Irresistible Spiced Cranberry Relish with Cloves Recipe

Name: Irresistible Spiced Cranberry Relish with Cloves
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz fresh cranberries; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp whole cloves; Zest of 1 orange; 1 cinnamon stick; 1/2 cup water (or orange juice for extra flavor)

Published: December 11, 2025

by Mia Hanry

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This irresistible spiced cranberry relish with cloves recipe is quick to prepare, making it a holiday lifesaver
The rich flavors blend beautifully, creating a delightful balance of sweet and tangy
It adds vibrant color to your table, enticing everyone to dig in
Enjoy it with turkey or as a spread on sandwiches; its versatility shines through!

Sharing this dish at family gatherings always brings smiles and compliments from loved ones.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Fresh Cranberries: Look for bright red berries; avoid any that are soft or shriveled for the best taste.
Sugar: Granulated sugar balances the tartness; adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference.
Cloves: Whole cloves add a warm spice; crush them slightly to release their aromatic oils.
Orange Zest: Freshly grated zest enhances the citrus flavor; it makes the relish pop with brightness.
Cinnamon Stick: A stick infuses warmth into the mix; use it while cooking for an aromatic touch.
Water: Adds moisture; you can also use orange juice for extra flavor depth.

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 fresh cranberries under cold water, ensuring there are no blemished berries hiding among them. Grab your zester and finely grate some fresh orange peel to add zing.

Combine Ingredients in a Pot: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange zest, water, cloves, and a cinnamon stick. Stir gently until everything is well mixed and looks inviting.

Cook Until Bubbly: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally as you watch those cranberries burst open joyfully while releasing their juices—this should take about 10 minutes.

Simmer and Thicken: Reduce heat to low after reaching a bubbly boil. Allow it to simmer for another 10-15 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and becomes syrupy—your kitchen will smell divine!

Cool and Serve!: Once thickened, remove from heat and let cool down before transferring to a jar. The flavors will meld beautifully as it cools—trust me on this one!

Enjoy every morsel of this irresistible spiced cranberry relish with cloves recipe at your next gathering! Thanksgiving Cranberry Rosemary Relish.

You Must Know

This irresistible spiced cranberry relish with cloves recipe not only elevates your holiday table but also serves as a fantastic condiment all year round
Its vibrant flavors and easy preparation mean you can whip it up in no time, impressing friends and family alike

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by simmering the cranberries, sugar, and spices together until the berries burst and thicken. This ensures even flavor distribution and perfect texture.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out cloves for cinnamon or add a hint of orange zest for an extra zing. Customize based on your taste preferences for a personal flair.

Storing & Reheating

Store your cranberry relish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Reheat gently on the stove to restore its luscious consistency without losing flavor.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For the best results, ensure your cranberries are fresh and plump; this will enhance their natural sweetness
Avoid overcooking; you want some texture, not mush!
Finally, let it chill overnight to allow flavors to meld beautifully

It’s funny how something as simple as cranberry relish can create chaos at family gatherings. One Thanksgiving, I forgot it on the counter, and my aunt’s “special” sweet potato casserole stole the show instead. Lesson learned: never underestimate the power of a good condiment!

FAQ

What is cranberry relish used for?

Cranberry relish enhances turkey dishes, sandwiches, or cheese boards with its tangy sweetness. For more inspiration, check out this easy baked cranberry turkey sliders recipe.

Can I make this relish ahead of time?

Absolutely! It tastes even better after resting overnight in the fridge.

Is there a way to adjust the sweetness?

Yes! Simply reduce or increase sugar based on your preference for sweetness levels.

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📖 Recipe Card