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Cranberries are a very traditional flavor for the fall and winter and for the holiday season. You might find, though, that you'd like some variety from the usual cranberry sauce and sweet cranberry recipes. So, I decided to put together a list of some savory cranberry recipes for a twist on the typical cranberry flavors.
This list includes recipes for main dishes and side dishes as well as appetizers and dips, and these savory cranberry recipes are a perfect way to use up leftover cranberries or cranberry sauce from the holidays.
These recipes are ones that I think can work well with a "real food" type of diet and for cooking from scratch. There might be a few cases when you might want to make a substitution based on your preference for ingredients, but these are recipes that I think would be easy to adapt in those situations.
I hope you enjoy looking through these recipes, and maybe you'll find some new favorites to add some variety to your holiday table this season.
Savory Cranberry Recipes
These savory cranberry recipes are a great way to enjoy the seasonal flavor of cranberries without having the usual sweet cranberry sauce or desserts. This list includes recipes for main dishes and side dishes as well as appetizers and dips, and these recipes are a perfect way to use up leftover cranberries or cranberry sauce from the holidays.
Appetizers, Dips, and Sauces
These recipes are perfect for appetizers before a meal or as a side to a main dish.
Cranberry Brie en Croute
This irresistible Cranberry Brie en Croute is topped with cranberry sauce, a touch of rosemary, and wrapped in flaky puffed pastry. It's perfect for holiday entertaining!
Cranberry Jalapeno Dip: easy holiday appetizer
Punch up the holiday table with this zesty Cranberry Jalapeno Dip. The vibrant colors and flavors make it perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie
This stuffed baked brie recipe features cranberries and pecans and would make a great appetizer for the holiday season for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's Eve.
Cranberry Aioli
This Cranberry Aioli is a creamy, sweet-and-tangy twist on classic aioli—ready in five minutes and perfect for sandwiches, burgers, or veggies.
Mini Turkey Meatballs with Curried Cranberry Sauce
These mini turkey meatballs are simmered in a flavorful curried cranberry sauce. They’re an easy and festive appetizer for the holidays
Baked Brie, Bacon, and Cranberry Pull Apart Bread
This pull apart bread features the savory flavors of baked brie and bacon with the sweet flavors of dried cranberries and pecans for a perfect festive appetizer.
Festive Cranberry salsa
Tangy cranberries, jalapeños, and sweet-spice magic combine in this festive salsa that steals the show at any gathering.
Easy Cranberry Whipped Ricotta Dip
This easy cranberry whipped ricotta combines creamy cheese with citrus, olive oil, and pistachios for an easy dip. It’s delicious spread on baguette slices or pita wedges!
Main Dishes
These recipes are perfect for the main course of a meal.
Bacon Wrapped Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Time to get festive at your dinner times with this delicious cranberry brie stuffed chicken recipe. Simple to make, chicken breasts are loaded with creamy brie cheese and tangy cranberry sauce before being wrapped in bacon and cooked in the oven.
Orange Cranberry Pork Tenderloin
If you’re in the mood for a savory and sweet dinner, Orange Cranberry Pork Tenderloin combines the tangy flavor of cranberries with the sweetness of oranges to create a delicious glaze that complements the tender pork tenderloin.
Oven Baked Cranberry Chicken Breasts (Skillet)
If you have some leftover cranberry sauce or just looking for a quick, simple and easy meal, give this 2 ingredient recipe a go! These cranberry chicken breasts are cooked in one skillet and oven baked for the juiciest piece of chicken.
Turkey Sliders with Cranberry
Turkey Sliders with Cranberry use all of your great holiday leftovers, creating a delicious homemade meal that’s as easy to make as it is to share.
Jalapeno Cranberry Meatballs
These Cranberry Jalapeno Meatballs are sweet and have a gentle kick from jalapeño, ready in under 20 minutes. It’s easy, festive, and crowd-friendly.
Side Dishes
These recipes would make the perfect complement to a main dish.
Winter Squash Agrodolce with Cranberries
Give roasted squash a whole new vibe with this simple Italian agrodolce sauce, made with vinegar, honey, and cranberries.
Homemade Cornbread Stuffing with Chestnuts and Dried Cranberries
The base for this stuffing is a blend of cornbread and sourdough bread, and the mix of chestnuts, dried cranberries, apple, and herbs give it a nice combination of savory and sweet flavors.
Cranberry Pecan Wild Rice
Wild rice with cranberries and pecans is a great addition to any autumn meal!
Cranberry And Kale Salad
Cranberry and kale salad with orange vinaigrette has pumpkin seeds, feta and oranges.
(Lori Elliott is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.)
The information in this post is not to be taken as medical advice and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease.
Bill
Saturday 22nd of November 2025
WOW! I think you have outdone yourself with all of these delicious recipes!!! I will have to try some throughout the year. I have had two of them, kale salad with cranberries and turkey sliders with cranberries. Thing is with whole cranberries is they can be tart, sweet or anywhere in between. the recipes with rosemary and brie (savory) sound really good! "Happy Thanksgiving all the year!" Thanks for making me hungry...
Lori Elliott
Saturday 22nd of November 2025
I was glad to be able to find so many good looking recipes! I asked some fellow bloggers to share some recipes with me, and they shared some great ones! Cranberries can definitely be both tart and sweet, and I think they're a nice flavor to have any time of the year even though they're more seasonal right now. Haha, I know, it's hard not to feel hungry looking at recipes! I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving!