Cranberry Recipes: 35 Sweet and Savory Ideas

Cranberries aren’t just for holiday sauce anymore. Their bright tartness pairs beautifully with sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, making them a year–round kitchen staple. From morning muffins to elegant mains, these thirty-five ideas will help you work through that bag of berries in delicious style.

1. Classic Cranberry-Orange Muffins

Tart berries balance sweet citrus in this breakfast favorite. Fold chopped fresh cranberries and orange zest into a simple buttermilk batter, then bake until domed and fragrant. A quick orange-juice glaze drizzled on top adds brightness without overpowering the fruit.

2. Maple-Glazed Cranberry Chicken Thighs

Simmer cranberry sauce with pure maple syrup, Dijon, and garlic for an easy glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Bone-in thighs stay juicy while soaking up the sweet-tart coating. Serve with roasted root vegetables for a comforting weeknight dinner.

3. Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

Soft cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and a hint of garlic powder form the creamy base. Roll the mixture in a crunchy coat of toasted pecans and sweet dried cranberries for color and texture. It’s a fast crowd-pleaser that holds well in the fridge for up to three days.

4. Cranberry-Apple Crumble

Apples lend natural sweetness while cranberries provide a zingy contrast. Toss fruit with a little brown sugar and cinnamon, then blanket it in a buttery oat streusel. Bake until the juices thicken and the topping turns crisp—perfect with vanilla ice cream.

5. Smoky Cranberry Barbecue Sauce

Blend leftover cranberry sauce with ketchup, chipotle peppers, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Simmer until slightly thick, letting the smoky heat mingle with fruity tang. Brush it on grilled chicken, ribs, or tofu for a fresh twist on BBQ.

6. Cranberry-Lemon Scones

A touch of lemon zest brightens the dough while chilled butter ensures tender layers. Fold in dried cranberries before shaping and baking. Enjoy warm with clotted cream or a smear of lemon curd.

7. Cranberry-Jalapeño Salsa

Pulse fresh cranberries with cilantro, jalapeño, lime, and a bit of sugar for a festive, ruby-red salsa. The berries’ natural pectin gives it body without cooking. Spoon over tacos, grilled fish, or simple cream-cheese crackers.

8. Brown Butter Cranberry Blondies

Toasted brown butter lends nuttiness that pairs well with tart dried cranberries. White chocolate chips add creamy sweetness for balance. Let the bars cool fully before slicing to keep the crumb tender.

9. Cranberry-Ginger Mocktail

Combine unsweetened cranberry juice with ginger beer and a squeeze of lime for a refreshing sip. The spicy ginger offsets the berries’ sharpness, while bubbles make it party-worthy. Garnish with frozen cranberries to keep things chilled without dilution.

10. Wild Rice & Cranberry Stuffed Squash

Roasted squash halves become edible bowls for nutty wild rice tossed with dried cranberries, sautéed celery, and pecans. A drizzle of olive oil keeps the filling moist while baking. This dish works equally well as a vegetarian main or hearty side.

11. Cranberry-Chocolate Bark

Melt good-quality dark chocolate and spread it thinly on parchment. Scatter dried cranberries and salted pistachios over the surface, pressing lightly. Once set, break into irregular pieces for an effortless sweet treat.

12. Cranberry Cornbread Skillet

Fresh cranberries dot a slightly sweet, coarse-crumb cornbread, adding bursts of tartness in every bite. Baking in a preheated skillet yields crisp edges and a tender center. Serve alongside chili or enjoy with honey for breakfast.

13. Cranberry Goat Cheese Crostini

Simmer cranberries with honey and thyme until they burst and thicken. Spread tangy goat cheese on warm crostini, then spoon the compote over top. The contrast of creamy, tart, and herbal notes makes each bite memorable.

14. One-Pot Cranberry Turkey Meatballs

Ground turkey meatballs simmer directly in a spiced cranberry-tomato sauce, picking up color and flavor. Oats replace breadcrumbs for extra tenderness. Serve over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for minimal cleanup.

15. Cranberry Chia Jam

Combine cranberries, orange juice, and a touch of maple syrup in a saucepan until berries pop. Stir in chia seeds and let the mixture thicken naturally as it cools. The result is a quick, pectin-free spread that keeps for a week in the fridge.

16. Cranberry Almond Energy Bites

Pulse rolled oats, almond butter, honey, and dried cranberries until a sticky dough forms. Roll into bite-sized spheres and chill. They travel well for on-the-go snacking and provide a balanced mix of protein and carbs.

17. Cranberry-Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Bake sprouts until crisp, then toss with a reduction of cranberry juice and balsamic vinegar. Optional bacon crumbles add smoky depth. This side turns even sprout skeptics into fans.

18. White Chocolate Cranberry Cheesecake

Blend cranberry purée into part of the batter to create vibrant swirls against creamy white chocolate filling. A buttery graham crust grounds the richness. Chill overnight for clean slices and optimal flavor.

19. Cranberry Herb Compound Butter

Fold chopped dried cranberries, rosemary, and a pinch of sea salt into softened butter. Roll, chill, and slice as needed. Melt over grilled steak, steamed veggies, or baked sweet potatoes for instant flair.

20. Cranberry-Lime Sorbet

Simmer cranberries with sugar and water, then blend and strain for a smooth base. Lime juice brightens the mix before churning. The result is a palate-cleansing finish to any meal.

21. Cranberry & Feta Quinoa Salad

Nutty quinoa carries chewy cranberries, salty feta, and fresh herbs in every forkful. A lemon-olive-oil dressing ties it together. Pack it for work lunches—it tastes even better the next day.

22. Cranberry-Rosemary Focaccia

Scatter fresh cranberries and rosemary over olive-oil-rich dough before the final rise. Their juices seep into the crust while baking, contrasting with savory herbs. Slice into strips for dipping or sandwich building.

23. Cranberry-Spice Overnight Oats

Stir rolled oats, yogurt, milk, dried cranberries, and warm spices together the night before. By morning the oats are creamy and ready to eat. Top with toasted nuts for crunch.

24. Cranberry-Mustard Pork Tenderloin

Pan-sear the tenderloin, then finish it in the oven with a sauce of whole-grain mustard, cranberry juice, and garlic. The meat stays tender while absorbing tangy notes. Rest before slicing to keep juices inside.

25. Cranberry Coconut Granola

Oats, seeds, and coconut bake until fragrant, then receive a shower of dried cranberries once cooled to protect their color. A hint of maple syrup brings gentle sweetness. Sprinkle over yogurt or eat by the handful.

26. Cranberry White Bean Soup

Puréed white beans create a silky canvas for a spoonful of bright cranberry relish. A touch of garlic and sage rounds out the savory base. It’s a cozy lunch that feels surprisingly sophisticated.

27. Cranberry-Pepper Jelly

Cook cranberries with red bell pepper, jalapeño, vinegar, and sugar until thick. The result spreads smoothly and delivers a gentle kick. It’s stellar over cream cheese or as a glaze for grilled shrimp.

28. Cranberry-Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Fold dried cranberries and mini chocolate chips into buttermilk batter for sweet-tart contrast. Cook on a well-greased griddle until golden. Serve with a pat of butter and warm syrup for weekend happiness.

29. Cranberry-Hazelnut Biscotti

Twice-baked Italian cookies gain festive color from dried cranberries and warm nuttiness from toasted hazelnuts. Their sturdy crunch makes them ideal for dunking. Store in an airtight tin for up to two weeks.

30. Cranberry-Sage Butter Roasted Carrots

Roast carrots in sage-infused butter until tender, then toss with dried cranberries for a pop of color. A pinch of sea salt enhances their natural sweetness. This side dish feels special yet comes together quickly.

31. Cranberry Tabbouleh

Bulgur wheat soaks up lemon juice and olive oil, while dried cranberries add chew and tartness. Fresh mint and parsley keep things vibrant. Pair with grilled halloumi or falafel for a Mediterranean twist.

32. Cranberry Curd Tart

Blend cranberry purée, eggs, sugar, and butter into a silky curd, then pour into a baked shortbread shell. Chill until set for clean slices and a jewel-like finish. A dollop of whipped cream softens the tartness.

33. Spiced Cranberry Mulled Wine

Simmer red wine with cranberry juice, whole spices, and orange slices until fragrant. Keep the heat low to preserve alcohol while infusing flavor. Ladle into heat-proof mugs for instant winter cheer.

34. Cranberry-Pineapple Smoothie Bowl

Blend frozen cranberries, pineapple, and banana with yogurt for a thick, spoon-able base. Top with crunchy granola and extra fruit. It’s a nutrient-packed way to start the day.

35. Cranberry & Brie Puff Pastry Bites

Cut puff pastry into squares, press into mini muffin tins, and bake partially. Fill with a cube of brie and a spoon of cranberry sauce, then return to the oven until bubbly. These two-bite wonders disappear fast at parties.