Best Cranberry Pickle Relish – Festive Flavor Twist for Any Meal
Best Cranberry Pickle Relish Recipe | The Next Recipes
Discover the Best Cranberry Pickle Relish — a quick, homemade, and easy cranberry relish recipe that’s sweet, tangy, and perfect for the holidays. Try this unique relish recipe from The Next Recipes today.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Looking for a side dish that’s equal parts bold, tangy, and festive? The Best Cranberry Pickle Relish is your new secret weapon for holiday meals and beyond.
Unlike your typical cranberry sauce, this homemade cranberry relish recipe balances sweet cranberries, zesty pickles, and a touch of maple syrup for a refreshing, flavor-packed twist. It’s an easy cranberry relish that comes together in minutes, but tastes like you’ve spent hours perfecting it.
Whether you’re preparing a Thanksgiving feast, planning a festive dinner, or simply want to elevate sandwiches and cheese boards, this sweet and tangy cranberry relish delivers the perfect balance of bright, briny, and sweet notes.
This recipe from The Next Recipes transforms the traditional cranberry dish into something unexpected — a quick cranberry relish that’s flavorful, colorful, and totally addictive.
Ingredients for the Best Cranberry Pickle Relish
To make this homemade cranberry pickle relish, gather these simple, fresh ingredients. Each one plays an important role in achieving that signature sweet and tangy cranberry relish flavor:
- 2 cups fresh cranberries (you can use frozen, thawed cranberries too)
- ½ cup finely chopped dill pickles (bread-and-butter pickles also work for a sweeter twist)
- ½ small red onion, minced
- 1 small apple, peeled and grated
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup (or honey as a substitute)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
These relish ingredients combine to create a dish that’s vibrant, flavorful, and pairs beautifully with meats, cheese, or even roasted vegetables.
Preparation Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Cranberries
Rinse and sort through your cranberries, removing any that are soft or blemished. For the perfect texture in your cranberry relish, pulse the berries in a food processor a few times until they’re coarsely chopped. Avoid overblending — you want a little texture.
Step 2: Cook the Cranberry Base
In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Heat over medium heat until the mixture begins to bubble.
Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries start to pop and release their juices.
Step 3: Add the Pickles and Onion
Stir in the dill pickles, minced onion, and grated apple. The combination of tangy pickles and crisp apple gives this cranberry pickle relish recipe its unforgettable sweet-tart balance.
Continue cooking for another 3–4 minutes, allowing all the ingredients to meld together into a rich, flavorful holiday relish.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Take a small taste and adjust to your liking — add a splash more vinegar for tang, extra maple syrup for sweetness, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once it reaches your desired consistency, remove from the heat and let it cool completely. As it cools, the relish thickens beautifully. Serve chilled or at room temperature depending on your preference.
This simple cranberry pickle relish keeps well and even tastes better after sitting overnight — making it a make-ahead holiday condiment that’s stress-free and crowd-pleasing.
Serving Suggestions
The Best Cranberry Pickle Relish is incredibly versatile. Here’s how you can enjoy it:
- Classic Holiday Side: Serve alongside roast turkey, ham, or pork as a festive touch.
- Sandwich Upgrade: Spread this cranberry condiment on turkey or pulled pork sandwiches for a zesty pop of flavor.
- Cheese Board Favorite: Pair it with brie, goat cheese, or cream cheese for a stunning appetizer.
- Burger Topping: Add a spoonful to burgers or sliders for a sweet-savory surprise.
- Creative Leftovers: Mix into chicken salad or use as a glaze for baked meats.
No matter how you serve it, this festive cranberry relish adds color, brightness, and boldness to your meal.
Best Cranberry Pickle Relish
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Cranberries
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring until cranberries start to pop and soften.
- Add Pickles & Flavor
- Remove from heat. Stir in chopped pickles, pickle juice, diced apple, orange zest, and salt.
- Blend or Pulse
- Use a food processor to pulse the mixture a few times until desired consistency (chunky or smooth).
- Cool & Chill
- Let cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to blend flavors.
- Serve & Enjoy
- Serve chilled with turkey, pork, ham, or cheese boards!
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick and ready in under 20 minutes.
- It’s a unique cranberry relish with the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory.
- It makes a great cranberry sauce alternative for those who prefer something with more flavor dimension.
- It’s make-ahead friendly, perfect for busy holidays.
- It’s beautiful on any table — rich color and bold aroma.
This cranberry pickle relish recipe truly embodies everything we love about creative, homemade dishes — simple to make, but unforgettable in flavor.
FAQ
Yes, absolutely. Just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before cooking.
Dill pickles give a sharper tang, while bread-and-butter pickles add sweetness. Either works perfectly depending on your taste.
Store in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 10 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Yes, and you should! The flavor deepens as it sits, making it even better the next day.
Try it with roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or even as a topping for baked brie. It’s versatile and delicious.
Conclusion
If you’re ready to elevate your next meal or holiday spread, the Best Cranberry Pickle Relish is a must-try. It’s a fresh twist on a classic dish — tangy, sweet, vibrant, and utterly addictive.
This homemade cranberry pickle relish captures the spirit of festive cooking: simple ingredients, bold flavors, and a dash of creativity. Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just to brighten up a weekday dinner, this easy cranberry relish recipe delivers every time.
Try making this recipe today, and don’t forget to share your experience in the comments on The Next Recipes. Explore more holiday relish recipes, quick homemade dishes, and flavorful sides that make every meal special.
Your next favorite dish is waiting for you — right here at The Next Recipes.
