The Susan Stamberg cranberry relish recipe has become more than just a set of instructions for a side dish—it’s a beloved American tradition. As Thanksgiving approaches, kitchens across the country buzz with anticipation for turkey, stuffing, and, of course, that vibrant pink relish. This dish isn’t just food; it’s a shared cultural moment, passed down for generations and discussed at dinner tables every November.
While trends in holiday menus come and go, this unusual blend of cranberries, onion, sour cream, sugar, and horseradish has held its ground for decades. It’s proof that some traditions are too flavorful to fade.
The Origin of a Holiday Icon
Long before social media turned recipes into viral sensations, a simple cranberry relish became a national phenomenon thanks to the warmth, humor, and charm of broadcaster Susan Stamberg. Each year, her unmistakable voice brought not just news to American households, but also a dash of culinary curiosity—introducing listeners to a recipe that defied every rule of traditional Thanksgiving fare.
Unlike the simmered, sugar-laden cranberry sauces most families were used to, Stamberg’s version was raw, cold, and startlingly pink. Made with fresh cranberries, horseradish, onions, and sour cream, it offered a bold contrast of tart, tangy, and spicy notes that no one expected on a holiday table. But that was part of its magic.
When Stamberg first shared the recipe on the airwaves decades ago, reactions ranged from bewildered to delighted. Yet curiosity triumphed—people gave it a try. What began as a quirky personal tradition soon captured the imagination of home cooks across the country. Listeners would tune in each year just to hear her retell the story, complete with laughter, nostalgia, and the familiar reminder that the relish “looks like Pepto-Bismol—but tastes divine.”
Over time, Susan Stamberg’s cranberry relish became more than a recipe; it became a symbol of connection. Families began adding it to their own Thanksgiving spreads, passing it down through generations. The dish blurred the line between public and private tradition—born in one family’s kitchen, shared over the air, and adopted by countless others.
Today, this vibrant pink relish stands as a testament to how a single idea, shared with authenticity and joy, can transcend boundaries. It’s a culinary heirloom woven into America’s holiday fabric—a reminder that sometimes, the most enduring traditions begin with a story told from the heart.
The Key Ingredients of the Susan Stamberg Cranberry Relish Recipe
Part of the lasting magic behind Susan Stamberg’s cranberry relish is its beautiful simplicity. There’s no stovetop, simmering, or complicated technique involved—just a few fresh ingredients blended together to create something far greater than the sum of its parts. Each element plays a distinct role in shaping the relish’s unforgettable balance of flavors and colors.
Cranberries (2 cups) – Fresh, raw cranberries are the star of the dish. Their natural tartness and vibrant hue form the foundation of the relish, providing that unmistakable burst of flavor and signature pink tone once combined with the other ingredients.
Onion (1 small) – This unexpected addition introduces a subtle sharpness that gives the relish its complexity. The onion’s mild bite offsets the sweetness and keeps the flavor bright rather than cloying.
Sour Cream (¾ cup) – Smooth and tangy, sour cream brings creaminess to the mix, softening the edges of the tart cranberries and pungent onion. It’s the key to the relish’s luscious, velvety texture.
Sugar (½ cup) – Just enough sweetness to balance the acidity and spice. Sugar rounds out the flavor profile, transforming the raw ingredients into a harmonious blend that appeals to even skeptical first-timers.
Prepared Horseradish (2 tablespoons) – The secret weapon. Horseradish lends a gentle heat that sneaks up on you—never overpowering, but always noticeable. It’s this unexpected kick that elevates the relish from traditional side dish to conversation starter.
When combined, these simple ingredients create something wonderfully distinctive: cool, creamy, tart, sweet, and just a little spicy—all in one bite. The relish’s soft, pale pink color pops vividly against the golden tones of turkey and the greens of classic vegetable sides.
It’s more than just a condiment—it’s a sensory surprise that captures the spirit of Thanksgiving itself: familiar yet delightfully unconventional, humble yet unforgettable.
How to Prepare the Relish to Perfection
One reason this recipe has stayed popular for so long is how easy it is to make. There’s no stovetop, no oven, and no lengthy waiting time. It’s straightforward, making it perfect for cooks of all levels, including those preparing their first Thanksgiving meal.
- Grind the Cranberries and Onion
Use a food processor or grinder to pulse the cranberries and onion together until they form a coarse mixture. Avoid pureeing; the texture should remain slightly chunky for the best mouthfeel. - Mix in Remaining Ingredients
Stir in the sour cream, sugar, and horseradish. Make sure everything is evenly combined so no single flavor overwhelms the others. - Freeze Overnight
Transfer the mixture to a container and freeze it. This step is key—the freezing process helps the flavors meld together. - Thaw Before Serving
On Thanksgiving morning, move the relish from the freezer to the refrigerator. Let it soften, but keep it chilled and slightly icy for the classic texture. - Serve Cold
Spoon it into a decorative bowl and place it on the table as a standout side. It pairs especially well with turkey and savory stuffings.
Why the Susan Stamberg Cranberry Relish Recipe Endures
There are thousands of cranberry recipes out there, but few have the staying power of this one. What makes it special? It’s more than just taste—it’s the combination of tradition, emotion, and uniqueness that keeps people coming back year after year.
1. A Unique Flavor Profile
Most cranberry sauces are sweet, tart, and soft. This relish adds creaminess and heat, creating a multidimensional flavor experience that cuts through the richness of Thanksgiving dishes.
2. Simplicity and Accessibility
The ingredients are inexpensive and easy to find. There’s no cooking involved, which frees up oven and stove space for other dishes during a busy holiday.
3. A Sense of Tradition
Families who started making the recipe decades ago often keep it as a centerpiece of their Thanksgiving menu. Passing it down becomes a way to preserve family memories.
4. Visual Appeal
The bright, blush-pink color stands out on the table, adding a cheerful pop that looks beautiful alongside golden turkey and autumnal sides.
Modern Variations While Keeping the Heart of the Recipe
While many stick faithfully to the original, others enjoy adding their own twist. The base recipe is flexible enough to accommodate personal preferences, and some variations have become family favorites in their own right:
- Add citrus: Orange zest or a few orange segments can brighten the flavor.
- Use Greek yogurt: For a lighter version, swap sour cream with Greek yogurt without losing creaminess.
- Adjust sweetness: Some prefer a touch more sugar, while others reduce it to let the tartness shine.
- Add texture: Chopped walnuts or pecans provide crunch and a nutty undertone.
- Play with spice: A bit more horseradish can turn the heat up, while less makes it milder for kids.
The beauty of the Susan Stamberg cranberry relish recipe is that it welcomes these tweaks while retaining its unmistakable character.
Cultural Significance Beyond the Kitchen
Every Thanksgiving, this recipe sparks conversation. For many, it’s the dish that guests ask about first. Some love it instantly, while others approach it with skepticism, only to be won over after a taste.
It’s also a recipe that connects generations. Grandparents share the story of when they first heard about it, parents teach their children how to prepare it, and young adults bring it to Friendsgiving celebrations to introduce it to new circles. In that way, it’s more than food—it’s a story that continues to unfold each year.
Why It’s Perfect for Modern Thanksgiving Tables
Thanksgiving menus have evolved. Many households now blend traditional dishes with plant-based sides, international flavors, and healthier options. Amid all this innovation, the cranberry relish fits right in.
- It’s naturally vegetarian and pairs well with both meat and plant-based mains.
- It can be prepared in advance, reducing holiday-day stress.
- It complements a wide range of flavors, making it versatile for diverse spreads.
- It invites conversation, as guests inevitably ask, “What’s in this?”
Even younger generations, who might not have grown up with it, often embrace the recipe for its quirky, retro charm and Instagram-worthy appearance.
Tips for Serving and Storing
To get the most out of this classic dish, a few practical tips can help:
- Make it a day ahead to let the flavors meld fully.
- Serve it chilled but not rock-solid; the slightly icy texture is part of its charm.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen over time, making it just as good—if not better—the next day.
- Avoid reheating; this relish is meant to be enjoyed cold.
Some families even serve it as a spread on leftover turkey sandwiches the day after Thanksgiving. The tangy, creamy relish cuts through the richness of the meat, making for a perfect post-holiday lunch.
Keeping the Tradition Alive
In an era where recipes go viral one week and vanish the next, the endurance of the Susan Stamberg cranberry relish recipe is remarkable. It has outlasted food fads, survived changing tastes, and continued to bring joy to tables nationwide.
Every year, as cranberries hit the produce aisle and holiday menus take shape, countless families will once again pull out their grinders, mix up that signature pink relish, and share a moment of connection across generations.
It’s more than a recipe—it’s a ritual. And like all good traditions, it continues not because it’s trendy, but because it’s meaningful.
Final Thoughts
As Thanksgiving 2025 approaches, there’s no better time to revisit the Susan Stamberg cranberry relish recipe. Whether you’re trying it for the first time or making it for the fiftieth, this tangy, creamy, unforgettable dish is guaranteed to stand out.
So gather your ingredients, clear some freezer space, and get ready to create a little holiday magic. And when your guests ask what’s in that beautiful pink bowl, you’ll have a story to tell.