If you love cranberries, you’re in the right place! Today, I’m sharing some of my favorite cranberry recipes that are perfect for any meal or holiday gathering. These homemade sauces and condiments bring bright, tangy flavor to your table.
Making your own cranberry dishes is simple, and I promise you’ll find a new favorite here. From a classic chutney to a sweet mango sauce, let’s get cooking!
Jump to Recipe:
Homemade Cranberry Chutney Recipe
This Cranberry Chutney offers a delightful mix of sweet, tart, and spiced notes, making it a fantastic addition to roasted meats or a cheese board. It’s easy to prepare and adds a special touch to your holiday spread.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Chutney
- Fresh Cranberries: Use firm, bright red cranberries for the best flavor and texture. Frozen cranberries work too, just don’t thaw them first.
- Spices: A mix of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves really warms up the chutney. Adjust the amounts to your liking.
- Vinegar Balance: Apple cider vinegar adds a crucial tanginess. Don’t skip it, as it balances the sweetness from the sugar and fruit.
What You Need for Cranberry Chutney
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup finely diced yellow onion
- 1/4 cup golden raisins
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
⏱️ Time: 30 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2 cups
How to Make Cranberry Chutney
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, add the cranberries, sugar, apple cider vinegar, diced onion, raisins, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Stir everything together gently to combine.
Step 2: Simmer and Cook
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the chutney thickens.
Step 3: Cool and Serve
Remove the chutney from the heat and let it cool completely. It will thicken more as it cools. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
📝 Final Note
Store leftover cranberry chutney in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It tastes even better the next day!
Sweet Cranberry Mango Sauce Recipe
This Cranberry Mango Sauce is a vibrant and sweet take on traditional cranberry sauce, with a tropical twist from the mango. It’s a fantastic side dish for poultry or a unique topping for desserts like cheesecake or yogurt.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Cranberry Mango Sauce
- Ripe Mango: Choose a ripe mango that is slightly soft to the touch for the best sweetness and texture. Frozen mango chunks can also work well.
- Orange Juice: A splash of orange juice brightens the flavors and helps thin the sauce to the right consistency.
- Sugar Adjustment: Taste the sauce as it cooks. Depending on the sweetness of your mango and cranberries, you might need to adjust the sugar.
What You Need for Cranberry Mango Sauce
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 large ripe mango, peeled and diced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger (optional, but good!)
- Pinch of salt
⏱️ Time: 25 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2.5 cups
How to Make Cranberry Mango Sauce
Step 1: Combine and Heat
In a saucepan, combine the cranberries, diced mango, sugar, orange juice, ground ginger (if using), and salt. Stir to mix well.
Step 2: Simmer to Thicken
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring often, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens to your liking. The mango will soften and break down.
Step 3: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool completely. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. Serve warm or chilled.
📝 Final Note
For a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to lightly purée it after cooking. Be careful not to blend it too much if you want some texture.
Rich Cranberry Red Wine Sauce Recipe
This Cranberry Red Wine Sauce is a sophisticated twist on cranberry sauce, adding depth and richness from red wine. It’s perfect for special occasions and pairs beautifully with turkey, duck, or pork.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Cranberry Red Wine Sauce
- Red Wine Choice: Use a dry red wine you enjoy drinking, like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. The flavor will concentrate as it cooks.
- Orange Zest: The zest of an orange adds a bright, aromatic note that lifts the richness of the wine and cranberries.
- Don’t Overcook: Cook until the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. It will get thicker as it cools, so avoid reducing it too much.
What You Need for Cranberry Red Wine Sauce
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
- Pinch of salt
⏱️ Time: 35 minutes🍽️ Yields: 1.75 cups
How to Make Cranberry Red Wine Sauce
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a saucepan, add the cranberries, red wine, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon stick (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together gently.
Step 2: Simmer and Reduce
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens and slightly reduces.
Step 3: Cool and Serve
Remove the cinnamon stick if you used one. Take the sauce off the heat and let it cool completely. It will thicken considerably as it cools. Serve warm or chilled.
📝 Final Note
This sauce can be made a few days ahead of time. Store it in a sealed container in the fridge, and its flavors will deepen.
