Thanksgiving Cranberry Apple Relish
Add a burst of flavor to your holiday table with this Thanksgiving Cranberry Apple Relish, a vibrant and tangy twist on the classic cranberry sauce. Made with tart fresh cranberries, crisp diced apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, and a hint of warming spices like cinnamon and fresh ginger, this relish is sweetened with just the right amount of granulated sugar. Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest add a zippy citrus note that perfectly balances the flavors. In just 25 minutes from start to finish, this easy, make-ahead side dish transforms into a thick, textured medley that pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, ham, or any Thanksgiving staple. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for a subtly sweet, zesty side that will wow your guests and elevate your holiday feast.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 apple (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 0.75 cups granulated sugar
- 0.5 cups orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 0.25 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoons ginger (freshly grated)
- 0.25 cups water
Instructions
Rinse the cranberries under cold water and discard any that are soft or damaged.
Core and dice the apple into small, bite-sized pieces. Leave the skin on for added texture and color.
In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, diced apple, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, ginger, and water.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
Continue cooking for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries begin to pop and the mixture thickens. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking and to prevent burning.
Taste the relish and adjust the sweetness if needed by adding a small amount of additional sugar. Stir well after making any adjustments.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the relish to cool to room temperature. As it cools, it will thicken further.
Transfer the cranberry apple relish to a serving bowl or airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve chilled or at room temperature as a side dish or topping for turkey, ham, or other Thanksgiving favorites.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
891 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 1.0 g | 1% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 12 mg | 1% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 233.4 g | 85% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.2 g | 65% | |
| Total Sugars | 193.8 g | ||
| Protein | 2.9 g | 6% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 65 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 1.4 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 738 mg | 16% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
