15 Deliciously Unique Cranberry Recipes

When I think of Thanksgiving food, one of the most important dishes that comes to mind is cranberry sauce. I’ll admit that I do love the stuff from the can, as well as the homemade version — but that doesn’t mean I’m not open to trying out other Thanksgiving cranberry recipes as well. There’s a good chance your Thanksgiving table will be carb- and vegetable-heavy, so you might as well add some fruit where you can.

Any traditional Thanksgiving spread has cranberry sauces as a classic, crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving side dish, but I’m always down to start new traditions. Cranberry sauce will always be there for us, so why not branch out and try mixing some of these bright berries in with your stuffing or salad? They also taste incredible in fall cocktail recipes — but if you’re really trying to go wild, you’ll also whip up some cranberry sauce Jell-O shots. As long as this berry is in-season, let’s try to enjoy it as much as possible.

To diversify your table this holiday (and all autumn and winter long), consider thinking beyond the can. Cranberries are good for a whole lot more than just a jelly-like sauce, so make the most of them with these 15 unique recipes.

1. Prosecco And Cranberry Mimosas

Two parts prosecco and one part cranberry juice make an easy cocktail that A Beautiful Mess embellishes with some pretty, whole berries.

2. Cranberry-Jalepeño Cream Cheese Dip

If you thought that cranberries only paired with sweet things, then you thought wrong. Mel's Kitchen Cafe completely rethinks this fruit by putting it in this spicy, cheesy dip.

3. Cranberry Crostini

Don't shy away from serving up some cranberry goodness before the meal starts. Cookie and Kate's simple cranberry crostini makes the perfect hors d'oeuvre.

4. Cranberry Apple Stuffing

If you prefer a sweeter stuffing, then you'll love House of Yumm's fruity recipe. Bonus: it's easily made in the Crock-Pot, so you don't have to worry about it while you tackle every other dish.

5. Cranberry And Pistachio Chocolate Bark

For a sweet dessert that's not overly sugary, Love and Lemons' chocolate bark makes a sophisticated snack with plenty of crunch.

6. Cranberry Sauce Cheesecake Brownies

Tart cranberries balance out sweet cheesecake and brownies in Damn Delicious' eye-catching hybrid dessert.

7. Cranberry And Brie Grilled Cheese

The Kitchn understands our undying love of melted cheese, and satisfies all our cravings with this mouthwatering post-Thanksgiving sandwich.

8. Creamy Kale, Brussels, And Cranberry Salad

Winter salads don't have to be bland. A Beautiful Mess shows that all you need is some cranberries to lighten up this hearty Thanksgiving-inspired dish.

9. Cranberry Fluff Salad

This slightly sour fruit may not be appealing to people with incurable sweet tooths — but Mel's Kitchen Cafe's cranberry fluff dessert salad is a whole other story.

10. Fresh Cranberry Margaritas

Margaritas may be considered more of a summer drink, but Cookie and Kate proves that a little tartness makes them perfectly refreshing even in frostier months.

11. Cranberry Punch

If you need to serve a crowd, Damn Delicious has your back with this non-alcoholic punch, filled with cranberry juice, pineapple juice, and plenty of ginger ale.

12. Cranberry Cake

Skip the pie, and whip up The Kitchn's cranberry cake for a crunchy, fluffy dessert. Or, bake it the night before Thanksgiving for a tasty breakfast.

13. Cranberry Orange And Cream Clafoutis

For a dessert that's really impressive, give Joy the Baker's cranberry-orange clafoutis a go. The soft French dessert tastes even better with an extra dollop of cream.

14. Lentil Mushroom And Walnut Balls With Cranberry-Pear Sauce

Savory and sweet come together perfectly in this Oh She Glows' vegan recipe.

15. Cranberry-Ginger Pear Pie

Pear pie is one of our favorite juicy winter desserts. But with a touch of ginger and some juicy cranberries, Brown Eyed Baker makes it all the more irresistible.

For more Thanksgiving ideas, check out Bustle on YouTube.

Images: Joy the Baker (2); A Beautiful Mess (2); Mel’s Kitchen Cafe (2); Cookie and Kate (2); House of Yumm; Love and Lemons; Damn Delicious; The Kitchn; Oh She Glows; Brown Eyed Baker