Festive Cranberry Walnut Relish for the Holidays

This Festive Cranberry Walnut Relish for the Holidays is a vibrant, flavourful twist on a traditional cranberry sauce. Sweet-tart cranberries are paired with toasted walnuts, honey, and a hint of rosemary for a perfectly festive combination of flavours and textures. Elegant and easy to make, this festive cranberry walnut relish brings a burst of colour and warmth to your Christmas table – a condiment that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Hey folks – I hope you’re doing well!

The holiday season is in full swing, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to share something festive and bright with you. This one is all about adding a touch of colour and cheer to your table – simple, joyful, and just the right amount of special for the holidays. So, let’s dive into this festive cranberry walnut relish.

Why You’ll Love This Festive Cranberry Walnut Relish

• Versatile: Works as a sauce, topping, or condiment for your Christmas mains and appetizers.
• Festive and Colourful: Jewel-toned cranberries and golden walnuts make this relish a holiday showstopper.
• Rich and Balanced: The nutty depth of walnuts balances the tart brightness of cranberries.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in about 15 minutes — perfect for last-minute holiday prep.

Festive Cranberry Walnut Relish: Flavour and Texture Profile

This festive cranberry walnut relish has a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavours. The honey softens the tartness of the cranberries, while rosemary and nutmeg add warmth and a subtle herbal aroma. Toasted walnuts bring a buttery crunch, and a splash of orange liqueur introduces a touch of citrus and depth. The result is a glossy, textured relish that tastes fresh, aromatic, and unmistakably festive.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Recipe

• Cranberries: Fresh cranberries bring tartness, colour, and holiday flair.
• Walnuts: Toasted for flavour and crunch; their nutty richness defines this relish.
• Butter: Adds smoothness and depth, tying all the ingredients together.
• Honey: A gentle, natural sweetness that enhances without overpowering.
• Rosemary: Fresh and aromatic, adding festive, savoury notes.
• Salt and Nutmeg: Balance the sweetness and round out the flavour.
• Orange Liqueur (Optional): Adds brightness and a subtle citrus aroma.

How to Make This Festive Cranberry Walnut Relish

Toast the walnuts in a dry pan over low-medium heat, tossing occasionally, until fragrant – about three minutes. Add the butter, cranberries, honey, rosemary, salt, and nutmeg. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about seven minutes, or until the mixture becomes glossy and the cranberries begin to soften and burst. For the best texture, keep the cranberries slightly firm and whole.

If desired, add a splash of orange liqueur and cook for another 30–40 seconds, allowing the alcohol to evaporate. Remove from the heat and let cool before transferring to a container. Refrigerate for up to four or five days, though it’s best enjoyed within the first two days while the walnuts remain crisp.

More Delicious Festive Recipes

Are you looking for more fun recipes like this festive cranberry walnut relish? Be sure to check more recipes below:

• Festive Cranberry Chestnut Relish for the Holidays
• Festive Cheese and Chestnut Biscuits – Holiday Savoury Treat
• Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites – A Festive Holiday Appetizer
• Festive Mini Cheese Balls Appetizer with Cranberries and Pistachios
• Amaretto Cranberry Sauce

I’d love for you to try this easy Festive Cranberry Chestnut Relish for the Holidays. If you give this festive condiment recipe a go, please share your results in the comments, message me on Instagram, or post your photos with the hashtag #havocinthekitchen. I look forward to seeing your creations and hearing your thoughts!

Cheers!

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Festive Cranberry Walnut Relish for the Holidays

Recipe by Ben | Havocinthekitchen

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Christmas, Festive Cheese and Appetizers, Condiments Sauces and Compound Butter

Servings

8-12

servings

Cooking time

15

minutes

Festive cranberry walnut relish with honey, rosemary, and orange liqueur – a bright, elegant Christmas condiment.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups (about 200 gr.) walnut halves, roughly chopped if desired

• 2 cups (about 200 gr.) fresh cranberries

• 2 tbsp. (25 gr.) butter

• 3-4 tbsp. (60-80 gr.) honey

• 1/2 to tbsp. minced rosemary

• a pinch of salt

• a few gratings of nutmeg

• a good splash (1-2 tbsp.) orange liqueur like Triple sec (optional)

Directions

• Toast the walnuts in a dry pan over low-medium heat, tossing occasionally, until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
• Add the butter, cranberries, honey, rosemary, salt, and nutmeg. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 7 minutes, or until the mixture is glossy and the cranberries are starting to soften and burst. You can cook it longer, but I prefer when cranberries are soft but still firm and keeping their shape.
• If desired, add a few good splashes of orange liqueur and cook just for another 30-40 seconds. Turn off the heat and let cool before transferring to a container. The leftovers will stay fresh when refrigerated for up to 4-5 days, but I would suggest consuming it within 2 days as the walnuts will start turning soggy.