Fresh Cranberry Recipes

In Season: Fresh cranberries are available from October through December. Some markets also carry frozen cranberries year-round.

 

What to Look For: Look for bright-colored, firm cranberries in the produce section. Avoid bags that have brown or shriveled berries at the bottom.

 

How to Store: Store in the original packaging for up to two weeks in the refrigerator, or up to one year in the freezer. To prep, rinse and discard any discolored or soft berries; if frozen, there's no need to thaw before use.

For everyone who grew up loving canned cranberry sauce, this homemade jellied version will satisfy your nostalgia as well as your now-sophisticated taste buds. The natural pectin in apples means you don't have to add any gelatin to get this cranberry sauce to hold its shape.

Red wine, fresh cranberries, and a drizzle of molasses simmer with this pot roast to make a rich, complex sauce perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes.

Take advantage of fresh cranberries while they're plentiful. This homey creation takes just minutes to make and would be a festive treat throughout the holiday season.

 

This bread pudding is a delicious (and beautiful) way to use a week-old loaf. The crowning glory is the sweet-tart cranberry-and-maple compote.

A refreshing palate cleanser is just what you need after a big meal. This cranberry sorbet has the right balance of sweetness and tartness.

In this no-cook relish, tart cranberries get sweetness from apples and brightness from oranges.

Pears take on an eye-catching crimson cast when poached with vibrant fresh cranberries. Their pleasing tartness can be countered by a sliver of rich goat cheese or a dollop of creme fraiche or yogurt.

To make this Northeastern interpretation of an old-fashioned upside-down cake, fresh cranberries and toasted pecans are topped with buttery batter, then baked and inverted. The cranberries soften in the oven, but the pecans stay crunchy, lending a textural flourish.

Cinnamon-spiced almond custard filling (known as frangipane) is sandwiched between layers of cranberry jam and fresh cranberry compote. This tart makes a stunning finish to a holiday meal.

Orange juice and zest perfume a simple sauce made from fresh cranberries. This recipe makes a big batch, so there will be plenty for leftovers.

In this fresh take on guacamole, avocado, red onion, jalapeno pepper, fresh cranberries, and cilantro mingle with lime and honey in a chunky salsa. Serve with tortilla chips or pita crisps.

Crimson cranberry-orange custard is spiced with cinnamon and topped with fluffy meringue in these bite-size desserts. These tarts are perfect for serving at cocktail parties or buffets.

Fresh cranberries are muddled with sugar and stirred with apple cider, ginger beer, and a little lemon juice. Serve this festive drink with or without gin mixed in.

Orange-scented cranberry sauce gets a spot on the dessert table in these two-bite cookies. The crunchy yellow cornmeal crust, brightened with orange zest, is a perfect platform.

This easy cranberry-orange infused vodka will be a hit at holiday cocktail parties. Or make decorative labels and give the sweetened spirit as a gift.

With layers of sweetened cranberries, buttery pound cake, and fluffy whipped cream, this trifle is a truly easy and dazzling dessert. You can prepare all the components ahead of time and assemble shortly before serving.

Make your applesauce extra festive with the addition of fresh cranberries. This sauce is great with roast pork or potato pancakes, or simply as a snack.

The classic apple crisp gets brilliant color and a tart tang from fresh cranberries. This easy dessert takes only 15 minutes to assemble.

The sweet, fragrant bite of ginger permeates this fresh cranberry sauce. A splash of sherry vinegar or red-wine vinegar contributes palate-refreshing acidity.