Cranberries are the ultimate holiday ingredient! Tart, colorful, and perfect for both sweet and savory dishes. They brighten up everything from classic sauces to hearty mains and festive appetizers. In this roundup, you’ll find 15 cranberry recipes for both your Thanksgiving menu and Christmas menu that are simple, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or hosting a big holiday gathering, these dishes make cranberries shine in unexpected ways!
⭐️ Dips & Spreads
1. Cranberry Aioli
Tangy, creamy, and perfect for turkey sliders or a holiday vegetable tray!
2. Cranberry Salsa
Fresh, festive, and a little unexpected…this salsa is a holiday table conversation starter. Serve it alongside homemade tortilla chips.
3. Creamy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip
Sweet meets spicy in this creamy dip! Guaranteed to disappear at your holiday party. It works great with Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread!
4. Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball
An easy make-ahead appetizer that doubles as your holiday centerpiece! Pair it with soft dinner rolls.
5. Cranberry Bacon Jam
Salty, sweet, and spreadable, this is perfect on homemade sourdough crackers, sliders, or even over brie!
⭐️ Sauces & Condiments
6. Easy Cranberry Sauce
A 15-minute classic you’ll make again and again. Ditch the can this year when serving with your Thanksgiving turkey.
7. Homemade Cranberry Sauce
This from-scratch version is bold, tangy, and bursts with fresh cranberry flavor! Add it to the table with a side of Garlic Mashed Potatoes.
⭐️ Mains Dishes
8. Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs
Sweet and tangy, these party meatballs are the easiest holiday appetizer. My crockpot grape jelly smokies are always a hit, too!
9. Cranberry Orange Chicken
Juicy chicken baked in a cranberry-orange glaze…both festive and weeknight-friendly! Enjoy this dish with cheesy scalloped potatoes!
10. Cranberry Apple Pork Tenderloin
Sweet apples, tart cranberries, and juicy pork come together in this holiday-worthy skillet. They go perfectly with Roasted Brussels Sprouts to round out the dish.
⭐️ Cranberry Appetizers & Bread
11. Sausage Cranberry Brie Bites
Three ingredients, big flavor! This is a party bite everyone will rave about, just like my easy cheesy Spinach Dip!
12. Turkey Melt Sliders with Cranberry Aioli
Holiday leftovers turned into the BEST sliders you’ll ever eat! Check out more leftover turkey recipes, too!
13. Cranberry Walnut Bread
Cranberry Walnut Bread is a hearty, rustic bread with a soft, chewy texture filled with dried cranberries and chopped walnuts for a nutty crunch. And, you will not believe how easy it is to prepare!!
⭐️ Sides & Vegetables
14. Balsamic Cranberry Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted to perfection with a sweet-tangy balsamic cranberry glaze. You might also want to serve my Sweet and Spicy Green Beans!
15. Thanksgiving Wild Rice
Nutty, earthy, and packed with holiday flavor…the perfect hearty side dish! I love it with homemade cornbread.
16. Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
Fresh, crunchy, and holiday-ready with a cranberry kick. If you love apples, you might want to add my Winter Chopped Salad to the list of salads, too!
Make-Ahead Tips
Many of the dips & spreads can be prepared 1-2 days ahead and stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
Mains and sides: Bake them ahead, then reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes while guests arrive. For the best texture, add crunchy or fresh-herb toppings just before serving.
Leftover Ideas
- Leftover sauce or jam? Stir into plain yogurt for breakfast or spread on toast.
- Extra cooked cranberry protein dish? Serve leftovers cold on salad the next day.
- Use leftover bits in muffins or pancakes for a holiday twist.
Ingredient Swaps
- Dried cranberries can stand in for fresh in many recipes, but reduce any added sugar slightly.
- Want a nut-free version? Swap pecans for toasted sunflower seeds in cheese balls or salads.
- Need vegan? Use coconut milk in place of cream in dips, use vegan “cream cheese” for spreads, and use plant-based cheddar in mains.
FAQs
Can I freeze cranberry dishes?
Yes, many foods freeze well, but items with fresh herbs or raw crunchy toppings may lose texture.
What’s the difference between fresh vs dried cranberries in recipes?
Fresh adds tartness and moisture; dried adds chew and sweetness. Adjust sugar/liquid accordingly.
Are cranberries only for sweet holiday dishes?
Not at all! Their tartness pairs beautifully with savory proteins, roasted veggies, grains, and hearty mains.
Cranberries bring bold flavor, festive color, and incredible versatility to your holiday menu. Whether you’re prepping for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a seasonal get-together, these 15 recipes make it easy to incorporate cranberries in ways that go beyond the usual sauce. Mix it up, pick your favorites, and enjoy serving a table that feels both cozy and full of holiday magic!
