12 Cranberry Recipes That Will Make You Forget About Cranberry Sauce This Season

Ah, the humble cranberry. Tiny and tart, these red little spheres are a harbinger of the holiday season in the very best way. They lend their unique flavor to the holiday table and a celebratory meal just wouldn’t feel complete without them. Could you really say it’s Christmas dinner without cranberries? Probably not. While we’re all accustomed to the usual bowl of cranberry sauce in the middle of the table, there’s more than one way to make sure you get your cranberry fix this season. In fact, here are 12. This list has ideas for sweet desserts and quick breads, fun appetizers and stunning sides. You can be sure you’ll find a cranberry concoction that’s worthy of the sparkle of the season, and that you won’t have to rely on that plain ol’ can of cranberries for it.

Why settle for a boring bowl of cranberry sauce when you can cut a wheel of cheese in half, top it with some cranberry goodness, and bake it until it’s melty, gooey, sweet, and tart? If you ask us, this baked Camembert is the perfect way to start a holiday meal. See the recipe here.

There’s no reason that your cranberry fix this season can’t be in liquid form, and this singular cocktail is the way to do it. It’s sparkly, light, and sweet with just the perfect hint of cranberry tartness. See the recipe here.

These are not your mama’s oatmeal cookies for sure! They have salty, crunchy pecans and plenty of chewy bursts of cranberry flavor. It’s a recipe everyone requests and we’re always happy to share. See the recipe here.

You’ve never had cranberry sauce quite like this. It might not be your traditional cranberry sauce, but we promise that as far as cranberries go, it’s the ideal topping. Your guests will love it, and since there’s no stove or oven involved, you will too! See the recipe here.

There’s nothing wrong with cranberries for breakfast. They bring these doughy sweet rolls a hint of tartness that is the perfect contrast with the citrusy orange. These are our favorite rolls during the holiday season. Well, and all year round. See the recipe here.

A moist cake topped with a delicate streusel crumble and dotted with fresh whole cranberries. It’s delicious! We’re head over heels for this cake. It makes entertaining easy. See the recipe here.

It’s not Thanksgiving without the stuffing, and it’s not Thanksgiving without the cranberries, so this dish combines them both. It doctors up packaged stuffing mix in the finest fashion so this dressing is easy and delicious. It belongs on every holiday table. See the recipe here.

You can give the apple pie a rest this year. This crisp is so simple and so tasty you won’t even miss the pie. Cranberries lend the soft apples a delightful pop of tartness. This is one you – and your guests – won’t be able to get enough of. See the recipe here.

All at once creamy, crunchy, sweet, and sour, this little salad is pretty much addictive. Its beautiful hue brightens up the holiday table and its singular flavor makes it something we look forward to all year. You haven’t had your cranberries quite like this yet. See the recipe here.

Of all the dishes on this list, this might be our very favorite. And not just because we think cheese makes the world go ’round. In this spread, cranberries and apricots lend sweet and tart to tangy goat cheese, and just let us say – it’s a match made in heaven. See the recipe here.

This bread is easy and quick but totally packed with flavor. We are so in love with the combo of cranberries and silky cream cheese that we find ourselves making this long after the holidays are over. See the recipe here.

If you’re looking for a really special dessert for the holidays, look no further. This tender bread pudding combines three holiday favorites – panettone, egg nog, and cranberries – for a dessert that’s utterly festive. And utterly delicious too. See the recipe here.