19 Can’t-Miss Cranberry Recipes

Contrary to popular holidays, cranberries are not just for Thanksgiving dinner. 

Alternatively, there is a spectrum of what could be your next favorite cranberry recipes that you can enjoy anytime. 

Cranberry juice adds that tart pucker to a lot of popular drinks—it cuts the edge of so many rich appetizers. 

You can add lots of fresh cranberries to the punch bowl or to individual glasses—they add their own ruby panache for a splash of color and flavor. 

Although a side of cranberries is a wonderful addition to a plate of turkey or festive meal, we have an additional 19 recipes using cranberries, so you do not have to wait until the holiday season to enjoy these juicy tidbits. 

Who wouldn’t love cranberries in their dessert? However, with so many delicious cranberry recipes to choose from, it’s hard to narrow down our favorites of what to cook with cranberries. 

If you need some cranberry recipe ideas, you’ve come to the right place. 

They may be a bit tart when you consume them on their own, but when adding them to delicious dishes, you won’t be able to turn them down. 

Make your breakfast meal a tasty one. 

Adding cranberries can provide you with a burst of flavor instead of the same boring old meal choices.

If you aren’t sure what to make with cranberries, try some of these easy recipe ideas. 

Everyone loves a snack in the middle of the afternoon. 

So why not try fresh cranberry recipes for your next favorite treat?

These choices are easy to create and will have you reaching for more. 

1. Cranberry, Sausage, and Biscuit Breakfast Bake

If you have big breakfast eaters in your home or want an easy one-dish holiday meal that takes no time at all to prepare, this Cranberry, Sausage, and Biscuit Breakfast Bake is the perfect solution.

2. Cranberry Cream Cheese Breakfast Rolls

For a tasty breakfast item that you can enjoy at home or take on the go, these Cranberry Cream Cheese Breakfast rolls will satisfy your sweet tooth. 

A touch of orange peel does the trick.

3. Baked Oatmeal with Cranberries, Apples, and Pecans

If you need warm comfort food for what to do with cranberries, this Baked Oatmeal with Cranberries, Apples, and Pecans will fit the bill.  

Prepare this dish the night before and pop it in the oven in the morning for an easy and hearty breakfast meal. 

Everyone loves a snack in the middle of the afternoon. So why not try fresh cranberry recipes for your next favorite treat? 

These choices are easy to create and will have you reaching for more.

4. Cranberry Scones

For anyone who loves to enjoy a scone with their morning tea, these Cranberry Scones are ideal.

You can add unique touches by using an orange or rum glaze for different flavors each time you make them.

5. Cranberry Sweet Rolls

A fun and flavorful twist to the traditional cinnamon roll, these Cranberry Sweet Rolls are paired with orange juice and zest for a terrific burst of flavor that fits in your hand. 

While I’d have a cup of coffee with nearly anything, I can already feel my mood lifting at the idea of this delectable cranberry bread sweet rolls and a hot mug of coffee (with a little cream).

6. Slow Cooker Cranberry-Pear Butter

If you have extra cranberries to use, add them to your slow cooker and create a tasty Cranberry-Pear Butter spread for your morning toast. 

It is a great addition to any charcuterie board or create jars as a homemade gift for friends and family.

So many sauces, so little time.

7. Red Wine Cranberry Cheese Log

Cheese logs are a terrific addition to any holiday party or gathering, so why not dress it up with cranberries?

This recipe is a great jumping off point for nearly ANYthing. Use cream cheese as it calls for, or goat cheese, or even brie. 

Leave out the wine if you want, or literally add any wine you might have open for a little zing. 

We make something like this for every single holiday and get together, but it’s covered in green onion and lots of crumbled BACON.

8. Cranberry Mojito

If you love a good mojito, you will enjoy a fun twist on this classic drink. 

Don’t feel that you have to serve it during the holidays, though, since you can enjoy this tasty beverage year-round. 

Cranberry and mint were BORN to be together!

9. Cranberry Margaritas

For the margarita lovers out there, adding cranberries allows you to enjoy this alternative as a festive drink or just any time of the year.

10. Cranberry Quinoa Salad with Candied Walnuts

This Cranberry Quinoa Salad with Candied Walnuts will fill you up and is a classic among delicious recipes made with tart cranberries. 

You can enjoy it hot or cold, with fresh or dried cranberries, making it perfect for any time of the year.

11. Apple Cranberry Spinach Salad

If you want a nice crisp salad for lunch, this Apple Cranberry Spinach Salad will do the trick. 

The added zing of cranberries with the honey cider dressing will make your tastebuds dance with delight at every bite.

12. Turkey and Spinach Wrap with Cranberry-Walnut Cream Cheese Spread

Wraps are the perfect go-to lunch item, so be sure to include this cranberry recipe in your regular rotation of meal prep. 

There is no end to the combinations you will find when you add cranberries to your dinner dishes. 

These tart cranberries will add a splash of color and flavor to any meal, even when it isn’t the cranberry season.

13. Cranberry Chicken Casserole

Casseroles are a favorite way to make meals for many busy families, so why not add cranberries in the mix? 

This one-dish meal puts a new spin on chicken for dinner, giving you everything you want in a hearty and flavorful option.

14. Spicy Cranberry Salsa

Are you looking for a new way to spice up your Christmas dinner dishes? 

Try adding this Spicy Cranberry Salsa to your regular tamale dish for an exciting twist on an old favorite for a welcoming change. 

So many salsas, so little time.

15. Cranberry Roasted Winter Vegetables

Preparing lunch meals can be a hassle, especially if you are always on the go. 

This cranberry recipe makes your lunch prep easy and adds a punch of flavor. 

Roasted vegetables are so much more flavorful when you make cranberries the next great addition. 

This side dish goes perfectly with a nice pork roast on the table.

16. Cranberry Pecan Rice Pilaf

For a savory twist at dinnertime, try this Cranberry Pecan Pilau. 

This easy-to-make-dish puts dinner on the table in under an hour that everyone will love. 

A dash of lemon juice elevates this dish at serving.

17. Easy Cranberry Gelatin Salad

Do not be thrown off by the salad in this recipe name. 

Although you can serve this dish as a side item for any big meal, it makes a delicious dessert all on its own.

It takes no time to prepare, but the hardest part is waiting for the gelatin to set before you can dig in.

18. Mini Cranberry Sauce Cobblers

Who doesn’t love cobbler, especially when you add the deliciousness of homemade cranberry sauce? 

You can whip these sweet treats up in no time at all with leftover, simple cranberry sauce or make it any time of the year when you want a sweet and savory treat.

19. Cranberry Upside-Down Cake

Why not let them eat cake? 

This easy Cranberry Upside-Down Cake is made right in your slow cooker, making the most of your busy schedule. 

Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped topping or at room temperature. 

The tart flavor of cranberries helps tone down the sweet, gooey, moist cake.

The bottom line

We are cranberry lovers here at the Chew. It’s the best part of our fall season. Okay, ONE of the best parts.

We buy bags of fresh cranberries in bulk during that brief window of the fall season when they are cheap in every grocery store and freeze them so we can use them in a favorite recipe or two. 

As foodies, we unite in the love of whole, fresh cranberries, even though we grew up with that slick, oversweet traditional cranberry sauce canned stuff that wobbled out onto the plate for slicing. 

We’re all about cranberry relish with a hint of sweetness, a simple sauce that we cook until the cranberries just barely pop and release their flavor.

Just can’t get enough cranberry? Here’s our list of Cranberry Appetizers for even more tangy flavor inspiration!