Introduction

Oh, the holidays! That magical time of year filled with cozy sweaters, twinkling lights, and of course, all those delicious smells wafting from the kitchen. There’s something so special about a homemade relish that just screams “celebration,” isn’t there? Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s become an absolute lifesaver for me during busy holiday seasons: Crockpot Cranberry-Orange Relish. Forget spending hours over the stove; this gem is ridiculously easy and packed with bright, festive flavors that will have everyone asking for the recipe. It’s like a little burst of sunshine on your holiday table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast: Seriously, the crockpot does all the heavy lifting!
Easy: Just toss everything in and let it work its magic.
Giftable: Portion it into cute jars for a homemade present anyone would adore.
Crowd-pleasing: The perfect balance of tart, sweet, and fragrant – a winner for all ages.

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is part of the fun! For this simple yet stunning relish, you’ll need:

12 oz fresh cranberries: These are the stars of the show! Make sure they’re fresh and plump for the best flavor.
1 orange, zested and juiced: The zest adds that incredible aromatic punch, and the juice brings a lovely tang. Don’t skip either!
1/2 cup water: This helps everything cook down and get nice and saucy.
1/4 cup sugar: We want just enough sweetness to balance the tartness of the cranberries. You can always adjust this to your liking!
1/4 tsp cinnamon: A whisper of warmth that perfectly complements the orange and cranberry.
Orange slices, for garnish: For that extra pop of color and freshness.
Rosemary, for garnish: This is my secret weapon for making it look extra special and smell divine!

How to Make It

Get ready for the easiest relish you’ve ever made. Seriously, this is a “set it and forget it” kind of deal!

Combine everything: Grab your slow cooker! Toss in your fresh cranberries, the zest and juice from your orange, the water, sugar, and cinnamon. It’s like a little party in there already!
Give it a good stir: Just a quick stir to make sure all those beautiful ingredients are well combined. No need for fancy techniques here.
Let the magic happen: Cover your slow cooker and set it to high heat. You’ll want to cook it for about 1 to 2 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the cranberries have all beautifully burst open and the mixture has thickened up into a lovely, spoonable relish.
Garnish and serve: Once it’s done, give it another quick stir. Then, for the grand finale, arrange some fresh orange slices and sprigs of rosemary on top. It makes it look so festive and inviting!

Substitutions & Additions

While this recipe is pretty perfect as is, feel free to get creative! Here are a few ideas:

Boozy twist: Add a tablespoon or two of Grand Marnier or Cointreau for an extra layer of orange flavor and sophistication.
Spicy kick: A tiny pinch of cayenne pepper or a few slivers of fresh ginger can add a surprising warmth.
Nutty goodness: Stir in some chopped toasted pecans or walnuts after cooking for a delightful crunch.
Maple syrup: If you prefer, you can swap out some or all of the sugar for maple syrup for a deeper, richer sweetness.
Other citrus: While orange is classic, a bit of lemon or grapefruit zest and juice can add an interesting variation.

Tips for Success

I’ve made this relish more times than I can count, and a few little tricks always make it even better!

Don’t overcook: Keep an eye on it, especially towards the end of the cooking time. You want the cranberries to burst, but not turn into a mushy paste.
Taste and adjust: Once it’s cooked, give it a taste. Need it sweeter? Add a touch more sugar. Want more tang? A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can do the trick.
Prep ahead: This relish is fantastic made a day or two in advance. The flavors actually meld and deepen beautifully overnight in the fridge.
Make it a gift: Ladle cooled relish into cute mason jars. Tie a ribbon around the lid and add a little tag. It’s a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift!

How to Store It

This delicious relish is best enjoyed fresh, but it stores wonderfully too!

Once cooled, transfer the Crockpot Cranberry-Orange Relish to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It should keep well for up to a week. If you’ve made a big batch for gifting, properly sealed jars can last even longer in the fridge.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Q: Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

A: Absolutely! Frozen cranberries will work just fine. You might need to cook them for a little longer, as they’ll release more liquid as they thaw.

Q: How long does this relish last?

A: In the refrigerator, it’s good for about a week when stored in an airtight container.

Q: Can I make this on the stovetop?

A: Yes, you can! Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes, or until cranberries have burst and the relish has thickened. Be sure to stir more frequently to prevent sticking.

Crockpot Cranberry-Orange Relish

A quick and easy cranberry-orange relish made in the slow cooker, perfect for holiday gatherings. This recipe is fast, easy, giftable, and crowd-pleasing.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 2

Equipment

Slow Cooker
Saucepan For stovetop alternative

Ingredients

Main ingredients

12 oz fresh cranberries Make sure they're fresh and plump for the best flavor.
1 orange Zested and juiced. The zest adds that incredible aromatic punch, and the juice brings a lovely tang.
0.5 cup water This helps everything cook down and get nice and saucy.
0.25 cup sugar We want just enough sweetness to balance the tartness of the cranberries. You can always adjust this to your liking!
0.25 tsp cinnamon A whisper of warmth that perfectly complements the orange and cranberry.

Garnish

orange slices For that extra pop of color and freshness.
rosemary For that extra pop of color and freshness and to make it look extra special and smell divine!

Instructions

Combine all ingredients: Toss your fresh cranberries, the zest and juice from your orange, the water, sugar, and cinnamon into your slow cooker.
Give it a good stir to make sure all those beautiful ingredients are well combined.
Cover your slow cooker and set it to high heat. Cook for about 1 to 2 hours, or until the cranberries have all beautifully burst open and the mixture has thickened up into a lovely, spoonable relish.
Once done, give it another quick stir. Then, for the grand finale, arrange some fresh orange slices and sprigs of rosemary on top.

Notes

This relish is fantastic made a day or two in advance. The flavors actually meld and deepen beautifully overnight in the fridge. It stores well for up to a week in an airtight container in the refrigerator.