Move aside mashed potatoes, get out of here green bean casserole because this year the real star of Thanksgiving is going to shine. Cranberry is an autumn flavor favorite, but it often gets overlooked or thought of as a dessert-only flavor.
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We have composed 15 cranberry recipes that are going to make cranberry the star of your Thanksgiving table. From the main dish of venison with a homemade cranberry sauce recipe to a cranberry white chocolate ice cream, and even a spicy cranberry chutney, these Thanksgiving recipes are sure to showcase cranberry at your Turkey Day dinner.
Whether you use frozen cranberries or fresh tart cranberries, these berries are flavorful and make a great addition to any holiday party, brunch table or to enjoy during the holiday season. Plus, you'll enjoy them the next day with your leftover turkey, assuming there's any left!
1. Cranberry and Pomegranate Bruschetta
This appetizer recipe packs an antioxidant punch with a combination of cranberry and pomegranate, with orange zest for an extra zing.
Slightly spicy, slightly sweet, with the tart flavor of cranberry and piled on top of a crisp crostini, this cranberry bread recipe is guaranteed to get your guests' appetites going on Christmas or on New Year's. Switch out the cream cheese for whipped goat cheese for a tangier treat. The cranberry relish is also great on its own!
2. Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie
This easy cranberry recipe comes with the promise that your Thanksgiving table will be made better by warm, gooey, brie cheese.
Cousin of the cranberry cheesecake, this melty cheese masterpiece has a maple honey drizzle full of brown sugar and cinnamon. Garnish with a delicious cranberry and pecan mixture and is best served with water crackers or crispy toast points.
3. Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip
With a base of cream cheese and a can of cranberry sauce, this easy recipe can be made on a busy weeknight, in about 15 minutes.
Green onion, cumin, and lemon juice bring out the sweetness of the cranberries. Serve this dip with the crackers of your choice. This tangy cranberry recipe is the perfect make-ahead appetizer, plus its gluten free (minus the crackers!).
4. Cranberry Jalapeño "Cornbread" Muffins
This cornbread recipe combines the pop of fresh cranberries with a zing of spice from the jalapeños.
These colorful cornbread muffins are both low-carb and grain-free, and will quickly become everyone's favorite way to sop up some gravy goodness. Add some butter for a buttery, tangy treat.
5. Cranberry Quinoa Salad with Candied Walnuts
This recipe is great side dish that is sure to stand out amongst the typical Turkey Day fare.
Zesty citrus, candied walnuts, and cranberries combine to create a dish you guests won't soon forget.
6. Balsamic Butternut, Kale, and Cranberry Panzanella
Panzanella is a Tuscan bread salad that is usually served in the summertime, but this autumn version will invigorate your Thanksgiving table.
The pop of dried cranberries in this recipe elevates the fall flavors of butternut squash, pepitas, and kale, and ensures that this cranberry salad will become a new Thanksgiving favorite.
7. Spicy Cranberry Chutney
Bright citrus, fresh jalapeños, and cranberry combine to make this spicy condiment.
This recipe will certainly zest up your Thanksgiving table and wake up your guests' taste buds.
8. Cranberry and Walnut Stuffing
Crunchy walnuts and sweet dried cranberries make this savory stuffing a show stopper.
This recipe is sure to become a holiday go-to.
9. Medallions of Venison with Cranberry-Port Sauce
Venison, being a typically leaner meat with strong umami flavors, goes exceptionally well with cranberry and bold wines like port.
Forego the turkey and put a twist on Thanksgiving this year with this recipe.
10. Cranberry Orange Glazed Ham
Step aside turkey because the flavor duo of cranberry and orange is sure to make this glazed ham recipe that star of your Thanksgiving Day Table.
11. Roasted Turkey with Maple Cranberry Glaze
This turkey recipe is enhanced with a simple cranberry, maple syrup glaze. Add some apple cider vinegar for extra flavor.
Sweet and savory, this turkey will surely be all the rage at your Thanksgiving dinner this year.
12. Cranberry Ice Cream with White Chocolate Chunks
Thanksgiving is a day of decadence, so why not include everyone's favorite creamy dessert with a cranberry pop?
This recipe is way better than vanilla ice cream, and will go great served over warm pecan pie, coffee cake, over the brownie recipe that is listed next, or in a bowl on its own.
13. Bittersweet Cranberry Brownies
Rich, chocolatey brownies served warm from the oven, now that's a good way to finish any meal.
This recipe is for all the chocolate lovers out there, who like me, really think chocolate should become a Thanksgiving tradition.
14. Cranberry Pecan Pie
Pecan pie and cranberries are both traditional elements at any Turkey Day table, so why not combine them?
This cranberry pie recipe combines the caramel-y sweetness of pecan pie with the tartness of fresh cranberries.
15. Cranberry-Lime Pie
Key lime pie is both my mom and I's favorite kind of pie, so I am excited to share this recipe I found.
Tart and refreshing, this pie is sure to steal the spotlight when placed your Thanksgiving dessert table.
This post was originally published on November 18, 2020.
