What Are Cranberries and How Can I Use Them?

Cranberries is easier to cook with than it looks. Here's how to choose, use, and store them, what to substitute, and 337 recipes to get you started.

What are cranberries?

Cranberries are a small but mighty fruit packed with flavor and nutrition. These tart little berries are a staple in many holiday dishes, but they can be enjoyed year-round in various recipes. Not only do cranberries add a burst of flavor to dishes, but they also come with an array of health benefits. Cranberries are high in antioxidants, which may help protect against cell damage and curb the risk of chronic diseases. One of the most popular ways to enjoy cranberries is in the form of cranberry sauce.

This classic Thanksgiving side dish pairs perfectly with turkey but can also be used as a spread on sandwiches or a topping for yogurt or oatmeal. Cranberries can also be used in baking, adding a sweet and tart flavor to muffins, breads, and desserts. They can even be used in savory dishes like stuffing or meatballs. In addition to their culinary uses, cranberries have been shown to have potential health benefits when it comes to thwarting urinary tract infections and promoting gut health. So, next time you want to add flavor and nutrition to your meals, consider reaching for some cranberries.

Nutrition

Where found

Cranberries are usually found in the asian section or aisle of the grocery store or supermarket.

Food group

Cranberries are a member of the Fruits and Fruit Juices US Department of Agriculture nutritional food group.

How much do cranberries weigh?

Related

Fruits and Fruit Juices

Recipes using cranberries

There are 337 recipes that contain this ingredient.

Turkey Scallopini & Squash Ravioli with Cranberry Brown Butter

Turkey Scallopini and Squash Ravioli with Cranberry Brown Butter recipe

Cranberry Nut Biscotti

Cranberry nut biscotti are crunchy Italian twice-baked cookies studded with toasted hazelnuts and tart dried cranberries. No butter, so they're properly crisp and dunkable, with a festive red-and-gold look.

Berry Almond Bundt Cake

Cranberry almond bundt cake with cornmeal and applesauce. A dairy-free leaning bundt with tart cranberries, ground almonds, and a soft golden crumb. Drizzle with glaze or dust with powdered sugar.

Creamy Cranberry Sherbet

Creamy cranberry sherbet whips fresh cranberries with evaporated skim milk and gelatin into a tart, frosty scoop. A low-calorie holiday dessert with rosy color and fluffy texture.

Brandied Cranberries

Broiled until popped, then macerated in sugar and brandy. Works as a cranberry sauce with a bit of kick for meats and also as a topping for pancakes or waffles.

Pumpkin Pie with Short Pastry Crust

Pumpkin pie sweetened with honey and molasses, lightened with whipped cream folded into the custard, in a buttery short pastry crust. A holiday classic with a silkier-than-usual filling.

Breakfast Cranberry Pumpkin Muffins

Cranberry pumpkin muffins fold tart fresh cranberries into a spiced pumpkin batter for a tender breakfast muffin balanced between sweet and tangy. The autumn pairing in muffin form.

Cranberry Cake Wreath

Cranberry cake wreath bakes a tart-sweet cranberry and orange batter in a ring mold for a festive holiday centerpiece. Fresh cranberries pop against an orange-scented crumb, with walnuts for crunch.

Cranberry Sorbet

Cranberry sorbet simmers cranberries with orange juice and sugar syrup, purées smooth, then freezes with a splash of Chambord. A bright palate-cleansing holiday dessert.

Best Cranberry Muffins (Healthier Version)

Use mostly whole wheat flour and grape seed oil to make these muffins much healthier without losing a bit of deliciousness.

Breakfast Cranberry Orange Scones

Not too sweet, these scones are perfect to enjoy with a cup of warm tea!

Holiday Cranberry Sauce

A fruity delicious cranberry sauce that is perfect as a side dish or for glazing a turkey.

Balsamic Cranberry Chutney

Balsamic cranberry chutney simmers fresh cranberries with port wine, orange, dried apricots, and cherries, then warms it with cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. A sophisticated, tangy-sweet upgrade on the canned stuff.

Spiked Cranberry Relish

Raw cranberry-orange relish sweetened with sugar and spiked with whiskey at the last minute. Bold Thanksgiving condiment with zero cooking.

Apple & Fennel Roast Pork Tenderloin with Apple Cranberry Chutney

Apple and Fennel Roast Pork Tenderloin with Apple Cranberry Chutney

Almost Whole Wheat Cranberry Pumpkin Muffins

Almost Whole Wheat Cranberry Pumpkin Muffins recipe

Cranberry Pear Pie

Cranberries and pears are a great pair. They make this deliciously fruity filling, and it tastes great with the buttery and flakey pastry. It's as delicious as an apple pie.

Cranberry Applesauce Muffins

Cranberries make this low-fat, healthy muffins a treat.

Maple Cranberry-Bran Muffins

Cranberry bran muffin recipe with maple syrup and wheat germ.

Best Cranberry Pumpkin Bread

Cranberry pumpkin bread folds canned pumpkin, fresh cranberries, orange zest, and chopped nuts into a buttery cinnamon-spiced quick bread. Two loaves from one batch, perfect for fall mornings or holiday gifting.

Orange & Honey Cranberry-Bran Muffins

A simple wholesome cranberry bran muffin recipe with an orange-honey kiss.

Mom's Cranberry Orange Scones

Mom's cranberry orange scones with tart frozen cranberries, bright orange zest, and a buttermilk-tender crumb. An overnight flour-and-fruit rest soaks up excess moisture for the perfect texture.

100% Whole Wheat Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls

Who doesn't like one or two warm cinnamon rolls with your morning coffee or a cup of afternoon tea. These cranberry cinnamon rolls are made with 100% whole wheat flour and freshly made cranberry filling. Ethese delicious treats without guilt.

Lemony Cranberry Cornmeal Muffins

Lemony cranberry cornmeal muffins balance tart fresh cranberries against bright lemon zest in a cornmeal-buttermilk batter, kept light by whipped egg whites and non-fat sour cream.

Breakfast Cranberry Orange Muffins

Cranberry orange muffins: tart fresh cranberries and bright orange juice in a tender, lighter muffin made with yogurt instead of butter. A wholesome breakfast or brunch bake, with optional nuts for crunch.

All 337 recipes