Every year, as soon as the holidays roll around, cranberries start showing up everywhere.
Well, at least I seem to find them anywhere.
And they always make their way into my grocery cart.
That’s because there’s something about them that just feels festive and perfect for holiday dishes.
They have a beautiful deep color and a tart taste that just works in sauces, desserts, and even drinks.
So if cranberries are showing up in your grocery cart too, here are a bunch of easy, tasty ways to use them this season:
Cranberry Appetizers & Snacks
Cranberries aren’t just for sauce and stuffing!
These recipes range from bite-sized and gooey to sweet and savory combos that are awesome for holiday parties.
1. Cranberry Sauce Crostini
Toast thin slices of baguette until golden and crisp.
Spread a layer of whipped cream cheese or brie, then spoon on a bit of cranberry sauce, homemade or store-bought.
Sprinkle chopped pecans or a pinch of rosemary for extra flavor.
I like to drizzle a tiny bit of honey on top so it hits both sweet and tart notes.
2. Cranberry Butternut Squash with Honey and Feta
Roast cubed butternut squash with olive oil and salt until tender.
Toss them with dried cranberries and crumbled feta, then drizzle honey while it’s still warm so it slightly melts into everything.
If you want, you can swap feta for goat cheese if you like things creamier.
This works great as a side dish or scooped onto toasted naan. Yum!
3. Cranberry Brie Bites
Grab some mini phyllo cups or cut puff pastry into squares and press into mini muffin tins.
Drop a cube of brie into each, then add a teaspoon of cranberry sauce.
Bake until the pastry puffs and the cheese bubbles.
Add some chopped walnuts or a sprig of thyme if you’re feeling extra festive.
4. Baked Pear with Cranberry and Feta
These are to die for!
Halve and core ripe pears, brush with a little butter, and bake until soft.
Fill the center with feta and dried cranberries, then bake again until the cheese softens slightly.
I always drizzle balsamic glaze before serving since it looks fancy but takes no effort.
5. Cranberry Smoked Sausage Bites
Slice smoked sausage into bite-size rounds and pan-sear until caramelized.
Mix cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, and a splash of apple cider in a small saucepan until glossy.
Layer them with the sausage on the bottom, a piece of cheese and a little bit of the cranberry sauce.
Don’t forget to use a toothpick!
6. Cranberry Roll-Ups
Spread softened cream cheese over thin crepes, then sprinkle chopped dried cranberries and green onions for color.
If you want to make these super quick, use tortillas.
Roll them tightly, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes before slicing.
They’re great for make-ahead snacks and look pretty on a platter with a bit of parsley sprinkled around.
And if you’re looking for a way to use up some leftover turkey, check out these turkey and cranberry pinwheels!
7. Cranberry Mostarda
Mostarda is an Italian condiment made with candied fruit and a mustard flavored syrup that’s usually served on meat or on a charcuterie board.
Fancy…and easy to make.
Cook cranberries with sugar, mustard seeds, and a splash of vinegar until the berries burst and the mixture thickens.
That’s it!
You can also pour this over cheese or use it as a dip for pretzels.
8. Cranberry Raspberry Baked Brie
Place a wheel of brie in the center of a puff pastry sheet and spoon cranberry raspberry sauce over the top.
Sprinkle with chopped spiced pecans, then fold the pastry up and over to seal it.
Then brush with egg wash and bake until golden and the cheese is melted inside.
Let it rest a few minutes before cutting so the filling doesn’t run out too quickly.
Serve warm with crackers or thin apple slices for the perfect mix of creamy, sweet, and buttery.
9. Cranberry Pecan Cheese Balls
Mix cream cheese, shredded cheddar, chopped dried cranberries, and a pinch of garlic powder.
Roll into small balls and coat in crushed pecans.
Chill until firm, then stick a pretzel rod in each for easy serving.
These disappear fast, so I usually make a double batch!
10. Cranberry and Goat Cheese Sweet Potato Rounds
Slice sweet potatoes into thick coins, brush with oil, and roast until tender.
Top each with a dollop of goat cheese and a spoonful of cranberry sauce.
Finish with toasted pecans or a sprinkle of sea salt for crunch.
They’re the perfect two-bite mix of creamy, tangy, and sweet.
Cranberry Sauces
No holiday table is complete without something sweet and tart to cut through all the heavy dishes.
They’re easy to make, keep well, and taste even better the next day.
11. Classic Cranberry Sauce
Combine fresh cranberries, sugar, and orange juice in a saucepan and simmer until the berries pop and the mixture thickens.
Stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick.
I always add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
Let it cool completely before serving so it sets up nicely.
12. Cranberry Pomegranate Relish
This one is so decadent and so easy to make!
Pulse cranberries and pomegranate seeds in a food processor with orange zest, a spoon of honey, and a touch of lime juice.
You’re not cooking this one, so it stays bright and fresh.
Add chopped mint or jalapeño if you want a little kick.
It’s amazing on turkey sandwiches the next day.
13. Champagne Cranberry Sauce Ring
Simmer cranberries with sugar and champagne until the berries soften and the liquid reduces.
Add a splash of orange liqueur or a twist of lemon for extra flavor.
Pour into a ring mold and chill until firm.
It looks beautiful on a platter and has a really nostalgic look.
14. Cranberry Chutney
Cook cranberries with diced apple, onion, vinegar, brown sugar, and a bit of ginger until thick and jammy.
It’s sweet, tangy, and just a touch savory.
This one pairs perfectly with roasted meats or over a wheel of brie.
I like to make a jar or two ahead of time and keep one for gifting.
15. Cinnamon Bourbon Cranberry Sauce
Simmer cranberries with brown sugar, orange juice, and a cinnamon stick until glossy.
Stir in a splash of bourbon right at the end so the flavor stays rich and warm.
If you like texture, toss in a handful of chopped pecans before serving.
It’s cozy and smells incredible while cooking.
Cranberry Sweets & Desserts
Cranberries bring the perfect pop of tartness to balance out rich holiday desserts.
They make creamy, buttery, and spiced treats feel a little fresher and look festive too!
16. Cranberry Cheesecake
Whip cream cheese with sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth, then pour into a graham cracker crust.
Swirl in cranberry sauce before baking to give it that marbled look.
Chill completely before slicing so it holds its shape.
I top mine with sugared cranberries for sparkle and to make it look more impressive.
17. Cranberry Cream Cheese Danish
Lay out puff pastry sheets and spread a layer of sweetened cream cheese down the center.
Spoon cranberry filling on top, then fold the sides over in a braid pattern (it doesn’t have to look perfect…trust me).
Brush with egg wash and bake until golden.
You can dust it with powdered sugar or drizzle a quick icing once cooled.
18. Cranberry Tart
Press a simple buttery crust into a tart pan, bake until lightly golden, and fill with cranberry compote.
To make the compote (which is basically a cranberry relish), mix together cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and vanilla extract then simmer in a saucepan.
Add candied orange peel or whipped cream for contrast or leave it au naturel.
19. Cranberry Cake Bars
Mix butter, brown sugar, eggs, and flour into a thick batter, then fold in cranberries and a pinch of cinnamon.
Spread into a parchment-lined pan and bake until the edges are golden.
Once cooled, cut into squares and drizzle with vanilla glaze.
These stay soft for days if you store them covered.
20. Cranberry Apple Galette
Roll out pie dough into a rustic circle, pile a mix of sliced apples, cranberries, sugar, and cornstarch in the center, then fold the edges over.
Brush with egg wash and bake until bubbling.
I like to serve it warm with vanilla ice cream melting over the top.
21. Cranberry Upside Down Cake
Layer cranberries and brown sugar at the bottom of a greased cake pan, pour vanilla or almond-scented batter over top, and bake until golden.
Flip it onto a plate while still warm so the sticky cranberry topping coats the surface.
A dollop of whipped cream makes it holiday ready.
22. Cranberry-Orange Curd Tart
Whisk cranberry puree with eggs, sugar, butter, and orange zest until thick and glossy, then pour into a pre-baked tart shell.
Chill until set.
The color alone makes this a centerpiece dessert!
You can sprinkle powdered sugar or add sugared cranberries for a frosty finish.
23. Spiced Cranberry Apple Crumble
Toss cranberries and apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a bit of brown sugar, then pour into a baking dish.
Mix oats, flour, butter, chopped pecans, and more brown sugar for the crumble topping and bake until golden.
The smell fills your kitchen, and it’s perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
24. Apple Cranberry Pie
Combine sliced apples, cranberries, sugar, and flour for the filling, then layer between two pie crusts.
Brush the top with milk or egg wash and bake until the crust is flaky and the filling bubbles through the vents.
I like to add a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top for crunch.
25. Orange Cranberry Pound Cake
Beat butter, sugar, eggs, orange zest, and flour until fluffy, then fold in chopped cranberries.
Bake in a loaf pan until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Once cooled, pour over an orange glaze made with juice and icing sugar.
It’s great for breakfast too!
26. Pumpkin Spice Cranberry Muffins
Whisk together pumpkin puree, sugar, oil, eggs, and warm spices, then stir in flour, baking soda, and fresh cranberries.
Divide into muffin tins and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
Sprinkle coarse sugar or streusel on top before baking if you like a little crunch.
If you’re looking for something a bit lighter, I also have a recipe for cranberry orange muffins you should check out.
27. Cranberry White Chocolate Blondies
Melt butter and brown sugar together, whisk in eggs and vanilla, then fold in flour, white chocolate chunks, and dried cranberries.
Bake until just set in the middle so they stay chewy.
A pinch of sea salt over the top brings out all the sweetness.
I usually cut them small so I can justify a second one.
Cranberry Drinks
Cranberries have a way of turning any drink into something festive and sparkly.
These cocktails and mocktails look beautiful on a table and taste even better in a chilled glass.
28. Cranberry Mistletoe Martini
Shake vodka, cranberry juice, and elderflower liqueur with ice until frosty, then strain into a martini glass.
Garnish with fresh cranberries and a tiny sprig of rosemary for that mistletoe vibe.
If you prefer it lighter, top with a splash of club soda.
I like to rim the glass with sugar mixed with lime zest for a little sparkle.
29. Spiced Cranberry Ginger Fizz
Simmer cranberry juice with cloves, cinnamon, and a few slices of ginger, then chill.
Pour over ice and top with ginger beer or sparkling water.
Add a squeeze of lime for freshness.
It’s easy to make as a mocktail or add a shot of rum if you want to warm things up a bit.
30. Cranberry Orange Prosecco Punch
Mix chilled Prosecco, cranberry juice, orange slices, and a few sprigs of mint in a large pitcher or punch bowl.
Float frozen cranberries on top to keep it cool and pretty.
You can swap Prosecco for sparkling apple cider if you’re serving a crowd.
It’s bubbly, tangy, and perfect for brunch or an evening toast.
31. Cranberry Margaritas
Combine tequila, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice in a shaker with ice and shake well.
Salt the rim of your glass or use sugar if you like it sweet.
Pour over ice and garnish with a lime wedge and a few cranberries.
I like to make a big batch in a pitcher for holiday get-togethers.
32. Cranberry Orange Aperol Spritzer
Stir together Aperol (an Italian alcohol), cranberry juice, and a squeeze of orange juice, then top with chilled sparkling wine or soda water.
Add an orange slice and a few floating cranberries for color.
It’s light, citrusy, and just bitter enough to keep it classy.
A cinnamon stick makes a nice touch if you want it to feel extra festive.
Cranberries are the Taste of the Season!
Cranberries might seem like a once-a-year thing, but honestly, they deserve more love.
They bring color, tang, and a little brightness to just about anything you toss them into.
So grab a handful, stir them into something good, and let them do what they do best—make the holidays feel like the holidays!
