13 Thanksgiving cranberry recipes that go beyond sauce (2024)

Nathan Hostler, The Oregonian/OregonLive

By Grant Butler, The Oregonian/OregonLive

All month long, we’ve been gearing up for Thanksgiving by sharing some of our favorite holiday dishes from recent years. Today, we've got a collection of cranberry sauce, relish and chutney recipes are worthy additions to your holiday feast. There even are some baked goods featuring cranberries, showcasing the versatility of the tangy holiday favorite.

Cranberry Scones

Leigh Beisch, Artisan Books

These slightly sweet scones from baking superstar Alice Medrich are perfect for Thanksgiving morning, of course. Serve them warm with a smear of butter while people are watching the Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV. They also could work as stand-ins for regular dinner rolls for Thanksgiving dinner.

Recipe: Corn Flour and Cranberry Scones.

Cranberry Compote

Ed Anderson, Little, Brown and Company

Celebrity chef Bryan Voltaggio shares this terrific addition to Thanksgiving dinner. It gets layers of flavor from chamomile tea, jalapeno and spices like allspice and cinnamon. Sweet Reisling brings it all together.

Recipe: Bryan Voltaggio's Cranberry Compote.

Bacon Cranberry Sauce

Matthew Mead, The Associated Press

For a smoky version of cranberry sauce, J.M. Hirsch adds bacon to a sauce that gets an unctuous push from fried onions. It's sure to please the bacon-obsessed folks at your Thanksgiving table.

Recipe: Bacon-Cranberry Sauce.

Cranberry-Orange Relish

Matthew Mead, The Associated Press

This recipe has been a favorite since it was first published in Martha Stewart Living magazine in 1995. It's unique because it has jalapeño in it, though the heat mellows significantly if you make the relish a day in advance, which helps the flavors combine.

Recipe: Cranberry-Orange Relish.

Cranberry-Pecan Relish

This relish from Portland chef David Sapp is a sweet, crunchy condiment punched up with a hit of bourbon. It works perfectly as a surprising component to a grilled cheese sandwich. And it works particularly well in turkey sandwiches for day-after Thanksgiving leftovers.

Recipe: Cranberry-Pecan Relish.

Cranberry-Habanero Relish

The Oregonian/OregonLive file photo

In 2007, we first shared food writer Sara Bir's Cranberry-Habanero Relish, which comes together in seconds with a food processor. Handle the habanero carefully, as it’s one of the hottest peppers you find at the grocery store.

Recipe: Cranberry-Habanero Relish.

Pinecrest Committee Cranberry Sauce

The Oregonian/OregonLive file photo

This easy and delicious recipe from Corvallis cookbook author Jan Roberts-Dominguez combines brandy, raisins, cinnamon and nutmeg, making a perfect side dish with turkey. And, for you plan-ahead types, it can be made today and kept in the refrigerator until it's time for Thanksgiving dinner.

Recipe: Pinecrest Committee Cranberry Sauce.

Cranberry Gastrique

Here’s a Thanksgiving cranberry a sauce you’ll want to use to glaze roast Brussels sprouts, spread on your turkey leg, pour over baked brie and even shake up with a little vodka and soda water for a refreshing co*cktail.

Recipe: Cranberry Gastrique.

Apple and Cranberry Chutney

The Oregonian/OregonLive file photo

This cranberry recipe originated in Gourmet magazine back in 2004, and would be at home in India or England. It goes well with turkey, pork or venison.

Recipe: Apple and Cranberry Chutney.

Skillet Apple-Cranberry Sauce With Pistachios

This 15-minute Thanksgiving side dishes pairs two fall flavors -- apples and cranberries. It's sweeter than cranberry relishes, making it appealing to younger palates.

Recipe: Skillet Apple-Cranberry Sauce With Pistachios.

Cranberry Pecan Pie

Romulo Yanes, Kyle Books

Here’s a different way to bring cranberries to your Thanksgiving table. Classic pecan pie gets a tangy twist, thanks to this inventive recipe from “Nick Malgieri's Pastry: Foolproof Recipes for the Home Cook” by Nick Malgieri. Since the filling is cooked before the pie is baked, you can taste it and add a little more sugar if you want.

Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Pie.

Cranberry Pear Upside Down Cake

Nathan Hostler, Special to The Oregonian/OregonLive

Looking for an alternative to traditional Thanksgiving desserts like pumpkin or pecan pie? This homey upside down cake does just the trick, utilizing fall pears and cranberries. It's perfect served warm with spiced apple cider.

Recipe: Cranberry Pear Upside Down Cake.

Cranberry Upside Down Cake

Nathan Hostler, Special to The Oregonian/OregonLive

The idea of using cranberries for an upside down cake was so good, we couldn't stop at just one. This is a beautiful ruby jewel of a cake from longtime contributor Joan Harvey. This cake is ridiculously fast and easy, making it an ideal dessert if your Thanksgiving menu already has a lot going into it.

Recipe: Cranberry Upside Down Cake.

-- Grant Butler

gbutler@oregonian.com

503-221-8566; @grantbutler