berries, plus the juice, too. That way, you won't want to miss the pop of color and flavor that comes from cooking with them all year-round.
Cranberry Bread
A slice of this bread has everything you love about holiday baking: It's sweet and tart with a moist center and crumbly topping. Best of all, it's easy to toss together―no mixer required.
Get Ree's Cranberry Bread recipe.
Cranberry Bourbon Smash
Sip on some holiday spirit! This smash strikes just the right balance between sweet and strong with a splash of bourbon, a hint of lemon, and a pop of cranberry. It looks as festive as it tastes.
Get the Cranberry Bourbon Smash recipe.
Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip
You've found your new favorite party dip! Blend cranberries with jalapeños, cilantro, green onion, and lime and top a base of whipped cream cheese and sour cream for a zingy bite.
Get Ree's Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip recipe.
No-Bake Cranberry Pie
Give your oven a break and still get dessert on the table. The filling is cool, creamy, festive, and bursting with flavor. Even better yet? It's all nestled in a buttery gingersnap crust.
Get Ree's No-Bake Cranberry Pie recipe.
Cranberry-Orange Sweet Rolls
Soft and buttery on the outside and sweet and tart on the inside, these rolls are the best reason to wake up in the morning. Top them off with an orange glaze for an unforgettable breakfast treat.
Get Ree's Cranberry-Orange Sweet Rolls recipe.
Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread
Why choose between sweet and savory when you can have both in one pull-apart appetizer? Cranberry sauce adds a bright tang that pairs beautifully with rich, creamy brie and slightly spicy pepper jack cheeses.
Get Ree's Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread recipe.
Cranberry Fluff Salad
If you love ambrosia salad, opt for this dessert on Thanksgiving! It gets its sweet tanginess from cranberries, roasted nuts, and a creamy marshmallow mixture.
Get Ree's Cranberry Fluff Salad recipe.
Cranberry Apple Crumb Pie
What's better than apple pie? Apple pie that's paired with tart cranberries and topped with a buttery oat crumble, of course! The only thing left to do is serve it with a scoop of ice cream.
Get Ree's Cranberry Apple Crumb Pie recipe.
Cranberry Crisp
Serve something sweet, tart, buttery, and warm. The filling is made with cranberries, brown sugar, orange zest, and a touch of ginger for a cozy seasonal twist. Top with a golden oat and pecan crumble with white chocolate chips.
Get Ree's Cranberry Crisp recipe.
Roasted Shrimp With Cranberry Cocktail Sauce
Roasting shrimp is incredibly easy and fast with flavorful results. You know what else is? Making the cocktail sauce from scratch. The cranberries add a festive, unique zing to it.
Get Ree's Roasted Shrimp With Cranberry Cocktail Sauce recipe.
Double Cranberry Sauce
If you're going to make cranberry sauce, why not make it a double? Actually, this should probably be called triple cranberry sauce because it has fresh berries, dried berries, and juice!
Get Ree's Double Cranberry Sauce recipe.
Thanksgiving Punch
You'll certainly give thanks after a sip of this seasonal drink! It has a refreshing mix of cranberry juice, orange juice, lime juice, grenadine, and a fizzy splash of ginger ale. Add in a little vodka for the adults.
Get the Thanksgiving Punch recipe.
Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookies
These chewy oatmeal cookies are made with dried cranberries so you can bake them year-round! The pop of orange zest and drizzle of white chocolate make them an all-time favorite.
Get Ree's Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookies recipe.
Sugared Cranberries
Add a little sparkle to just about anything with these sweet-tart cranberries that are covered in sugar. You can use them for garnishing a cake or brightening up a holiday cocktail.
Get the Sugared Cranberries recipe.
Gingerbread Cookie Sandwiches with Cranberry Sauce
Gingerbread cookies are delicious on their own, but stuff them with orange buttercream and cranberry sauce for even more holiday flavor. You can also cut out small shapes in the center of the cookies so your guests will know exactly what they're getting.
Get the Gingerbread Cookie Sandwiches with Cranberry Sauce recipe.
Apple-Cranberry Sauce
Crisp Granny smith apples bring even more fall flavor and a nice amount of texture to this homemade cranberry sauce. It's glossy, tangy, and perfect for Thanksgiving.
Get the Apple-Cranberry Sauce recipe.
Cranberry Margarita
Looking for a festive cocktail to serve this fall or winter? Try giving classic margaritas a seasonal spin! All you need is cranberry juice cocktail and fresh or frozen cranberries for garnish.
Get the Cranberry Margarita recipe.
Cranberry Scones
Not only are dried cranberries used in these tender breakfast scones, but there's also cranberry juice used in the sweet-tart glaze. Think: all cranberry, all the time.
Get the Cranberry Scones recipe.
Mistletoe Martini
'Tis the season to shake up a festive cocktail! Combine cranberry juice with vodka, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup. To garnish, thread a toothpick with fresh cranberries and mint.
Get the Mistletoe Martini recipe.
Cranberry-Orange Pie
In this pie, naturally tart cranberries are balanced by a layer of sweet orange cream cheese filling. And because cranberries have natural pectin, the filling will get nice and thick on its own without the risk of it over-baking.
Get the Cranberry-Orange Pie recipe.
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