This lineup covers every way to use cranberries—sauces, dips, jams, salads, desserts, drinks, and even savory applications. Whether you’re prepping for Thanksgiving, hosting a casual get-together, or looking for a new way to use cranberries, there’s something here that fits.
You’ll find options that range from stove-free to slow cooker to pressure cooker—some sweet, some savory, some right in between. Many of these can be made ahead and hold up well in the fridge, which makes holiday prep easier.
Use this list to round out your menu, stock up on crowd-pleasing sides and snacks, or just try something new. From classic sauces to fresh twists, cranberries prove they can do more than just sit on the side of the plate.
Luby’s Cranberry Relish
A quick, no-cook relish made with fresh cranberries, apples, and oranges. Tart and crisp, it’s perfect for cutting through rich holiday dishes. Can be made ahead and served chilled.
Get the Recipe: Luby’s Cranberry Relish
Cranberry Ginger Jam
This stovetop jam blends cranberries, orange, and fresh ginger for a sweet-tart spread that works with toast, cheese, or roasted meats. Ready in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Ginger Jam
Cranberry Jello Salad
A classic holiday salad with cranberry gelatin, apples, celery, and nuts. Chilled until set, it’s a nostalgic side that adds color and texture to your table.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Jello Salad
Cranberry Jalapeño Smoked Cream Cheese
Cream cheese topped with cranberry-jalapeño mix and smoked until warm and spreadable. Sweet, spicy, and perfect for crackers or holiday grazing boards.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Jalapeño Smoked Cream Cheese
Apple Cranberry Pie
A buttery crumble tops this tart and sweet pie filled with apples and cranberries. It’s a fall dessert classic, ideal for Thanksgiving or casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cranberry Pie
Cranberry Breakfast Cookies
These soft, chewy cookies include oats, dried cranberries, and walnuts—great for breakfast on the go or a quick snack. Can be made in advance and stored easily.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Breakfast Cookies
Cranberry Curd Tart
A smooth cranberry curd baked in a nut and oat crust. Vibrant and tangy, it’s a bold dessert option that stands out on a holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Curd Tart
Bourbon Cranberry Sauce
A simple cranberry sauce with a twist—bourbon adds warmth and depth. Use it with turkey or sandwiches, or spoon over roasted veggies or brie.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Cranberry Sauce
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce
Just five ingredients and a few hours in the slow cooker give you a homemade cranberry sauce without stove-top babysitting. Great for freeing up space on busy days.
Get the Recipe: 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce
Crock Pot Cranberry Stuffing
Bread stuffing cooked with cranberries and pecans in a slow cooker. It’s moist, flavorful, and easy to make when oven space is limited.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Cranberry Stuffing
Cranberry Jam
A quick, tart jam made from fresh or frozen cranberries. Use as a spread, spoon it onto yogurt, or serve with meat or cheese platters.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Jam
Cranberry Sauce Cocktail Meatballs
Meatballs tossed in a homemade cranberry sauce that’s sweet and tangy. Heat them in a slow cooker and serve straight from the pot for easy entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Sauce Cocktail Meatballs
Cranberry Jalapeno Dip (Cranberry Salsa)
Chopped cranberries, jalapeños, and green onions come together in a zesty dip that’s sweet, spicy, and fresh. Serve with cream cheese and crackers or as a spread.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Jalapeno Dip (Cranberry Salsa)
Easy Cranberry Salad
Cranberries, oranges, and pecans are folded into sweetened whipped cream for a chilled side or dessert. No cooking required—just chill and serve.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cranberry Salad
Crockpot Cranberry Sauce
Fresh cranberries slow-cooked into a thick, tart sauce with minimal effort. Great for holiday prep—just toss everything in and let it simmer.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Cranberry Sauce
Fluffy Cranberry Salad
A dessert-style salad made with fresh cranberries, oranges, and pecans. It’s chilled until fluffy and light—good as a side or sweet ending to the meal.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Cranberry Salad
Easy Cranberry Sauce
A classic sauce made in 15 minutes with fresh cranberries, sugar, and water. No fuss, just the essential version that always works on the holiday plate.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cranberry Sauce
Orange Cranberry Relish
A fresh and bright mix of cranberries and oranges—no cooking needed. Pairs well with roast meats or spread on sandwiches the next day.
Get the Recipe: Orange Cranberry Relish
Cranberry Pecan Feta Dip
A cold appetizer dip mixing cranberries, feta cheese, and pecans for a salty-sweet flavor. Serve with crackers or pita chips for an easy, festive starter.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Feta Dip
Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce
Toss cranberries, sugar, and liquid into the pressure cooker for a fast sauce that’s ready in minutes. Perfect when you’re short on time but still want homemade.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce
Whipped Cranberry Goat Cheese
Goat cheese whipped until creamy, then topped with cranberry sauce. A quick spreadable appetizer that’s ready in under 10 minutes and fits any holiday menu.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Cranberry Goat Cheese
Cranberry & Whipped Feta Pinwheels
Tortilla pinwheels filled with whipped feta and cranberry sauce. A colorful, no-bake appetizer that’s great for parties or snack trays.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry & Whipped Feta Pinwheels
Rustic Cranberry Galette
A free-form tart with cranberries baked into a flaky crust. Easier than pie, and just as satisfying. Serve warm or room temp with whipped cream or ice cream.
Get the Recipe: Rustic Cranberry Galette
Spiked Pineapple Cranberry Sauce
Cranberries and pineapple cooked down with a splash of bourbon for a bold, sweet-savory sauce. Use with turkey, ham, or cheese boards.
Get the Recipe: Spiked Pineapple Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry Jello Salad
A twist on the classic, this version includes crushed pineapple and oranges with cranberry gelatin. Sweet and fruity, it works well as a side or dessert.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Jello Salad
Cranberry Simple Syrup
A quick syrup made from cranberries, sugar, and water. Add to cocktails, soda, or drizzle over cakes and pancakes for a bright, seasonal boost.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Simple Syrup
Cranberry Fluff
Cranberries, crushed pineapple, whipped topping, and marshmallows come together in this chilled dessert salad. A sweet-tart addition to any holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Fluff