Can You Freeze Cranberry Relish – How To Freeze Cranberry Relish

Cranberry Relish is one of those holiday dishes that most families just can’t live without. I myself never turn down the cylinder of jellied cranberry sauce from a can, but I don’t know many matriarchs that will allow that at their holiday table. My mother-in-law makes an absolutely delicious cranberry relish. She uses fresh cranberries and little tiny pieces of apple and oranges and more. It’s just the perfect amount of tang mixed with sweet mixed with crunch. Honestly, the holidays just aren’t the same without it. Of course she has given me the recipe a dozen times but I just think things are best left with their creator. And, I’m too lazy to give the recipe a try ;). Truth be told, I’ve never been very successful with recipes that need to “set-up”. So, that being said, my mother-in-law is very aware that I absolutely love her cranberry relish so – you guessed it – I get a special supply made just for me. This comes usually in a plastic container so large you need a wheelbarrow to move it! So, that may be an exaggeration but none the less, no single person could ever consume that much cranberry relish in a timely fashion.

Can You Freeze Cranberry Relish?

Rather than break her heart and tell it’s just too much or waste it by throwing it out, I package it up for the freezer. Cranberry relish will technically keep in the refrigerator for several weeks, but after about 4 days it kind of grosses me out. I freeze the amount I know I can’t consume in that time period as soon as she gives it to me so I know I’m freezing a fresh dish.

How To Freeze Cranberry Relish

Freezing extra cranberry relish is simple and very worth it! Thawed relish can be used in a wide variety of ways. Freezing small quantities can be quickly thawed and used as it for a special addition to an otherwise ordinary evening meal. Other options are to freeze in quantities suited for use in pies or crisps. Mix with some apples and bake in a pie crust for as easy holiday treat. Thawed cranberry relish works deliciously as a topping for pancakes or French toast to liven up breakfast.

Follow these simple steps and enjoy delicious cranberry relish throughout the winter!

1. Be sure to freeze the cranberry relish when it is freshly made if possible. This will ensure the freshest product.
2. Decide how you will use the thawed cranberry relish and divide into the appropriate quantities.
3. Place the cranberry relish in either freezer safe plastic bags or containers.
4. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to protect against freezer burn.
5. Label the containers with the date and your intended use. This will help remind you how you intended to use the thawed cranberry relish.
6. Pop in the freezer.

Frozen cranberry relish will last for at least three months in the freezer. Relish you intend you eat “as is” should be used within 2 months. Cranberry relish intended for baking or other uses can be stored longer as any texture changes will not matter.

How To Thaw Cranberry Relish

To thaw cranberry relish simply remove the amount you need from the freezer and place in the refrigerator. In no time tangy, sweet cranberry relish will be ready to eat!