Calling all Thanksgiving hosts. [whole world raises hand]
Today’s cranberry recipe collection is so super simple and festive – just tart cranberries paired with sweet oranges in a classic sauce (canned or fresh? – you choose), baked into cookies, and even shaken into a refreshing margarita that is packed with lime, tequila, and other good things.
Has curiosity got the best of you? Good, then keep reading this list of the best cranberry recipes for Thanksgiving to learn more.
1. Cranberry Pie
Who wouldn’t love sinking their teeth into this amazing cranberry pie? Every single bite is going to tickle your taste buds with sugary, bright flavors that are full of holiday spirit.
The filling is so delicious, but the best part of this dessert has to be the leaf-shaped garnish that is created from the excess pie crust.
2. Fresh Cranberry Muffins
Not sure what you should serve for breakfast on the morning after Thanksgiving? You should put this festive recipe to good use.
These fresh cranberry muffins take just a little over half an hour to make, and the taste is just out of this world. You can expect a fluffy, sweet cake with bright pops of cranberries for a wonderfully tart twist.
3. Maple Cranberry Brussels Sprouts
I honestly can’t think of a side dish more perfect for Thanksgiving than these maple cranberry Brussels sprouts. They are just so effortless to whip up, and they bring some much-needed nutrition to what can be a very heavy holiday meal.
Plus, this recipe is vegan and paleo, and it tastes so amazing you’ll definitely find yourself making it again and again.
4. Cranberry Orange Cake
If you love the sweet, citrusy flavors that you find in cranberry sauce, you are going to fall completely in love with this cake.
It’s the ideal combination of moist textures and festive flavors. All you’re missing now is a piping hot cup of Joe to complete this amazing sweet treat.
5. Cranberry Thumbprint Cookies
Thumbprint cookies are an all-time favorite holiday treat for me, and this recipe is absolutely no exception. Not only are they incredibly easy to make, but they also taste unbelievably good.
This recipe is also a perfect way to use up any leftover cranberry sauce by transforming that Thanksgiving condiment into a truly decadent treat.
6. Harvest Chicken Casserole
Are you on the hunt for a quick and nutritious meal to get on the dinner table tonight? You should take this harvest chicken casserole for a spin.
You will really appreciate the hearty amount of fall vegetables like sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, cranberries, and pumpkin seeds.
7. Sparkling Cranberry Pineapple Punch
Cranberry and pineapple are such a unique combination that works so well together during the holidays. Every single sip unleashes a flurry of fizzy, tart flavors that taste so incredibly refreshing.
If you are on the hunt for a winning holiday punch, you are going to love this simple recipe. It’s a total crowd-pleasing cocktail that everyone will enjoy.
I mean, who could possibly turn down a glass of this pretty pink drink?
8. Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars
These cranberry crumble pie bars are incredibly easy to make and they come together in just over half an hour. That means you can have more time to prep all your other Thanksgiving dishes.
I honestly don’t know what’s better, the rich and buttery shortbread crust or the citrusy cranberry filling.
9. Cranberry Orange Biscotti
Who doesn’t love some amazing biscotti? For me, the crunchy texture is so irresistible that I always find myself craving it.
We all know about vanilla and chocolate biscotti, but have you ever tried making it with cranberry and orange? This recipe will show you the way and will totally help satisfy any cookie craving you have.
10. Cranberry Bliss Bars {Starbucks Copycat Recipe}
Are you a huge fan of the Starbucks cranberry bliss bars? If that’s a yes, then you absolutely need to try making this homemade version.
They are just perfect for parties, for gift-giving, or just to enjoy as a snack after Thanksgiving dinner.
You make this yummy dessert with cranberries, white chocolate chips, pecans, and some citrus zest. If that sounds like heaven to you, give these bars a try.
11. Balsamic Cranberry Chicken Thighs With Mushrooms
Cranberries are a total star at Thanksgiving, but why not let them shine during your weeknight dinners, too?
This recipe gives you a mouthwatering roasted chicken that is just bursting with sweet and fragrant flavors. It’s all thanks to the combination of cranberries, herbs, and balsamic vinegar. YUM.
12. Apple Cranberry Crisp
You seriously won’t believe how good this cranberry apple crisp tastes. You’re going to love the contrast between the sweet apples and the tart cranberries.
A little orange zest, cinnamon, and allspice give this recipe an extra touch of holiday cheer. This one is super easy to throw together for a last-minute Thanksgiving side dessert.
You should definitely keep it in mind if you find yourself running short on time.
13. Everyone’s Favorite Cranberry Salad
This cranberry salad really is everyone’s favorite. That’s because this is a timeless recipe that has held up for generation after generation.
This salad is an acceptable way to sneak in some dessert during Thanksgiving dinner. And what’s not to love about that?
14. Cranberry Cheesecake
Are you looking for a Thanksgiving dessert that is totally award-worthy?
This cranberry cheesecake is the ultimate festive treat. It has a buttery graham cracker crust and a tart cranberry filling.
You top this velvety cake with some lightly sweetened whipped cream and sugared cranberries for a picture-perfect garnish. Delicate, tart, and sweet, this cheesecake is sure to be a huge hit at the big dinner.
15. Orange Cranberry Sauce with Cinnamon and Vanilla
This recipe takes cranberry sauce to a whole new level by adding in some cinnamon and vanilla. These two powerhouse flavors really enhance the deep sweetness of the cranberries, creating a burst of amazing complexity in every single bite.
16. Farro Fall Harvest Bowl
This farro fall harvest bowl is a lighter alternative for getting your seasonal dose of festive food. I don’t know what the best part is: the hearty farro, the delicious roasted vegetables, or the orange curry dressing that gets drizzled on top.
17. Cranberry Upside Down Cake
This cranberry upside-down cake is something that needs to become a staple at your next holiday dinner. It’s one of those amazing recipes that looks like a total showstopper but is actually so simple to pull off.
The cake is ridiculously moist and just melts in your mouth, and that caramelized cranberry garnish on top creates a perfect sweet-tart finish. I guarantee your family will be asking for the recipe.
18. Cranberry Margarita
Do you want to give your margarita a holiday makeover? Just try adding some cranberry juice to inject a little festive flair. It mixes so deliciously with the triple sec and lime juice to create a drink that is very, very merry.
19. Cranberry Coconut Trifle (Rich Tropical Girls)
This cranberry coconut trifle is exactly what you need to finish off your holiday meal. It comes together with very minimal effort, and you can even use up that leftover cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving.
You’ll be totally blown away by how well the tart cranberry and sweet coconut flavors go together in this delightful trifle. Just don’t forget the ginger cookie crumble on top to add some unforgettable crunch.
20. Lemon Cranberry Bars
These lemon cranberry bars are just stacked with mouthwatering layers. You start off with a buttery vanilla crust that gets topped with a citrusy cranberry layer.
On top of that, you spread a coating of lemon custard to finish off these completely scrumptious bars.
21. Cranberry Chicken
This recipe is ready in just half an hour and it definitely aims to please. You will love serving this crisp chicken, which is smothered in a tart cranberry sauce, for a cozy December weeknight dinner.
22. Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce
Who knew that making cranberry sauce from scratch could be this easy and quick?
You make this recipe right in an Instant Pot, and it only takes 4 minutes to come together. The texture is just sheer perfection, and the subtle sweetness will leave you wanting more.
23. Cranberry Apple Skillet Chicken
Are you looking to amp up the holiday cheer at your dinner table? You can look no further because this cranberry apple chicken is going to become your new family-favorite recipe this fall.
You cook the chicken using apple cider, which infuses a wonderful spiced-sweet flavor into every single bite.
24. Mulled Cranberry Sauce
I really love cranberry sauce, but I have never been a big fan of the canned red stuff because it always seems to come out watery and bland.
This recipe completely solves that problem. This mulled cranberry sauce gets sweetened with red wine and some candied ginger for an extra bite of amazing flavor.
25. Cranberry and Walnut Stuffing
Anyone who knows me can tell you how much I love stuffing. If you think the same way I do, then you are going to fall in love with this recipe.
Every single comforting bite contains dried cranberries, celery, walnuts, and fresh herbs. It’s so fragrant, savory, and wonderfully wholesome.
26. Vodka Cranberry Cocktail
This drink is not your average go-to bar order of vodka cran. This recipe revamps that classic combination by adding just a touch of lime syrup and orange juice.
Just by adding those two liquids, you can completely transform the bar rail classic into a flavorful cocktail that’s just perfect for the holidays.
27. Soft White Chocolate Chip Cranberry Cookies
These white chocolate cranberry cookies might just become your new favorite Thanksgiving staple. Each bite is so wonderfully chewy and just bursting with sweet and tart flavors.
If you’ve never thought to pair up white chocolate and cranberries before, this is definitely your sign to try this fantastic duo.
28. Cranberry Sauce with Apples
If you are looking to shake up your usual cranberry sauce, you should try adding in some apples. You are going to love how much cozy sweetness comes from this simple addition.
When it’s combined with cinnamon and sugar, this elevated side dish accompanies your holiday food perfectly.
29. Cranberry Bundt Cake
I mean, just look at this cake! This might be one of the best holiday cakes I have ever seen. How could it possibly get more festive than this gorgeous presentation?
Between the perfectly moist cake, a bright orange glaze, and those beautiful sugared cranberries on top, you are looking at a serious serving of holiday happiness.
30. Homemade Cranberry Jelly
If you’re looking for an easy-breezy Thanksgiving side dish that you can whip up at the last minute, it truly doesn’t get any easier than this cranberry jelly.
All you need are some frozen cranberries, apple juice, and sugar to create this tasty recipe. It’s sweet, tart, and so much better than anything you can buy at the store.
31. Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze
Move over, banana bread, because there is a new tasty treat in town, and this one is loaded up with holiday flavors.
Whether you need a dessert for Thanksgiving or a post-Christmas brunch, this cranberry bread will definitely suit your needs.
I don’t know what’s better: the melt-in-your-mouth texture, the creamy orange glaze, or the juicy pops of cranberries in every bite.
32. Sugared Cranberries
If you want to make a dessert that literally sparkles, you have to try making these sugared cranberries.
Not only do they work as a holiday decoration, but they are also so incredibly easy to make. All you need are cranberries, sugar, and water to create this totally picture-perfect dessert.
33. Cranberry Turkey Meatballs
You should infuse your meatballs with some holiday cheer by making this totally ingenious recipe. Every bite is juicy, flavorful, tangy, and has the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Serve these bad boys as hor d’oeuvres at your next dinner party and just watch them fly right off the platter.
34. Cosmopolitan Cocktail
If you want to awaken your inner Carrie from Sex and the City, what better way is there than to make this stunning cosmopolitan? It might not be the first drink that comes to mind for holiday bevies, but just hear me out.
The sweet contrast of cranberry juice with sour lime and sweet triple sec makes it the perfect drink for the festive season. You only need six simple ingredients to whip up this classic cocktail, so why not add it to your holiday menu?
35. Apple Cranberry Pie
Apple cranberry pie is one of my personal favorites, and it’s just perfect for the holidays. It is so easy to pull together, and it’s always a winner with a crowd.
The braided crust is made from scratch, which gives the pie a wonderfully rich and crisp texture. The filling is simple but so, so good, featuring cranberries, apples, sugar, spices, and a little bit of orange zest for brightness.
36. Sheet Pan Cranberry Chicken and Stuffing
If you’re trying to simplify your Thanksgiving meal prep, you should definitely try this effortless recipe. All you’re going to need is a single sheet pan to create a succulent turkey, a delicious cranberry sauce, and a savory stuffing.
37. Kale Salad with Cranberries
This crowd-pleasing kale salad is such a versatile dish for the holidays. Whether you want to meal-prep it for your work lunches or serve it up as a side dish, this recipe is going to excel at all uses.
38. Fresh Cranberry Relish
You’re going to love dousing this cranberry relish on everything from your turkey and stuffing to mashed potatoes and green bean casserole. It is just that good.
If you are a fan of that sweet and savory flavor combination, be sure you include this recipe for this year’s Thanksgiving.
39. Grapefruit Cranberry Sea Breeze Cocktail
If the frigid temperatures have you daydreaming about a tropical getaway, you can indulge your fantasies with this grapefruit cranberry cocktail. Every sip tastes just like a refreshing sea breeze while you’re sunbathing on the beach.
The best part about this cocktail is that you don’t have to splurge on a bunch of different bottles of liquor. You only need vodka, grapefruit juice, and cranberry juice to craft this delicious drink.
40. Cranberry Salsa
If you’re getting a little tired of the same old cranberry sauce recipes, I have a totally unique entry here that is going to blow your mind.
This cranberry relish is a perfect mix of sweet, savory, and spicy. It makes an amazing pairing with cream cheese and crackers for the ultimate party appetizer.
41. Cinnamon Orange Cranberry Sauce
This cinnamon orange cranberry sauce is going to make some serious waves at your next Thanksgiving dinner. Your palate is going to adore the blend of bright orange citrus, sweet cranberries, and whole spices.
42. Fresh Cranberry Sauce
You’re going to love this fresh cranberry sauce because it doesn’t call for any fussy ingredients or complicated steps.
All you need are cranberries, water, sugar, and an acidic element like orange or lemon juice. That citrus acidity helps the berries release their natural pectin so the sauce is able to thicken and set up perfectly.
43. Apple Walnut Cranberry Tart
As soon as the temperatures start to drop, I begin fantasizing about rustic fall desserts. If you are like me, you won’t find a better recipe to ring in the fall season than this apple walnut cranberry tart.
It tastes just like your favorite apple pie but with some extra crunch from the walnuts. You will also love the hint of tartness, all thanks to the cranberries.
If you are looking for the ideal way to enjoy all the warm flavors of fall, you just can’t beat this comforting dessert.
44. Apple Cranberry Crisp
Cranberries aren’t just for side dishes and sauces; they also make a fabulous addition to apple crisp.
If you like your sweets to have a little bit of sour, you will definitely appreciate this recipe. It’s sugary, tart, crispy, and soft all at once.
45. Brussels Sprouts Salad with Cranberries
Here is another salad that offers up a delicious way to get some greens in. You start by shredding the Brussels sprouts, and then you add in dried cranberries, green onion, and carrots.
Then you just drizzle a healthy portion of a sweet and tangy dressing over the top to complete this super flavorful salad.
46. Apple Cranberry Salad
I can’t possibly think of a better autumn dish than this apple cranberry salad. Between the tart apples, the sweet cranberries, the crunchy walnuts, and the tangy blue cheese, your palate is in for an uber-flavorful mouthful.
47. Millionaire Cranberry Salad
After just one bite of this sensational recipe, you will totally understand where the name comes from.
There is an incredible richness in every single morsel, and it’s all thanks to the combination of marshmallows, coconut, pineapple, and cranberry sauce.
48. Cranberry Orange Chicken
Try making this one-pan meal for dinner tonight. I promise you won’t regret it. Between the juicy cranberries, zesty orange, and succulent chicken, you’re looking at one scrumptious meal.