Cranberries always seem to show up as the same old sauce, sitting on the table like an afterthought. But it’s time to let this tart little fruit shine where it really belongs—in all kinds of creative, unexpected dishes that’ll have your Thanksgiving guests actually noticing them. From appetizers to desserts, cranberries can do a whole lot more than you think, and they’re here to prove it.

Cranberry chocolate chip cookies on a plate.
Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.
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Pickled Cranberries

Two jars of pickled cranberries on a kitchen towel.
Pickled Cranberries. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These tangy, quick-pickled cranberries are perfect for adding to salads, meats, or even cocktails. They’re a creative way to use cranberries that goes beyond the usual sauces and desserts.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Cranberries

Green Beans with Cranberries, Bacon & Goat Cheese

Green beans and cranberries on a plate with bacon and goat cheese.
Green Beans with Cranberries, Bacon & Goat Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Green beans are paired with tangy cranberries, crispy bacon, and creamy goat cheese for a side dish that’s full of flavor. It’s an easy way to include cranberries in your Thanksgiving lineup without taking over the meal.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Cranberries, Bacon & Goat Cheese

Cranberry Curd Tart

A cranberry curd tart on a plate with rosemary sprigs and candied lemon slices.
Cranberry Curd Tart. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This tart features a smooth cranberry curd in a crisp oat-and-nut crust. It’s a visually stunning dessert that makes cranberries the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Curd Tart

Cranberry Pesto Stuffed Lamb

Cranberry pesto stuffed lamb sliced on a plate with a serving fork.
Cranberry Pesto Stuffed Lamb. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cranberries shine in this stuffed lamb dish, with a pesto made from fresh herbs and pine nuts. It’s a bold and festive centerpiece for a holiday dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pesto Stuffed Lamb

Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cranberry chocolate chip cookies on a plate.
Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These cookies combine the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of chocolate chips. They’re a holiday favorite that turns a classic dessert into something special.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cranberry Orange Cognac Butter

A bowl filled with broccoli, carrots and cranberries.
Cranberry Orange Cognac Butter. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This compound butter, made with cognac-soaked cranberries and fresh rosemary, is perfect for slathering on turkey, rolls, or roasted vegetables. It’s a simple way to bring cranberries into every part of your meal.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Cognac Butter

Cranberry Cherry Glazed Turkey

A roasted turkey is sitting on top of rice.
Cranberry Cherry Glazed Turkey. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This glaze combines cranberries and cherries for a sweet and sticky topping that transforms your turkey into a showstopper. It’s a flavorful way to make cranberries the star of your Thanksgiving feast.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Cherry Glazed Turkey

Whipped Ricotta Dip with Balsamic and Cranberries

Whipped Ricotta Dip with Balsamic and Cranberries. Photo credit: Two Kids and a Coupon.

This creamy ricotta dip is topped with tangy balsamic glaze and sweet-tart cranberries, creating a stunning appetizer for your Thanksgiving table. It’s a simple, crowd-pleasing dish that highlights cranberries in an elegant way.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Ricotta Dip with Balsamic and Cranberries

Cranberry Orange Rolls

Cranberry Orange Rolls. Photo credit: Miss in the kitchen.

These fluffy rolls are filled with orange marmalade, dried cranberries, and crunchy walnuts, making them a flavorful and creative addition to your Thanksgiving spread. With no yeast required, they come together quickly, perfect for busy holiday prep.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Rolls

Cranberry Orange Pound Cake

Cranberry Orange Pound Cake. Photo credit: I Heart Eating.

This moist orange-vanilla pound cake features tart cranberries baked throughout and is topped with a bright orange glaze. It’s a delicious dessert that gives cranberries a starring role while complementing other Thanksgiving flavors.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Pound Cake

Mini Crustless Cranberry Pie

Mini Crustless Cranberry Pie. Photo credit: Dinners Done Quick.

These individual cranberry pies skip the crust but keep all the flavor, making them a creative and quick dessert option. Made in the air fryer, they’re perfect for saving oven space during Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Mini Crustless Cranberry Pie

Cranberry Meatballs

Cranberry Meatballs. Photo credit: The Forked Spoon.

These meatballs are slow-cooked in a tangy cranberry BBQ sauce, combining savory and sweet flavors for a perfect holiday appetizer. It’s an easy and unexpected way to bring cranberries into your Thanksgiving menu.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Meatballs

Roasted Cranberry Chicken

Roasted Cranberry Chicken. Photo credit: Rebecca Taig.

Juicy chicken thighs are roasted with fresh herbs and tangy cranberries, creating a dish that’s both flavorful and festive. It’s a creative way to incorporate cranberries into the main course with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cranberry Chicken

Fall Cranberry Quinoa Salad with Kale

Fall Cranberry Quinoa Salad with Kale. Photo credit: Toshi’s Table.

This colorful quinoa salad combines kale, cranberries, and other fall ingredients for a vibrant side dish. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a light and fresh way to include cranberries in your Thanksgiving meal.
Get the Recipe: Fall Cranberry Quinoa Salad with Kale

Sourdough Cranberry Yogurt Muffins

Sourdough Cranberry Yogurt Muffins. Photo credit: Sourdough Brandon.

These moist, bakery-style muffins are packed with fresh cranberries, orange zest, and sourdough discard for extra flavor. They’re an easy make-ahead breakfast or snack to keep everyone fueled during the holiday chaos.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Cranberry Yogurt Muffins

Orange Cranberry Rice Pilaf

Orange Cranberry Rice Pilaf. Photo credit: Cooking With Carlee.

This fragrant rice pilaf features dried cranberries and a hint of orange for a bright, flavorful side dish. It pairs beautifully with roast meats, making it a great addition to your Thanksgiving feast.
Get the Recipe: Orange Cranberry Rice Pilaf

Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites

Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites. Photo credit: Tasha’s Artisan Foods.

These puff pastry bites combine creamy brie and tangy cranberries for an elegant yet easy appetizer. With just five ingredients, they’re a simple way to bring cranberries to the party in a savory dish.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites

Apple Cranberry Scones

Apple Cranberry Scones. Photo credit: Tasha’s Artisan Foods.

These buttery scones are filled with juicy apples and tart cranberries, making them perfect for a Thanksgiving breakfast or snack. Their crisp edges and tender centers highlight cranberries in a comforting, seasonal treat.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cranberry Scones

Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip

Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip. Photo credit: Modern Honey.

This dip layers creamy cheese with fresh cranberry salsa and a kick of jalapeno for a bold and festive appetizer. It’s a flavorful way to showcase cranberries in a surprising combination that will impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip

Nantucket Cranberry Pie

Nantucket Cranberry Pie. Photo credit: Modern Honey.

This almond cake is filled with tart cranberries and topped with crunchy nuts, making it a holiday favorite. Simple to prepare, it’s a creative way to turn cranberries into a dessert that feels traditional yet different.
Get the Recipe: Nantucket Cranberry Pie

Cinnamon Orange Cranberry Sauce

Cinnamon Orange Cranberry Sauce. Photo credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

This homemade cranberry sauce adds orange and cinnamon for a bright, spiced flavor that complements turkey and all your holiday sides. It’s a classic Thanksgiving staple with a fresh twist.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Orange Cranberry Sauce

Sparkling Cranberries

Sparkling Cranberries. Photo credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

These sugar-coated cranberries are as fun to eat as they are to look at. Perfect as a garnish, snack, or addition to a charcuterie board, they bring festive flair and a sweet-tart pop to your Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Sparkling Cranberries

Apple Cranberry Pie

Apple Cranberry Pie. Photo credit: Recipes From a Pantry.

This flaky pie combines tart cranberries and sweet apples for a dessert that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. It’s a great way to showcase cranberries in a dessert everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cranberry Pie

Cranberry Marshmallow Pancakes

Cranberry Marshmallow Pancakes. Photo credit: Me Want Marshmallow.

These fluffy pancakes are topped with tart cranberries and gooey marshmallows for a fun holiday breakfast. They’re easy to make and bring a festive twist to your morning.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Marshmallow Pancakes

Cranberry Almond Scones

Cranberry Almond Scones. Photo credit: the feathered nester.

These scones are packed with tart cranberries and crunchy almonds, making them a quick and tasty snack or breakfast. Ready in just 20 minutes, they’re perfect for busy holiday mornings.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Almond Scones

Cranberry Tartlets with Whipped Feta

Cranberry Tartlets with Whipped Feta. Photo credit: Maplevine Kitchen.

These phyllo tartlets are filled with creamy whipped feta and topped with cranberries for a savory, bite-sized appetizer. They’re simple, festive, and a creative way to highlight cranberries at your Thanksgiving gathering.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Tartlets with Whipped Feta

Apple Cranberry Dump Cake

Apple Cranberry Dump Cake. Photo credit: Emily Leary.

This dessert layers cinnamon-spiced apples and cranberries under a crisp vanilla cake topping. It’s an easy, no-fuss way to enjoy cranberries in a dessert that feels homemade without the effort.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cranberry Dump Cake

Founder and Writer at Running to the Kitchen | About

Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.

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