Cranberries have a way of showing up in all the best parts of a holiday meal. This list brings together sweet loaves, tangy sauces, savory mains, and a few smart ways to use up leftovers. Whether you’re working with fresh berries, dried, or even juice, these recipes offer something easy and festive to add to your table. They’re great for make-ahead planning, potlucks, or simply adding a little color and flavor to your plate.

Fresh Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest and Pineapple

Fresh Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest and Pineapple. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Tart cranberries are simmered with sweet pineapple and bright orange zest. The result is a thick, vibrant sauce with layers of citrusy flavor. It’s a twist on the usual cranberry sauce that feels both fresh and classic. Serve it chilled or warm next to turkey or ham.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest and Pineapple

Leftover Turkey Hand Pies with Cranberry and Boursin

Leftover Turkey Hand Pies with Cranberry and Boursin. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

These handheld pastries are packed with chopped turkey, creamy Boursin, and a spoonful of cranberry sauce. The flaky crust holds everything together in a savory-sweet combo. They’re great warm or room temp, perfect for post-holiday snacking. A clever way to use up leftovers without it feeling like a repeat.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Turkey Hand Pies with Cranberry and Boursin

Cranberry Ambrosia Salad

A white bowl of cranberry fluff salad topped with mini marshmallows, pecans, and cranberries on a marble surface, with a spoon and a plaid cloth nearby.
Cranberry Ambrosia Salad. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget .

This retro-style salad gets a tangy twist from chopped cranberries mixed with whipped topping, fruit, and mini marshmallows. It’s creamy, sweet, and has just enough bite from the berries. Serve it chilled in a big bowl or individual cups. It adds a bright pop of color to any table.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Ambrosia Salad

Cranberry Cheeseball

Cheese ball coated with dried cranberries and nuts, surrounded by square crackers on a white plate.
Cranberry Cheeseball. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget .

Dried cranberries mix into a cream cheese base with herbs and cheese, then rolled in nuts for crunch. It’s tangy, creamy, and just slightly sweet. Serve with crackers or pretzels as an easy appetizer. The cranberry touch gives it holiday flair.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Cheeseball

Almond, cranberry and sweet potato stuffing casserole

A dish of granola with cranberries and sprigs of rosemary.
Almond, cranberry and sweet potato stuffing casserole. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This bake combines chunks of sweet potato, tart cranberries, and toasted almonds with seasoned bread cubes. It’s hearty, slightly sweet, and full of texture. Baked until golden, it holds its shape well on a holiday plate. A standout side that breaks from the usual stuffing.
Get the Recipe: Almond, cranberry and sweet potato stuffing casserole

Cranberry Brie Bites

Brie bites filled with jam and chopped nuts, topped with rosemary sprigs, on a white plate.
Cranberry Brie Bites. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Mini pastry cups are filled with brie and a spoonful of cranberry sauce, then baked until melty. The contrast of rich cheese and tart cranberry is simple but striking. Serve warm for the best gooey texture. These go fast on appetizer trays.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Brie Bites

Cranberry Orange Graham Loaf

Cranberry Orange Graham Loaf.
Cranberry Orange Graham Loaf. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

This moist quick bread is packed with chopped cranberries, orange zest, and crushed graham crackers. The result is a dense, flavorful loaf with a soft crumb. It’s great sliced for breakfast or wrapped up as a holiday gift. A glaze on top adds a sweet finish.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Graham Loaf

Cranberry Orange Relish

Cranberry Orange Relish.
Cranberry Orange Relish. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Raw cranberries, orange pieces, and sugar are pulsed together for a bright, chunky condiment. It’s zippy and fresh with a little crunch. Serve it cold as a topper for meat or sandwiches. No cooking required, just a quick whirl in the food processor.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Relish

Cranberry Powder Recipe

Cranberry Powder inside wooden bowl.
Cranberry Powder Recipe. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Dried cranberries are ground into a fine powder for use in baking or seasoning blends. It adds tart flavor and color to anything from smoothies to frosting. Store it in a jar for easy use. A smart way to extend cranberry season.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Powder Recipe

Cranberry Pumpkin Bread

Cranberry Pumpkin Bread . Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Pumpkin puree and dried cranberries come together in a spiced, moist loaf. It’s warm, soft, and full of autumn flavor. Serve thick slices with butter or pack for lunch. It’s a good bridge between fall and winter flavors.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pumpkin Bread

Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken

Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken . Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Chicken breasts cook low and slow in a sauce made with cranberry, onion, and a splash of dressing. The result is tender meat with a tangy-sweet glaze. Serve it over rice or stuffing. Set it early and let the slow cooker do the work.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken

Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce Recipe. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Cranberries simmer in the slow cooker with sugar, orange juice, and spices. It thickens over time into a rich, deep-red sauce. No stovetop watching needed. Great for making ahead and freeing up oven space.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Unsweetened Homemade Cranberry Juice Recipe

A glass of cranberry juice with a rosemary sprig.
Unsweetened Homemade Cranberry Juice Recipe. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

This simple method boils cranberries in water and strains the result for a bold, tart juice. No sugar added, just pure berry flavor. Serve chilled or use in cocktails and spritzers. You can sweeten to taste if needed.
Get the Recipe: Unsweetened Homemade Cranberry Juice Recipe

Dehydrated Cranberries

Cranberries in bowls on a table.
Dehydrated Cranberries. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Fresh cranberries are dried low and slow until chewy and slightly sweet. Use them in baking, salads, or homemade trail mix. You can adjust the sweetness by soaking them first. They store well and add flavor all year.
Get the Recipe: Dehydrated Cranberries

Jalapeño Cranberry Dip

A cracker being dipped into a dish of jalapeño cranberry dip.
Jalapeño Cranberry Dip. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cranberries and jalapeños come together in a bold, bright dip with cream cheese. It’s sweet, spicy, and smooth all at once. Serve with crackers or pita chips. A sharp little twist on holiday appetizers.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Cranberry Dip

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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