It's just not Thanksgiving dinner without cranberry sauce — or is it? There are plenty of ways to incorporate everybody's favorite seasonal berry into the annual family feast without falling back on the old jellied/whole berry standby. Or if one is stuck on the sauce, there are also plenty of mouthwatering updates on the classic cranberry dish for Thanksgiving. We found some of our favorite ways to fluff up the dated homemade cranberry sauce recipe and impress everyone at the Thanksgiving table.
Certain flavors just scream fall: cinnamon, pumpkin spice (that's a flavor, right?), and of course cranberry. Whether on a pie, combined with delicious cheeses, or put into cornbread, cranberries are both sweet and tart and pair excellently with fall foods outside of the typical turkey slices. Although tradition dictates that we crack open a can of Ocean Spray cranberry jelly, why not use cranberry as an inspiration this year? Instead of the cylindrical blob that still has the ridges of the can on it, we found delectable recipes with cranberries for Thanksgiving.
But don't worry if your Thanksgiving cooking skills are limited to opening up a can — most of these recipes are easy enough even for novice cooks. So go on, let's get our berry on!
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Green Beans With Cranberries
Lighter than the traditional creamy green bean casserole and more savory than typical cranberry sauce, this green beans with cranberries dish from Natasha's Kitchen makes a colorful and healthy addition to your Thanksgiving meal.
Cranberry Pineapple Mango Preserves
They're way more flavorful than what Grandma used to serve next to the stuffing, so don't be surprised if these sweet and spicy cranberry pineapple mango preserves from Averie Cooks become a staple all year long. Spread on turkey or baguette slices (or anything, really).
Cranberry Goat Cheese Log With Walnuts, Pecans & Parsley
You'll never settle for a prepackaged goat cheese log again after making this cranberry goat cheese log with walnuts, pecans, and parsley crowd-pleaser from Peas & Crayons.
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Cranberry Jalapeno 'Cornbread' Muffins
Sure, cornbread is fine. But homemade cranberry jalapeno "cornbread" muffins spiked with spicy peppers and tangy cranberries from All Day I Dream About Food are amazing!
Cranberry Sauce With Port & Dried Figs
If you're gonna do the classic cranberry sauce thing, why not kick it up a notch? This cranberry sauce with port and dried figs from Smitten Kitchen is more sophisticated than most (and more delicious, too).
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Honey Roasted Butternut Squash With Cranberries & Feta
Nothing says autumn like butternut squash — and nothing says unforgettably delicious like this bright and festive honey roasted butternut squash with cranberries and feta dish from Peas & Crayons.
Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip
Everybody loves a layered dip. Serve this cilantro-spiked cream cheese cranberry dip from Julie's Eats and Treats with crackers or pita chips.
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Cranberry Quinoa Salad With Candied Walnuts
Why should stuffing be the only grain-based side dish on your table? This cranberry quinoa salad with candied walnuts from Peas & Crayons is just as tasty (and better for you, too).
Apple & Cranberry Baked Brie Bites
Keep hungry guests from losing their cool with these irresistible apple cranberry brie bites from Insta Fresh Meals — but make sure they leave room for turkey. This is also a great treat to make with any leftover cranberry sauce the day after Thanksgiving.
Farro Salad With Cranberries
If you're not familiar with farro — the "it" grain of the moment — this farro salad with cranberries from Shutterbean is a delicious way for you and your guests to give it a try.
