Cranberry Recipes

Photo: Howard L. Puckett, Text: Serena Ball, RD

Whether you pick your own or buy them fresh or frozen, these native gems make the season—and seasonal foods—bright. Cranberries add a pop of sweet flavor to every dish from biscuits and sweet rolls to casseroles and cocktails. Plus, these holiday favorites are bursting with health benefits, including vitamins A and C and fiber. Sprinkle in dishes, whether mains or desserts, to add a touch of color that will have guests scooping up seconds.

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Cranberry-Goat Cheese White Bean and Kale Salad

Photo: Linda Pugliese

View Recipe: Cranberry-Goat Cheese White Bean and Kale Salad

Pack in the protein with white bean and kale to make a heart-healthy salad. Top it off with seasonal cranberries and crumbled goat cheese. Orange rinds and dried cranberries bring bright, fresh flavors to this perfect fall salad. The best part? It gets better with age, so don't be afraid to make a big bowl of it tonight and eat the rest with lunch tomorrow.

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Maple-Walnut Cranberry Pie

Photo: Chris Court

View Recipe: Maple-Walnut Cranberry Pie

While the buttery, maple-scented filling is inspired by classic pecan pie, we swap in toasted walnuts and add chopped fresh cranberries for a beautiful pop of color and tart flavor contrast that cuts the sweetness.

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Cranberry-Almond Broccoli Salad

Photo: Iain Bagwell

View Recipe: Cranberry-Almond Broccoli Salad

Broccoli salad is usually drowning in a creamy, often very sweet, dressing and studded with 1/2 pound crumbled bacon, making it more about the creamy dressing and bacon than about the actual broccoli. Ours uses a combination of canola mayonnaise and Greek yogurt to keep the calories in check. We opt for center-cut bacon (a bit less of it) and swap the usual raisins for lower-sugar dried cranberries to pack a subtle punch of tart. The best part of this salad? The longer it sits, the better it gets.

This creamy-crisp salad saves over 269 calories, 5g sat fat, and 121mg sodium over traditional broccoli salad.

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Cranberry English Muffins

Photo Courtesy of Oxmoor House

View Recipe: Cranberry English Muffins

English muffins are a real treat for breakfast. This gluten-free version has all the nooks, crannies, and cranberries of the original.

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Apple, Cranberries, and Pecan Stuffing

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Apple, Cranberries, and Pecan Stuffing

We give the classic holiday side a fall spin with fresh apple, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries. For the vegetarians at your table, you can substitute vegetable stock for the chicken stock. Raisins and walnuts can work in place of the cranberries and pecans.

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Cranberry Swirl Cheesecake

Photo: Gentl & Hyers

View Recipe: Cranberry Swirl Cheesecake

A simple swirl on top of the cheesecake gives this holiday dessert an elegant touch. (Learn How to Make a Swirl Cheesecake). If the cranberry mixture gets too thick, add a tablespoon of water and whirl it around in the food processor. You can also make this in an 8-inch springform pan; it'll be very full, so you should cook over a foil-lined baking sheet. Cook time will be the same.

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Apple-Cranberry Holiday Wassail

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Apple-Cranberry Holiday Wassail

After slowly simmering, unattended, for several hours, this spice-infused cocktail is party ready. Serve straight from the crock (set temperature to WARM). The drink will stay warm without cooking off the alcohol.

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Spiced Apple-Cranberry Sauce

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Spiced Apple-Cranberry Sauce

A trio of warm spices takes this holiday staple out of candy-sweet territory and into the world of robust holiday condiments. The sauce is delicious to top off your holiday protein for the rest of the season. Apples counter the tartness of the cranberries and help the sauce thicken. No fine dice on the apples here; the rustic chunky look of the two fruits is what makes the sauce beautiful and enticing. If you’re feeling extra generous, double the batch and spoon into small jars for guests to take home.

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Mini Cranberry Tarts

Photo: Rachel Johnson

View Recipe: Mini Cranberry Tarts

Cranberry sauce isn't just for savory meals. Implement this classic holiday ingredient into these easy dessert tarts. An indulgent base of creme fraiche and Greek yogurt balance out the tart fruity topping.

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Cranberry-Pear Clafoutis

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Cranberry-Pear Clafoutis

When beating such a small amount of egg white (you only need one) to soft peaks, it's easy to do by hand. Just place the white in a medium bowl, and beat vigorously with a whisk; it should take about a minute.

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Cranberry-Pistachio Energy Bars

Photo: Iain Bagwell

View Recipe: Cranberry-Pistachio Energy Bars

These bars fit snugly into snack-size zip-top plastic bags but also divide easily into squares. Store in an airtight container up to three days.

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Cranberry-Apple Pie

Photo: Courtesy of Oxmoor House

View Recipe: Cranberry-Apple Pie

Be ready for the aromas of fall to fill your kitchen as this beautiful pie bakes. We call for grade B maple syrup because it's less refined and a stronger, more "maple-y" flavor. If you use milder grade A syrup, stir in a single scrape of fresh nutmeg to boost the maple flavor.

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Cranberry-Walnut Tart

Photo Courtesy of Oxmoor House

View Recipe: Cranberry-Walnut Tart

This tart has a great basic gluten-free crust. The white rice flour and tapioca flour have a neutral taste that allows the flavor of the butter to stand out, while the shortening ensures flakiness. Fresh cranberries and walnuts in the filling make this the perfect tart to serve around the holidays.

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Wild Rice Dressing with Roasted Chestnuts and Cranberries

Photo: Jonny Valiant

View Recipe: Wild Rice Dressing with Roasted Chestnuts and Cranberries

The nutty, almost smoky flavor of wild rice pairs beautifully with game birds and other poultry. Bright bits of dried cranberries, fresh herbs, and sliced carrot give this side dish definite curb appeal.

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Cranberry-Pistachio Chocolate Bark

Photo: Teresa Sabga

View Recipe: Cranberry-Pistachio Chocolate Bark

The best way to spread Christmas cheer is making bark for all to share. This festive snack lends satisfying texture in every bite. Studded with ruby-red cranberries and flecks of pistachios, it's a gorgeous addition to any cookie tray or gift box, fitting beautifully in a rustic cookie tin.

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Nana's Rosemary Biscuits with Cranberries

Photo: Brian Woodcock

View Recipe: Nana's Rosemary Biscuits with Cranberries

When punching out dough rounds, avoid twisting the biscuit cutter, which will seal the edges and interfere with rising.

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White Balsamic and Rosemary Cranberry Sauce

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: White Balsamic and Rosemary Cranberry Sauce

If you’re looking for a way to amp up your traditional sauce, this is it. Fresh rosemary gives the sauce a light herbal flavor (the berries are robust enough to stand up to the piny herb). White balsamic vinegar balances the sweet and adds a dimension of fruity tang to the tart cranberries. If you don’t have white balsamic, use white wine vinegar or cider vinegar—regular balsamic is a bit too strong and would darken the finished sauce. Beyond your holiday plate (and inevitable holiday leftovers), add to a cheese plate or sandwich buffet. Omit the orange liqueur from the master recipe. Simmer cranberries with rosemary sprigs, sugar, water, and cranberries. Stir in balsamic vinegar.

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Green Beans with Dried Cranberries and Hazelnuts

Photo: Brian Woodcock

View Recipe: Green Beans with Dried Cranberries and Hazelnuts

Every plate needs a little green on it. Blanch the beans ahead, and store in the refrigerator to eliminate a task from the Thanksgiving Day prep list.

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Cranberry-Orange Bundt Cakes

Photo: Rumulo Yanes

View Recipe: Cranberry-Orange Bundt Cakes

For a glaze that completely covers the cakes, dip the tops into glaze and swirl them around a bit to make sure the glaze coats and sticks.

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Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce

What makes this sauce extraordinary isn’t the orange liqueur, though it rounds out the tart and sweet flavors beautifully. It’s the whole fresh cranberries reserved before cooking and stirred in just before serving. You might think the fresh berries would be too tart without simmering—we did too—but the result is simply outstanding. This jammy sauce is punctuated by pops of whole cranberries. You can sub fresh orange juice for the orange liqueur if you like. Double the batch and use as a breakfast jam or sandwich spread, or spoon warm sauce over frozen yogurt.

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Frozen Orange Tortes with Cranberry Compote

Photo: Levi Brown

View Recipe: Frozen Orange Tortes with Cranberry Compote

This decadent dessert features a jeweled cranberry topping that cascades down a fluffy ice cream filling that's a dreamy citrus cloud.

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Cranberry-Orange Tart

Photo: Randy Mayor

View Recipe: Cranberry-Orange Tart

This fall dessert takes you straight into winter with its citrus flavor and warm berry filling. It makes a beautiful finale for a dinner party, or a memorable weeknight treat.

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Cranberry-Whiskey Sour Slush

Photo: Levi Brown

View Recipe: Cranberry-Whiskey Sour Slush

Is it a drink or dessert? Who cares? It satisfies both cravings. Our garnet-colored slush has all the qualities of a delicious cocktail–a not-too-sweet combination of high-quality liquor and fruity tang. Make sure to steer clear of above-80-proof bourbon; it won't freeze solid enough to become slushy. Garnish with any fresh herb.

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Meringue-Topped Cranberry Curd Tart

Photo: Randy Mayor

View Recipe: Meringue-Topped Cranberry Curd Tart

This amazing tart is definitely a show stopper. Serve in a beautiful pie dish for a winning holiday dessert.

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Apple, Pear, and Cranberry Crisp

Photo Courtesy of Oxmoor House

View Recipe: Apple, Pear, and Cranberry Crisp

The tart and tangy cranberries complement the sweet apples and pears in this warm, streusel-topped delight. Try serving it à la mode as the grand finale of a holiday dinner.

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Warm Cranberry-Walnut Brie

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

View Recipe: Warm Cranberry-Walnut Brie

This luscious appetizer skips the traditional puff pastry shell and gets right to the good stuff: beautifully melted Brie cheese. Dried cranberries add texture and a tart pop to offset the creaminess. Walnuts add crunch. The result is a riff on a popular holiday appetizer that’s free of trans fats. Be sure to remove the top layer of thick rind from the cheese before baking, otherwise it will be hard to spoon onto crackers. Readers warn that you may want other snacks at the ready; this crowd-pleasing favorite tends to get devoured first.

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Cranberry Curd

Photo: Brian Woodcock

View Recipe: Cranberry Curd

Cooking up a batch of this gorgeous, creamy curd will definitely bring some brightness into the life of anyone who receives it. It's thick and smooth like a cream, but tart and low in fat. It begs to be spooned over rustic whole-grain bread and is delectable swirled into Greek yogurt or oatmeal.

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Orange-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Cranberry Tabbouleh

Photo: Brian Woodcock

View Recipe: Orange-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Cranberry Tabbouleh

If you can't find five-spice powder, simply substitute a mixture of ground ginger and cinnamon.

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Lattice-Topped Cranberry-Raspberry Pie

Photo: Andrew Purcell

View Recipe: Lattice-Topped Cranberry-Raspberry Pie

Add a splash of festive color to your dessert sideboard with this tangy fruity pie. For pretty rickrack-shaped lattice, cut the dough with a fluted pastry wheel.

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Cranberry Sherbet in Tuile Cups

Photo: Nigel Cox

View Recipe: Cranberry Sherbet in Tuile Cups

Whimsical cookie cups bedazzled with sugar crystals add sparkle to your holiday table. The bracingly tart cranberry sherbet lends a pop of garnet color.

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Chestnut, Cranberry, and Leek Stuffing

Photo: Randy Mayor

View Recipe: Chestnut, Cranberry, and Leek Stuffing

The delicious mix of flavors is sure to make an impression on your family and friends.

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Oatmeal-Cranberry Pancakes

Photo Courtesy of Oxmoor House

View Recipe: Oatmeal-Cranberry Pancakes

With a dusting of powdered sugar and a kick of tart cranberry, these pancakes are sure to be a welcomed surprise to your morning routine. The addition of oats not only adds fiber, it bulks up the batter for a hearty, nutty pancake. The best part? They’re as easy to make as they are to eat!

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Pumpkin-Cranberry Muffins

Photo: Beau Gustafson

View Recipe: Pumpkin-Cranberry Muffins

Canned pumpkin offers the same health benefits as fresh but is more convenient. It contributes both color and moistness to these fruit-filled muffins.

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Cranberry-Orange Ginger Chutney

Photo: Randy Mayor

View Recipe: Cranberry-Orange Ginger Chutney

Try this tangy condiment with roast turkey, pork, or chicken, or on breakfast toast.

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Orange-Cranberry Pork Stew

Photo: Johnny Autry

View Recipe: Orange-Cranberry Pork Stew

Add a sweet, citrusy twist to traditional stew with luscious, fresh orange slices. If you prefer a thicker stew, reduce the broth to 3/4 cup, or simmer on the stove after baking.

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Cranberry Jalapeño Granita

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

View Recipe: Cranberry Jalapeño Granita

Tart and spicy, this icy delight will wow partygoers at your next cookout. The complex flavors make this an adult favorite that can be enjoyed year round. Use low-calorie cranberry juice to lower the calories and sugar content.

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Macadamia Butter Cookies with Dried Cranberries

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

View Recipe: Macadamia Butter Cookies with Dried Cranberries

We love these thick, satisfying cookies—complete with the criss-cross markings of a fork before going into the oven. Dried cranberries provide a slightly tart counterpoint to the macadamia nuts' richness. Swap in dried cherries, strawberries, or blueberries for the cranberries to suit your taste.

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Cranberry Upside-Down Coffee Cake

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

View Recipe: Cranberry Upside-Down Coffee Cake

Serve this buttery cake for a make-ahead brunch dish or at the end of a casual meal.

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Cranberry-Goat Cheese White Bean and Kale Salad

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Maple-Walnut Cranberry Pie

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Cranberry-Almond Broccoli Salad

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Cranberry English Muffins

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Apple, Cranberries, and Pecan Stuffing

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Cranberry Swirl Cheesecake

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Apple-Cranberry Holiday Wassail

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Spiced Apple-Cranberry Sauce

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Mini Cranberry Tarts

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Cranberry-Pear Clafoutis

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Cranberry-Pistachio Energy Bars

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Cranberry-Apple Pie

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Cranberry-Walnut Tart

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Wild Rice Dressing with Roasted Chestnuts and Cranberries

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Cranberry-Pistachio Chocolate Bark

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Nana's Rosemary Biscuits with Cranberries

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White Balsamic and Rosemary Cranberry Sauce

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Green Beans with Dried Cranberries and Hazelnuts

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Cranberry-Orange Bundt Cakes

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Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce

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Frozen Orange Tortes with Cranberry Compote

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Cranberry-Orange Tart

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Cranberry-Whiskey Sour Slush

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Meringue-Topped Cranberry Curd Tart

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Apple, Pear, and Cranberry Crisp

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Warm Cranberry-Walnut Brie

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