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Cranberry Cravings: Tart Meets Sweet in These Dishes

With this full lineup of cranberry-inspired recipes, you’ll find everything from savory appetizers to sweet treats, each one bringing a festive and flavorful touch to holiday meals and gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or simply enjoying a quiet night in, these dishes add a seasonal twist to classic flavors.

Explore creative ways to use cranberries—from sauces and salads to cookies and cocktails—and enjoy the beautiful color and unique tartness they bring to your plate. You’ll find easy options like slow-cooker cranberry sauce and one-bowl cheesecake, as well as impressive mains like cranberry-stuffed lamb that are sure to delight guests.

Dive into these recipes and discover new favorites that showcase cranberries at their best, blending sweet, tart, and savory elements into every dish. Whether you’re looking for holiday party snacks, cozy desserts, or festive cocktails, there’s something here for everyone.

Crock Pot Cranberry Stuffing

Crock Pot Cranberry Stuffing. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

This easy stuffing recipe, made with cranberries and pecans, cooks right in a slow cooker. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday, it’s a flavorful side dish that’s both festive and convenient to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Cranberry Stuffing

Cranberry Orange Custard Pie

Cranberry Orange Custard Pie. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

This pie pairs tart cranberries with sweet orange custard for a balanced holiday dessert. Ideal for special occasions, it brings a pop of color and bright flavor to the table.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Custard Pie

Cranberry Brie Bites

Cranberry Brie Bites. Photo credit: Vanilla Bean Cuisine.

These bite-sized appetizers feature crispy phyllo cups filled with Brie, homemade cranberry sauce, and toasted pecans. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they’re easy to serve and deliciously festive.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Brie Bites

Traeger Fall Butter Board

Traeger Fall Butter Board. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A unique addition to any fall gathering, this board features an assortment of flavored butters. It’s a visually appealing way to offer guests a choice of savory or sweet butter spreads.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Fall Butter Board

Rosemary Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail

Rosemary Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

This holiday cocktail blends bourbon, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and ginger ale, garnished with fresh cranberries and rosemary. Its sweet, tart, and aromatic flavors make it ideal for holiday parties or cozy nights in.
Get the Recipe: Rosemary Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail

Easy Cranberry Salad

Easy Cranberry Salad. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

This refreshing salad combines cranberries, oranges, and pecans, all mixed with sweetened whipped cream. It’s a sweet and tangy side or dessert that’s great for any occasion, bursting with color and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cranberry Salad

Easy Cranberry Harvest Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Easy Cranberry Harvest Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

Featuring mixed greens, cranberries, pecans, goat cheese, and apple cider vinaigrette, this salad is a light, satisfying dish with balanced sweet and savory flavors. Perfect for fall or holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cranberry Harvest Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Cranberry Goat Cheese Sweet Potato Bites

Cranberry Goat Cheese Sweet Potato Bites. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

These elegant appetizers feature roasted sweet potato rounds topped with creamy goat cheese. They’re a simple but sophisticated option for entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Goat Cheese Sweet Potato Bites

Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Bars

Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Bars. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

Creamy cheesecake bars with a tart cranberry topping make a festive dessert for the holidays. They’re easy to slice and serve, perfect for holiday parties or family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Bars

Easy Crockpot Baked Apples with Cranberry Crisp Filling

Easy Crockpot Baked Apples with Cranberry Crisp Filling. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

These slow-cooked stuffed apples fill your home with cozy scents and make a delicious dessert or side dish for fall and winter meals.
Get the Recipe: Easy Crockpot Baked Apples with Cranberry Crisp Filling

Cranberry Orange Mimosas

Cranberry Orange Mimosas. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

This festive mimosa combines tart cranberry and sweet orange flavors, making it a refreshing choice for holiday celebrations or brunches.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Mimosas

Cranberry White Chocolate Bites

Cranberry White Chocolate Bites. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

Sweet white chocolate and tart cranberries come together in these easy treats, perfect for holiday snacking or gifting.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry White Chocolate Bites

Sparkling Cranberry Prosecco

Sparkling Cranberry Prosecco. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A bubbly mix of cranberry and Prosecco, this drink is great for celebrations or as a special holiday toast.
Get the Recipe: Sparkling Cranberry Prosecco

Banana Cranberry Bread (with leftover cranberry sauce)

Banana Cranberry Bread (with leftover cranberry sauce). Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

Moist and full of flavor, this banana cranberry bread is a great breakfast option or snack. It combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with the tartness of cranberries for a delicious seasonal treat.
Get the Recipe: Banana Cranberry Bread (with leftover cranberry sauce)

Spiralized Apple Cranberry Salad

Spiralized Apple Cranberry Salad. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

This vibrant salad features spiralized apples and cranberries, creating a refreshing, healthy side dish that’s perfect for light meals or holiday tables.
Get the Recipe: Spiralized Apple Cranberry Salad

Baked Salmon with Cranberry Thyme Crust

Baked Salmon with Cranberry Thyme Crust. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

Baked with herbs, cranberries, lemon, and garlic, this tender salmon dish is both nutritious and quick, perfect for weeknight dinners or a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Baked Salmon with Cranberry Thyme Crust

Cheesy Cranberry Turkey Baked Sliders

Cheesy Cranberry Turkey Baked Sliders. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

These sliders combine tender turkey, cranberry sauce, and melted cheese for a festive, crowd-pleasing appetizer or casual meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cranberry Turkey Baked Sliders

Cranberry Streusel Muffins

Cranberry Streusel Muffins. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

Tart cranberries and a crumbly streusel topping make these muffins a delightful breakfast or snack that’s perfect for the holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Streusel Muffins

Christmas Cosmo

Christmas Cosmo. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This cranberry cosmopolitan features orange liqueur, vodka, and cranberry juice, with a sugared rim and fresh cranberries for a festive touch. Great for holiday toasts!
Get the Recipe: Christmas Cosmo

Cranberry Goat Cheese Appetizer

Cranberry Goat Cheese Appetizer. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

A creamy goat cheese spread topped with tart cranberries, ideal for a holiday appetizer. Serve with crackers for an easy, crowd-pleasing starter.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Goat Cheese Appetizer

Cranberry Barbecue Meatballs

Cranberry Barbecue Meatballs. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

These savory meatballs use leftover cranberry sauce for a sweet and tangy glaze, perfect as a Christmas appetizer or served over mashed potatoes for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Barbecue Meatballs

Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Turkey Cranberry Sliders. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

Use up Thanksgiving leftovers with these turkey sliders, made with leftover turkey and cranberry sauce. Quick, delicious, and perfect for next-day meals.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Cranberry Pecan Feta Dip

Cranberry Pecan Feta Dip. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

This festive dip blends cranberries, pecans, and feta cheese, creating a flavorful holiday appetizer that’s perfect for dipping with crackers or bread.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Feta Dip

Broccoli Salad

Broccoli Salad. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A crisp, fresh salad combining broccoli with cranberries and other flavors. It’s a tasty side that’s great for those looking for something light but flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad

Cranberry Farro Chicken Salad

Cranberry Farro Chicken Salad. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

This hearty salad includes chicken, cranberries, and farro, making it filling and full of flavor, ideal as a main meal or a satisfying side.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Farro Chicken Salad

Whipped Cranberry Goat Cheese

Whipped Cranberry Goat Cheese. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This appetizer features creamy whipped goat cheese topped with a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, perfect for serving with crackers.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Cranberry Goat Cheese

Strawberry White Wine Spritzer

Strawberry White Wine Spritzer. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Keep the summer spirit alive with this strawberry-cranberry spritzer. Featuring white wine, rum, and a splash of soda, it’s fruity and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry White Wine Spritzer

Pressure Cooker Cranberry Balsamic Pork Loin

Pressure Cooker Cranberry Balsamic Pork Loin. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

Made in a pressure cooker, this pork loin is seasoned with cranberry and balsamic, resulting in a juicy and flavorful dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Pressure Cooker Cranberry Balsamic Pork Loin

Apple Cranberry Poppy Seed Slaw Salad

Apple Cranberry Poppy Seed Slaw Salad. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

A fresh salad with crisp apples, cranberries, and a poppy seed dressing, it’s a colorful and healthy side for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cranberry Poppy Seed Slaw Salad

Cranberry Margaritas

Cranberry Margaritas. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

These cranberry margaritas combine sweet and tart flavors, making them an easy, festive cocktail for holiday parties.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Margaritas

Easy Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

Easy Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

Turn extra cranberry sauce into a fluffy dip that’s perfect for holiday snacking. Serve with crackers, pretzels, or bread for a tasty way to use up leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

Cranberry Moscow Mules

Cranberry Moscow Mules. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

This festive cocktail combines cranberry juice, a splash of ginger ale, and fresh cranberries for garnish. It’s a refreshing, easy-to-make drink for Christmas parties.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Moscow Mules

Easy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Easy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

This twist on classic chicken salad includes cranberries and pecans, all dressed with a creamy champagne vinaigrette. Great for sandwiches or a light meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Roasted Squash & Cranberry Salad

Roasted Squash & Cranberry Salad. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

This colorful salad features roasted squash and cranberries, creating a hearty and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for fall or holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Squash & Cranberry Salad

Cranberry, Feta & Almond Chicken Salad Sandwich

Cranberry, Feta & Almond Chicken Salad Sandwich. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

This sandwich combines tart cranberries, creamy feta, and crunchy almonds with chicken salad. A satisfying and flavorful option for lunch or a picnic.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry, Feta & Almond Chicken Salad Sandwich

Cranberry & Whipped Feta Pinwheels

Cranberry & Whipped Feta Pinwheels. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

These pinwheels offer a mix of tart cranberry and creamy whipped feta. They’re ideal for a festive appetizer or a colorful addition to a snack spread.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry & Whipped Feta Pinwheels

Cranberry and Whipped Feta Puffs

Cranberry and Whipped Feta Puffs. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

These bite-sized puffs have a tangy cranberry whipped feta filling, wrapped in flaky pastry. A festive, easy appetizer for holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry and Whipped Feta Puffs

Cranberry Curd Tart

Cranberry Curd Tart. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

This tart combines a sweet-tart cranberry curd filling with a gluten-free oat and nut crust, creating a beautiful and festive holiday dessert.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Curd Tart

Cranberry Raspberry Chia Lemonade

Cranberry Raspberry Chia Lemonade. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

This refreshing lemonade mixes cranberry and raspberry with chia seeds for a healthy drink. It’s both tart and sweet, perfect for any season.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Raspberry Chia Lemonade

Cranberry Pesto Stuffed Lamb

Cranberry Pesto Stuffed Lamb. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

This American lamb dish is stuffed with a cranberry mint pesto, making it an eye-catching and festive choice for holiday dinner parties.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pesto Stuffed Lamb

Cranberry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cranberry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

These cookies feature orange zest, cranberries, and chocolate chips. Dip them in chocolate and sprinkle with sea salt for a holiday treat.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cranberry Orange Cognac Butter

Cranberry Orange Cognac Butter. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

This compound butter has cognac-soaked cranberries and rosemary, adding flavor to holiday breads, rolls, and roasted meats.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Cognac Butter

5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce

5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

With just five ingredients, this cranberry sauce is made in the slow cooker, freeing up your stovetop for other Thanksgiving dishes.
Get the Recipe: 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce

Bourbon Cranberry Sauce

Bourbon Cranberry Sauce. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

This cranberry sauce adds a twist with bourbon, bringing notes of caramel and vanilla to the tart cranberries. Perfect for a unique Thanksgiving side.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Cranberry Sauce

Roasted Cranberry Broccoli Salad

Roasted Cranberry Broccoli Salad. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

Roasted with maple syrup, this side dish combines cranberries and squash with toasted almonds and pepitas, ideal for fall meals.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cranberry Broccoli Salad

Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

These soft cookies have chewy centers, crispy edges, and a mix of chocolate chips and fresh cranberries, creating a sweet and tart treat.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cranberry Cheddar Sausage Balls

Cranberry Cheddar Sausage Balls. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

Cranberry and cheddar add a holiday twist to these sausage bites. Serve with cranberry sauce for dipping at your next holiday party or game day.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Cheddar Sausage Balls

Cranberry Ginger Jam

Cranberry Ginger Jam. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

This homemade jam has hints of orange and ginger, making it a versatile spread for both sweet and savory dishes. Tart, vibrant, and full of flavor!
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Ginger Jam

Cranberry Orange Thumbprint Cookies

Cranberry Orange Thumbprint Cookies. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

Use leftover almond pulp to make these gluten-free and vegan thumbprint cookies. Filled with cranberry sauce, they’re a great holiday treat.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Thumbprint Cookies

Cranberry Orange Biscotti

Cranberry Orange Biscotti. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

These biscotti have crisp edges and a buttery texture, with fresh cranberries and orange zest, perfect for dipping in coffee or just enjoying as a snack. Your friend and family will love them!
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Biscotti

Cranberry Orange Bread

Cranberry Orange Bread. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

This moist cranberry orange bread has a sweet citrus glaze, making it a delicious seasonal quick bread for winter breakfasts or snacks.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Bread

Avocado Lentil Cranberry Salad

Avocado Lentil Cranberry Salad. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

Packed with avocado, lentils, and both fresh and dried cranberries, this hearty salad is tossed with a lemon Dijon dressing for a nutritious lunch or side.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Lentil Cranberry Salad

Dark Chocolate Cranberry Walnut Bread

Dark Chocolate Cranberry Walnut Bread. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

This easy Dutch oven bread, loaded with cranberries, walnuts, dark chocolate, and cinnamon, is a perfect holiday treat that requires minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Dark Chocolate Cranberry Walnut Bread

Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookie Bites. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

These no-bake bites with oatmeal, cranberries, orange, and mini chocolate chips are a healthy, easy-to-make snack that tastes just like a cookie.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookie Bites

Almond, cranberry and sweet potato stuffing casserole

Almond, cranberry and sweet potato stuffing casserole. Photo credit: An Immigrant’s Table.

Light and chewy with notes of orange zest and vanilla, these almond tuile cookies are a gluten-free, dairy-free treat perfect with coffee or tea.
Get the Recipe: Almond, cranberry and sweet potato stuffing casserole