Cranberry Apple Orange Relish Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, fresh-tasting condiment that bursts with holiday cheer, this Cranberry Apple Orange Relish Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. I absolutely love how the tart cranberries, crisp green apples, and zesty orange combine for a relish that sings with texture and brightness. Whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner, a winter potluck, or just jazzing up your weekday meals, this relish adds that perfect pop of fresh fruit flavor that’s not overly sweet but pleasantly tangy.

When I first tried making this cranberry apple orange relish recipe, I was amazed at how simple it was to put together, yet how it instantly elevated every dish it touched. You don’t need a complicated cooking process or long hours—just fresh ingredients ground together and a little bit of sugar to balance it out. I’ve found that once you get the hang of adjusting the sugar to your taste, you’ll keep coming back to this recipe year-round.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Cranberry Apple Orange Relish Recipe really comes down to simple, fresh ingredients that complement each other so well. Choosing crisp, tart apples and ripe, juicy oranges makes all the difference, and grabbing fresh cranberries when they’re in season guarantees that zing you want in every bite.

• Cranberries: Fresh, rinsed, and bright—these are the star ingredient and give the relish its iconic tartness.
• Green Apples: I like tart apples like Granny Smith for their crisp texture and tang, which contrasts beautifully with the cranberries.
• Large Seedless Orange (with peel): Yep, the peel! It adds a wonderful citrusy aroma and complexity to the relish.
• Granulated Sugar: Start small—you can always add more if you like sweeter relish.

Variations

I love how this cranberry apple orange relish recipe is so customizable—you can tweak the fruit ratios or sugar, and it still turns out delicious. Over the years, I’ve experimented with adding a little twist here and there, and it’s fun to make it your own depending on what flavors you enjoy.

• Extra Zing: Adding a splash of fresh lemon juice amps up the tang and keeps the relish bright, especially if your oranges aren’t as vibrant.
• Spiced Up: A tiny pinch of ground cinnamon or ginger adds lovely warmth—perfect for cozying things up on chilly days.
• Low Sugar Version: Try substituting half the sugar with maple syrup or honey for a more natural sweetness and depth.
• Without a Grinder: If you don’t have a food processor or grinder, finely chopping the fruit works—but be patient for that perfect relish texture.

How to Make Cranberry Apple Orange Relish Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Fruit and Equipment

Rinse your cranberries well and pick out any that look bruised. Peel and core the green apples, then cut them into thick slices to make grinding easier. For the orange, leave the peel on (it’s packed with flavor) and separate it into sections. Now, get your grinder ready—whether that’s an old-fashioned hand grinder, a KitchenAid grinder attachment, or a food processor. Setting up a bowl underneath your grinder to catch any drips saves you a sticky mess later, especially if you’re using an older model.

Step 2: Grind Together the Fruits

Push the cranberries, orange sections, and apple slices through the grinder, alternating the fruits so the flavors meld beautifully. If you’re using a food processor, pulse carefully—just a few short pulses at a time—to avoid turning the fruit into mush. You want a chunky, textured relish, not puree. If you’re going the manual chopping route, finely dice everything, but a grinder does save time and gives the best consistency.

Step 3: Sweeten and Let It Rest

Stir in the granulated sugar little by little, starting with less than a cup. I’ve found it’s easiest to add sugar gradually, tasting along the way, so you get the perfect balance—not too sweet to overpower the fruit, but not so tart it’s harsh. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for about 45 minutes; this gives the sugar time to dissolve and the flavors a chance to mingle. Once it’s ready, pop it in the fridge until you’re set to serve or enjoy.

How to Serve Cranberry Apple Orange Relish Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a few whole fresh cranberries or thin orange zest curls on top when serving—it just looks so inviting and adds an extra pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor that makes guests smile. A small sprig of fresh mint or rosemary can also complement the zesty citrus notes beautifully, especially during the holidays.

Side Dishes

This relish is amazing alongside roasted turkey or chicken, but I also love it stirred into my morning oatmeal or dolloped on cream cheese-topped bagels. On casual nights, my family can’t get enough of it paired with grilled pork chops or as a bright topping on veggie sandwiches.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving the relish in a clear glass bowl or jars so that the vivid red and orange colors shine through, kind of like edible decorations. Sometimes, I’ll swirl a little whipped cream cheese or Greek yogurt underneath for a creamy contrast, turning it into a delightful dip for crackers and sliced apples.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep the leftover cranberry apple orange relish in an airtight container in the fridge, where it stays fresh and flavorful for up to two weeks. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it honestly tastes better the next day—perfect if you like to prep ahead for gatherings.

Freezing

Though it’s delicious fresh, I’ve also frozen this relish in small batches with good results. I use freezer-safe containers and thaw it overnight in the fridge. After thawing, the texture softens a bit but the flavors remain bright, making it great for cooking or mixing into sauces.

Reheating

This relish is best served cold or at room temperature, so I typically don’t reheat it. If you do want it warm, just gently stir it on low heat until heated through—avoid boiling or the fruit texture will break down and get mushy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This cranberry apple orange relish recipe has become one of my go-to favorites whenever I want a fresh, easy, and crowd-pleasing side or topping. Its vibrant colors and bold flavors never fail to impress both family and guests—and the fact that it takes just minutes to prepare makes me feel like a kitchen superhero. I truly hope you give it a try soon; I think you’ll find, like I did, that it’s the perfect mix of simplicity, flavor, and festive spirit rolled into one delicious relish.

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