Easy Candied Ginger Cranberry Relish

Making your own cranberry relish is surprisingly easy, and the flavor is a world apart from the canned stuff. This recipe will guide you through creating a vibrant and flavorful Cranberry Relish that will become a holiday favorite. Perfect for Thanksgiving and beyond, this is a side dish that’s both simple to make and impressive to serve. Get ready to elevate your holiday table with this unique twist on a classic!

Why You’ll Love This Candied Ginger Cranberry Relish Recipe

This isn’t your ordinary cranberry relish! I’ve added a special touch that takes it to the next level.

Candied Ginger Twist:
The secret ingredient in this candied ginger cranberry relish is 1/4 cup of finely chopped candied ginger, pulsed right into the food processor with the cranberries, orange, and sugar. This simple addition infuses the entire relish with a sweet, zingy ginger kick and tiny chewy bits in every spoonful, instantly setting it apart from classic recipes. If you enjoy that cozy ginger flavor, you might also love serving it alongside or after making a batch of homemade candied orange peel for a coordinated holiday dessert spread.

Warm and Spicy Flavor:
Candied ginger brings a warm, gently spicy heat that beautifully balances the tart bite of fresh cranberries and the bright citrus notes from orange zest and juice. Instead of a one‑dimensional sweet‑tart relish, you get a layered flavor profile with subtle ginger spice that feels perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cool‑weather roast dinner. This cozy warmth makes the condiment taste like something straight from an artisan gourmet shop.

Pleasant Texture:
You’ll love the pleasant chewiness the candied ginger provides in every bite, adding contrast to the finely chopped cranberries and juicy orange pieces. That mix of soft fruit and tiny tender ginger cubes creates a more interesting mouthfeel than smooth cranberry sauce, making each spoonful feel substantial and satisfying. It’s the kind of texture that shines on turkey, ham, cheese boards, and leftover sandwiches alike.

Quick and Easy:
Despite its complex flavor, this candied ginger cranberry relish is incredibly easy to make and comes together in just a few minutes with minimal prep. Everything goes into the food processor—no cooking, no standing over the stove, and no elaborate techniques—so it’s ideal for beginner cooks and busy hosts alike. You get a show‑stopping holiday side dish with all the “wow” factor and almost none of the effort.

Make-Ahead Magic:
This relish is a dream for make‑ahead holiday prep because the flavors actually improve as it chills. You can prepare it a day or two before your gathering, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and let the cranberries, orange, and candied ginger meld into a bright, cohesive, deeply flavored condiment. On the big day, all you have to do is pull it from the fridge and serve—no reheating or last‑minute fuss required.

Impress Your Guests:
With its jewel‑toned color, chewy ginger pieces, and sweet‑tart, lightly spiced flavor, this candied ginger cranberry relish looks and tastes like something from a high‑end restaurant. Guests will notice the unique twist and warm ginger notes immediately, and it’s the kind of side dish that has people going back for seconds and asking, “Can I get that recipe?” It’s a simple way to elevate your holiday table and make your turkey dinner or festive roast truly memorable.

Ingredients Needed

• 12 ounces fresh cranberries
• 1 orange ( peel ON)
• 1 cup granulated sugar

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Here are a few notes to help you customize this cranberry relish to your liking:

Cranberries (fresh vs frozen): You can use frozen cranberries directly from frozen; no need to thaw them first!

Orange (varieties): While I prefer a standard orange for its balance of sweet and tart, you can experiment with other citrus fruits like clementines. Keep in mind that clementines will result in a sweeter, less tart relish.

Sugar (sweetener alternatives): You can adjust the amount of sugar to taste. Feel free to experiment with other sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, but be aware that they may affect the final texture.

How to Make Cranberry Relish

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect cranberry relish.

Prepare the Orange

Slice the ends off of the orange, just until you see the flesh. Leave the rest of the skin on the orange and slice into 8 wedges. The orange segments should be easy to handle.

Process the Ingredients

Add fresh cranberries, orange wedges, and sugar to a food processor. Add 1/4 cup chopped candied ginger at this step. Process until smooth (or until no large chunks remain). The mixture will become a vibrant, chunky sauce. Pulse until desired consistency is achieved.

Chill and Serve

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving (or up to 1-2 weeks). Chilling allows the flavors to meld together for a more balanced taste. The relish will also thicken slightly. Serve over turkey, chicken, pork loin etc.

Adjusting Sweetness and Bitterness

Cranberries can be tart, and oranges can sometimes have a bitter edge. Here’s how to customize your relish:

Adjusting Sweetness

Taste the relish after processing and before chilling. If it’s too tart for your liking, add sugar 1 tablespoon at a time, processing after each addition, until you reach your desired sweetness. Remember that the sweetness of the orange itself can affect the final taste, so consider that when adding sugar.

Reducing Bitterness

The white pith of the orange peel can sometimes impart a bitter flavor. To minimize this, use a vegetable peeler to remove most of the orange peel, leaving behind the pith, before slicing the orange into wedges. Leaving some pith on will give it a stronger flavor, and taking it off will make the relish milder.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Pro Tips

• Use frozen cranberries without thawing.
• Pulse, don’t puree, for best texture.
• Adjust the amount of candied ginger to taste.
• Make it a day ahead for optimal flavor.
• Use a high-quality food processor for even processing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-processing the relish (leads to a watery texture).
• Not removing enough pith (results in a bitter taste).
• Using old or stale candied ginger (lacks flavor).
• Not chilling the relish long enough (flavors won’t meld).

Serving & Storage

Serving Ideas

• Traditional pairings: turkey, chicken, pork loin.
• Spread on Homemade Rolls instead of mayonnaise.
• Spread on Sandwiches or Wraps instead of mayonnaise.
• Stir into plain Greek yogurt for a delicious breakfast or snack.
• Serve on Belgian Waffles for a festive brunch.
• Serve over cream cheese with crackers for an easy appetizer.

Storage and Make-Ahead

This cranberry relish will last for 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.

You can also freeze cranberry relish, although the texture may change slightly after thawing. For best results, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months.

Conclusion

This easy cranberry relish recipe, with its candied ginger twist, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s simple, foolproof, and adds a unique touch to any holiday meal. Feel free to experiment with different citrus fruits or sweetener options to create your own signature version. Try this recipe for your next holiday gathering and impress your guests!

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about making cranberry relish:

Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries straight from the freezer, and they work especially well in cranberry relish recipes because they blend and break down easily without needing to thaw first. Using frozen fruit can also help keep the relish cool and fresh while you finish prepping the rest of your meal.

How long does cranberry relish last in the fridge?
Homemade cranberry relish keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 1–2 weeks, making it perfect for preparing ahead of holiday meals. For best quality, always use a clean spoon to serve and return it to the fridge promptly after use.

What are some serving suggestions for cranberry relish?
Cranberry relish is delicious spooned alongside roast turkey, chicken, or pork loin, where its sweet-tart flavor cuts through richer meats. It’s also fantastic spread on leftover turkey sandwiches, stirred into yogurt or oatmeal, or served over a block of cream cheese with crackers for an easy appetizer, just like your classic apple salad is a versatile side.

How do I adjust the sweetness of the relish?
After processing the cranberries and citrus, taste the mixture, then add granulated sugar 1 tablespoon at a time, pulsing between additions, until it reaches your ideal balance of sweet and tart. Keep in mind that flavors mellow slightly after chilling, so aim for just a bit brighter and tangier than you think you want.

Can I substitute clementines or other citrus fruits for the orange?
Yes, you can swap in clementines, mandarins, or even grapefruit, but the flavor profile will change. Clementines create a sweeter, less tart relish, while grapefruit or lemon will make it more sharply tangy, so adjust the sugar as needed to keep the flavors balanced.

What is the difference between cranberry relish and cranberry sauce?
Cranberry relish is usually raw and chunky, made by finely chopping fresh cranberries with citrus and sugar so it keeps a bright, fresh texture and flavor. Cranberry sauce is cooked on the stovetop until the berries burst and thicken, resulting in a smoother, jam-like condiment.

Why is my cranberry relish bitter?
Bitterness usually comes from too much of the white pith of the orange (or other citrus), which is naturally quite bitter. Next time, remove most of the pith and any large seeds before processing, and you can also add a bit more sugar or an extra piece of sweet orange or clementine to balance the flavor.

If you’re looking for another easy and delicious side dish, why not try our recipe for classic apple salad? It’s the perfect complement to any meal!

For more information about cranberries, you can check out this article from the Wikipedia page on cranberries.

Additionally, to understand more about food processing techniques used in making relish, you might find this resource helpful: Understanding Food Processing.