Cranberry and pineapple relish may sound like a combination your taste buds are unsure about, but trust me, it’s an explosion of flavor! Picture this: tangy cranberries mingling with sweet, juicy pineapple, creating a delightful dance of tart and sweet that will make your mouth sing. This festive cranberry and pineapple relish recipe delight is not just a dish; it’s a celebration on your table, perfect for Thanksgiving or holiday gatherings. For more inspiration, check out this side dish ideas recipe.

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make It Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I make this relish ahead of time?
- What dishes pair well with this relish?
- Can I freeze leftover relish?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I remember the first time I made this relish; my family was skeptical at first. But once they tasted that vibrant mix of flavors, the silence was deafening—everyone was too busy savoring the deliciousness. Now, it’s a staple at every holiday meal. The bright colors and refreshing taste add a spark to any occasion, making it the ideal companion for roasted turkey or even as a topping for cream cheese on crackers at parties.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This festive cranberry and pineapple relish is incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen
- The sweet-tart flavor profile balances perfectly with savory dishes, making it versatile for any meal
- Its vibrant colors make it visually stunning, adding a pop to your holiday table
- You can enjoy it fresh or store it for later, ensuring you have this delightful condiment on hand whenever you need it
I made this relish last Thanksgiving and watched my family devour it like they hadn’t eaten in days.

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Cranberries: Look for bright red berries; they’re tart and provide the base flavor.
- Pineapple Chunks: Fresh pineapple offers sweetness; if unavailable, canned works too—just drain well.
- Sugar: Adjust based on your sweetness preference; start with half a cup.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the flavors; don’t skip this!
- Ginger (optional): A pinch adds warmth and complexity; use fresh or ground ginger as per preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by rinsing the cranberries under cold water. Discard any that float or look wrinkled. Chop your pineapple into bite-sized chunks if using fresh fruit.
Combine Ingredients in a Pot: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, pineapple chunks, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir gently until combined.
Cook Until Bubbly: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring frequently. Cook until cranberries burst open and mixture thickens slightly—about 10-15 minutes should do the trick!
Add Optional Ginger: If you’re using ginger for an extra zing, stir it in now! Allow it to simmer for another couple of minutes to meld those flavors together.
Cool and Serve: Once done cooking, remove from heat and let cool completely before transferring to a serving bowl. The relish will thicken as it cools. For more inspiration, check out this cooking tips recipe.
Strong aromas fill your kitchen while making this relish—it’s sure to become your new favorite holiday tradition!
You Must Know
- This festive cranberry and pineapple relish recipe delight brings a burst of flavor and color to your holiday table
- The sweetness of the pineapple mixes beautifully with tart cranberries, creating a vibrant side that complements any dish
- Plus, it’s super easy to make!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the cranberries until they pop, then add pineapple and sugar for a delightful mix. This sequence ensures everything melds perfectly, enhancing flavors while keeping that refreshing crunch.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick or add chopped nuts for texture. Your cranberry and pineapple relish can become uniquely yours with just a few tweaks.
Storing & Reheating
Store your relish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. It’s best served chilled, but you can gently reheat it if preferred warm.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best flavor, use fresh cranberries instead of frozen ones
- Avoid overcooking them; you want that perfect pop when biting into each piece
- Experiment with adding orange zest for a citrus twist that brightens the relish
Sharing this festive cranberry and pineapple relish at family gatherings always gets rave reviews; it brings everyone together for seconds (and thirds!).
FAQ
Can I make this relish ahead of time?
Absolutely! It tastes even better after sitting in the fridge overnight.
What dishes pair well with this relish?
It’s fantastic alongside turkey, ham, or even as a topping for cream cheese on crackers.
Can I freeze leftover relish?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just store it in an airtight container for up to three months.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Cranberry and Pineapple Relish
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Cranberry and pineapple relish is a vibrant, flavorful addition to your holiday table. This refreshing dish combines tart cranberries with sweet pineapple, creating a delightful balance of flavors. Perfect for Thanksgiving or festive gatherings, it pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or as a topping on cream cheese and crackers. Easy to prepare, this relish not only brightens up your meals but also serves as a colorful condiment that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, well-drained)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp ginger (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse cranberries under cold water, discarding any that float or appear wrinkled. If using fresh pineapple, chop into bite-sized pieces.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, pineapple chunks, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir gently until combined.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring frequently. Cook for about 10-15 minutes until cranberries burst and mixture thickens slightly.
- If using ginger, stir it in now and simmer for an additional couple of minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely before transferring to a serving bowl; the relish will thicken as it cools.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg





