Five-Spice Cranberry Relish with Goat Cheese

Highlighted under: Sweet Recipe Collection

Five-Spice Cranberry Relish with Goat Cheese is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for any holiday table or as a unique appetizer.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-02T20:30:03.075Z

This Five-Spice Cranberry Relish with Goat Cheese is not just a side dish; it's a flavor explosion that combines the tartness of cranberries with the rich creaminess of goat cheese. Perfect for spreading on crackers or serving alongside your holiday roast, this relish will elevate any meal.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Unique flavor combination of sweet cranberries and savory five-spice
  • Creamy goat cheese adds richness to every bite
  • Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings

A Perfect Holiday Pairing

Five-Spice Cranberry Relish with Goat Cheese is not just a recipe; it's a celebration of flavors that perfectly complement the festive season. The tartness of fresh cranberries is beautifully balanced by the warm, aromatic notes of five-spice powder, making it an ideal accompaniment to savory dishes. This relish brings a refreshing twist to traditional holiday spreads, enhancing your dining experience with its unique taste profile.

Whether served as a side dish or an appetizer, this relish stands out on any holiday table. Its vibrant colors and enticing aroma draw guests in, creating an inviting atmosphere. The addition of creamy goat cheese elevates the dish further, providing a rich contrast that enhances the overall flavor. It's a dish that will leave your guests raving about your culinary skills long after the meal is over.

Quick and Convenient

One of the best features of this Five-Spice Cranberry Relish is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this delicious relish in under 30 minutes. This makes it perfect for last-minute gatherings or impromptu get-togethers. The minimal prep time does not compromise the flavor, ensuring that you serve a dish that is both exquisite and easy to make.

Moreover, this relish can be prepared in advance, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your holiday meal. Simply make it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to meld and deepen overnight, enhancing its taste. This flexibility makes it a must-have recipe for anyone looking to impress without the stress.

Versatile Serving Options

The versatility of Five-Spice Cranberry Relish allows it to shine in various settings. While it pairs beautifully with goat cheese on crackers or bread, it can also be used as a topping for roasted meats, such as turkey or pork. This relish adds a burst of flavor that can transform an ordinary dish into something extraordinary, making it a fantastic addition to any meal.

For those looking for a vegetarian option, consider serving the relish over a creamy burrata or as a vibrant topping for a salad. Its sweet-and-savory profile appeals to a wide range of palates, ensuring that every guest finds something to love. Experiment with different pairings to discover new favorites that suit your taste.

Ingredients

For the Relish

  • 2 cups fresh cranberries
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For Serving

  • 4 ounces goat cheese, softened
  • Crackers or bread

Combine all ingredients for the relish in a saucepan.

Instructions

Cook the Cranberries

In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, apple cider vinegar, five-spice powder, and salt. Cook over medium heat until cranberries burst and mixture thickens, about 10 minutes.

Cool the Relish

Remove from heat and let the relish cool to room temperature.

Serve with Goat Cheese

Spread softened goat cheese on crackers or bread and top with the cranberry relish.

Enjoy your Five-Spice Cranberry Relish with Goat Cheese as a delicious appetizer!

Storage Tips

To keep your Five-Spice Cranberry Relish fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to two weeks, making it a great make-ahead option for your holiday gatherings. The flavors may intensify over time, giving you an even more robust taste with each serving.

If you want to make larger batches, consider freezing the relish. Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and mix it well before serving. This way, you can have this delightful dish on hand whenever you need it.

Health Benefits

Cranberries are not just delicious; they are also packed with health benefits. They are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, particularly vitamin C, which can help boost your immune system during the colder months. The addition of apple cider vinegar in the relish also offers potential health benefits, such as aiding digestion and balancing blood sugar levels.

By incorporating this relish into your meals, you can enjoy a flavorful dish that contributes to your overall wellness. The combination of sweet and savory flavors encourages balanced eating habits, allowing you to indulge in a guilt-free way. Plus, the use of natural ingredients means you’re avoiding preservatives and artificial additives often found in store-bought options.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this relish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the relish up to a week in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

→ What can I serve this relish with?

This relish pairs well with crackers, bread, cheese platters, or as a condiment for meats.

→ Is there a substitute for goat cheese?

Yes, you can use cream cheese or ricotta cheese as a substitute.

→ How spicy is five-spice powder?

Five-spice powder typically has a warm flavor profile, but it is not overly spicy.

Five-Spice Cranberry Relish with Goat Cheese

Five-Spice Cranberry Relish with Goat Cheese is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for any holiday table or as a unique appetizer.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Sweet Recipe Collection

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Relish

  1. 2 cups fresh cranberries
  2. 1/2 cup sugar
  3. 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  4. 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
  5. 1/4 teaspoon salt

For Serving

  1. 4 ounces goat cheese, softened
  2. Crackers or bread

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, apple cider vinegar, five-spice powder, and salt. Cook over medium heat until cranberries burst and mixture thickens, about 10 minutes.

Step 02

Remove from heat and let the relish cool to room temperature.

Step 03

Spread softened goat cheese on crackers or bread and top with the cranberry relish.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 18g
  • Protein: 4g