Did you know that only three fruits are native to North America? Did you know that one of these is the cranberry? Cranberries have been a holiday classic for years and we’re going to show you how to use this classic, seasonal ingredient in fun and exciting ways.

We’re coming at you with 15 unique ways to make dishes with cranberries in them for this holiday season well… other than cranberry sauce. We have breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks etc. all for you to make for your family and friends!

1. Sweet Spiced Orange Cranberry Bread 

This gluten-free spiced loaf is not only healthy, but it’s so delicious too! While it’s baking your home will smell so festive, thanks to a blend of warming spices. This Sweet Spiced Orange Cranberry Bread can be enjoyed at any time of day and is even healthy enough for breakfast. It tastes great on its own, or with cranberry jam, or even toasted with your favorite spread.

2. Cranberry and Pistachio Energy Bars

These sweet and incredibly satiating Cranberry and Pistachio Energy Bars are quick-to-make compared to traditional energy bars. Create your own combination by swapping out ingredients depending on what you have in your pantry.

3. Cranberry Lentil Loaf With Maple Glaze

This gluten-free Cranberry Lentil Loaf With Maple Glaze recipe is definitely one to be thankful for and it’s super easy to make. Black lentils create a meaty, hearty base speckled with chia seeds, vegetables, and bright red cranberries that provide a burst of flavor. It’s finished off with a sweet maple-mustard glaze that’s like icing on the cake … err, loaf.

4. Cranberry Almond Green Beans

Usually, a green bean recipe is not a fancy one, but this might be an exception. This recipe is a healthy take on the traditional green bean casserole. This Cranberry Almond Green Beans recipe will be a perfect, modern side dish this holiday season. The added almonds give the classic ingredients an extra nice crunch.

5. Cranberry Bread Dumplings With Red Wine Mushroom Sauce

Traditionally bread dumplings are made with eggs however, these Cranberry Bread Dumplings With Red Wine Mushroom Sauce are held together with ground flax seeds. Fresh cranberries, parsley, and chopped almonds not only make these dumplings festive and pretty to look at, they also taste amazing. Served alongside a red wine mushroom sauce, the two go together like no other. Add them to your holiday spread, or alongside a veggie loaf or just make them on their own.

6. Sweet Potato Cranberry Pancakes 

These Sweet Potato Cranberry Pancakes are perfect brunch for Sunday morning: sweet potato pancakes with cranberries, topped with a generous drizzle of maple pecan syrup.

7. Hazelnut and Orange Nut Roast With Cranberry Sauce 

Who needs regular meatloaf when this Hazelnut and Orange Nut Roast With Cranberry Sauce makes a unique, beautiful, and most importantly delicious centerpiece for any occasion. It is made with fluffy quinoa, hearty lentils, and a rich assortment of vegetables including leeks, mushrooms, onion, and celery. The citrusy notes from the orange and the fruity flavor from the cranberries are a wonderful contrast to the otherwise savory profile of this loaf.

8. Wild Rice Pilaf With Butternut Squash, Cranberries, and Pecans

This colorful and delicious cranberry recipe is perfect as a side-dish or even on its own. It’s sweet enough to eat for breakfast but also hearty enough for a lunch or dinner. This Wild Rice Pilaf With Butternut Squash, Cranberries, and Pecans recipe is healthy and delicious!

9. Apples Stuffed With Red Cabbage and Cranberries 

This unique dish is as delicious as it is beautiful. These baked apples are stuffed with a tangy mixture of cranberries, apples, and red cabbage. The vegetable compote on the inside is complemented by the sweetness from the baked apple shell. These Apples Stuffed With Red Cabbage and Cranberries are sure to be a crowd pleaser wherever you take them!

10. Cranberry Pecan Chevre Log

A mixture of raw cashews and young coconut meat filled with tangy dried cranberries make the flavor of this chevre log unique. This Cranberry Pecan Chevre Log is soft, sliceable, and spreadable, making it perfect as an appetizer to serve alongside grapes and crackers.

11. Sweet Potato, Cranberry, and Quinoa Stuffing 

This Sweet Potato, Cranberry, and Quinoa Stuffing is perfect for a wholesome celebration. It’s like fried rice with a holiday flair, but because it’s made with quinoa, it’s grain-free! Quinoa is cooked in broth to infuse it with savory flavor, then tossed with aromatics, herbs, and roasted vegetables, then baked until warm and fluffy. Use this to stuff winter squash, seitan roasts, and more.

12. Cranberry and Rosemary Cornbread 

Missing a side dish for your next party? Try this tender Cranberry and Rosemary Cornbread! It’s perfect as a side anytime; spring and summer barbecues, picnics, and holiday dinners — you can never go wrong and the way that it disappears from the serving platter will only confirm that.

13. Turmeric and Cranberry White Chocolate Bark 

This Turmeric and Cranberry White Chocolate Bark recipe combines the incredible taste of white chocolate with the magic color and healing powers of turmeric to create the ultimate chocolate bark. When you top these beautiful confections with cranberries they become just about the prettiest desserts we’ve ever seen.

14. Cranberry Lemon Poundcake 

If you’re looking for that effortless holiday vegan dessert that just screams Christmas – this Cranberry Lemon Poundcake is the perfect festive treat. The cake has all of the decadence of a normal pound cake with none of the guilt. Plus, the tart lemons and the sweet cranberries make the perfect flavor and color combination.

15. Fall Harvest Tacos With Cranberry Salsa

You can easily whip up this Fall Harvest Tacos With Cranberry Salsa from scratch. Just roast a couple of veggies, sauté up some herbed seitan or veggie meat, top it off with some cranberry salsa and a drizzle of tahini, and you have yourself one glorious taco.

Looking for more ways to use cranberries in your kitchen? Check out 6 INCREDIBLE Ways to Cook With Cranberries by downloading the Food Monster App, which is available for both Android and iPhone, and can also be found on Instagram and Facebook. The app has more than 10,000 plant-based, allergy-friendly recipes, and subscribers gain access to new recipes every day. Check it out for more seasonal recipes! 

Lead image source: Cranberry Pecan Chevre Log