20+ Gluten Free Cranberry Recipes

Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Recipes

Cranberry sauce is always welcome on the holiday table, but don’t stop there! You might be surprised at the versatility of this familiar berry. Add cranberries to energy bites, pair them with melted brie to make a wonderfully melty appetizer, or make a gluten free cranberry and apple cider donut-inspired pound cake! When you want to balance cranberries’ tartness with sweet orange, make a batch of Gluten-Free Cranberry Orange Muffins from Meaningful Eats, or try baking a loaf of the Gluten Free Austrian’s Gluten Free Cranberry Orange Bread for a sliceable version of a winter favorite.

I always place a bowl of homemade Cinnamon Orange Cranberry Sauce on my Thanksgiving table. I also like to add cranberries to a Cranberry Garlic Herb Crusted Prime Rib Roast to make it even more special for a holiday meal. And, Cranberry Balsamic Vinaigrette will add a taste of fall to any salad you like (I especially love it on my Harvest Salad Recipe).

The recipes here incorporate fresh and dried cranberries. Did you know you can easily substitute fresh cranberries for dried (and dried for fresh) depending on what you have? Here’s an easy conversion to keep handy: For every 1 cup of fresh cranberries in a recipe substitute ¾ cup of sweetened dried cranberries. For every ½ cup of dried cranberries, substitute 1 cup of fresh cranberries. Both fresh and dried cranberries keep very well, and if you’re like me, you’ll keep a bag of fresh berries in the freezer so you can make one of these cranberry recipes on the spur of the moment.

How To Choose Fresh Cranberries

For the best and ripest fresh cranberries, look for bright, colorful berries that are plump and firm. Never buy cranberries that look mushy or bruised. Popular brands of fresh cranberries include Ocean Spray and many store brands like Safeway Select or Whole Foods 365 brands. If you can’t find fresh cranberries, look in the freezer section. Cooking cranberries from frozen will give you a similar taste and texture to using fresh cranberries.

How To Store Cranberries

Fresh cranberries should be stored in an airtight bag or container in the fridge for up to one month. You can also store cranberries in the freezer. Transfer the cranberries to a zip-top, freezer-safe bag and store them in the freezer for up to one year. Follow the recipe instructions when it comes time to use them. Many recipes allow for cranberries to be cooked directly from frozen, but if they need to be defrosted, thaw the berries in the fridge before using them in a recipe.

Dried cranberries should be kept in an airtight container or sealable bag in the pantry for up to 1 month. You may also store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 6 months. And, to freeze dried cranberries, place them in a freezer-safe, sealable bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to one year. 

20+ Best Cranberry Recipes To Try

Cranberry Orange Glazed Green Beans

Sweet and tangy Cranberry Orange Glazed Green Beans are a fantastic Thanksgiving side dish that needs just a few ingredients and 20 minutes to make! Lighten up traditional green bean casserole with this fresh favorite.

Cranberry Orange Glazed Green Beans Recipe