This Sweet Apple Relish is a cozy, tangy-sweet condiment that brings fall flavors right to your table. Made with fresh apples, onions, peppers, vinegar, and warm spices, it’s the perfect accompaniment for roast turkey, pork chops, baked ham, or even a holiday cheese board. Think of it as a cross between chutney and relish — simple to make, naturally sweet, and packed with flavor.
Whether you’re prepping for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just looking to use up garden produce, this apple relish is a budget-friendly recipe that transforms everyday meals into something special.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Apple Relish
- Cozy fall flavors with warm spices
- Sweet, tangy, and versatile — pairs with meats & cheese boards
- Great way to use up apples from the orchard or garden
- Easy to make ahead for Thanksgiving or Christmas
- Stores well in the fridge or pantry (if canned)
Tips for Success
- Use firm apples so they don’t turn mushy during simmering.
- Dice apples small and evenly for the best texture.
- Taste the mixture as it cooks — add more vinegar for tang, or more sugar for sweetness.
- If canning, always follow proper water-bath canning guidelines.
Storage & Shelf Life
- Refrigerator: Store in clean, airtight jars or containers for up to 3 weeks. Always use a clean spoon when serving to keep it fresh.
- Freezer: Place in freezer-safe jars or containers, leaving a little headspace, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
- Canning Option: For long-term storage, process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Properly sealed jars will keep up to 1 year in a cool, dark pantry. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 3 weeks.
💡 Tip: The flavor deepens after a day or two in the fridge, making it even better if you prepare it ahead for the holidays.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
- Thanksgiving Turkey – use it in place of cranberry sauce for a sweet-spiced twist.
- Christmas Ham – spoon alongside baked ham to balance the saltiness.
- Roast Pork or Pork Chops – classic pairing with apples for a cozy Sunday dinner.
- Sandwiches & Wraps – spread on turkey, ham, or chicken sandwiches for extra flavor.
- Burgers & Brats – swap it in for traditional pickle relish.
- Cheese Boards – serve with sharp cheddar, brie, or gouda, plus crackers or crostini.
- Grilled Cheese – layer inside a cheddar or gouda grilled cheese for a gourmet touch.
- Salads & Dressings – whisk into olive oil + vinegar for a sweet vinaigrette.
- Breakfast – swirl into oatmeal, yogurt, or even spread on toast for a cozy morning bite.
Holiday Use
Sweet Apple Relish isn’t just for everyday meals—it shines during the holidays! Its tangy-sweet flavor pairs beautifully with rich, savory holiday mains like roast turkey, baked ham, or pork loin. Add it to your Thanksgiving spread alongside cranberry sauce, or serve it with Christmas dinner as a bright, fruity contrast to creamy casseroles and hearty meats.
It also makes a wonderful hostess gift—simply spoon into small jars, tie with ribbon, and gift as a homemade holiday treat.
👉 Whether you serve it on a cheese board, next to roast meats, or with leftover sandwiches the next day, this relish adds a festive touch that’s always a hit.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I freeze apple relish?
Yes — cool completely, store in freezer-safe jars, and freeze up to 3 months.
2. What’s the difference between relish and chutney?
They’re very similar! Relish is usually tangier and finely chopped, while chutney tends to be chunkier and sweeter.
3. Can I use pears instead of apples?
Absolutely — pears work beautifully in this recipe.
4. Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for best texture, but you can leave skins on for more fiber and color.
5. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes — cut sugar down to ½–¾ cup, but it may affect how long it stores.
Sweet Apple Relish
Ingredients
Method
- Prep produce – Peel, core, and finely dice apples. Dice onion and pepper.
- Make brine – In a large saucepan, combine vinegar, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Simmer – Add apples, onion, bell pepper, and raisins (if using). Stir well. Simmer uncovered on medium-low heat for 20–25 minutes, until apples are soft and mixture thickens slightly.
- Jar & store – Spoon hot relish into clean jars. Let cool to room temperature. Store in the refrigerator up to 3 weeks, or process in a hot water bath for 10 minutes for long-term storage.
- Sterilize jars – Wash jars, lids, and bands in hot soapy water. Rinse well. Place jars in boiling water for 10 minutes to sterilize, keeping them hot until ready to fill.
- Prepare water bath – Fill a large canning pot or stockpot with enough water to cover jars by at least 1 inch. Bring to a simmer.
- Fill jars – Spoon hot relish into hot, sterilized jars, leaving ½ inch headspace (space between relish and rim). Wipe rims clean with a damp cloth. Place lids on and screw bands fingertip-tight.
- Process – Place jars in simmering water bath, making sure they are fully submerged. Cover pot, bring water to a full boil, and process for 10 minutes.
- Cool – Turn off heat. Carefully remove jars with tongs and set on a towel. Let jars cool undisturbed for 12–24 hours.
- Check seals – Press the center of each lid; it should not pop up. Any unsealed jars should be refrigerated and used within 3 weeks. Properly sealed jars can be stored in a cool, dark pantry for up to 1 year.
- 💡 Tip: Always adjust processing time if you live at a high altitude (above 1,000 feet) — usually +5 minutes per additional 3,000 feet.
Notes
- Best apples: Use a mix of tart and sweet (like Granny Smith + Fuji) for balance.
- Make ahead: Perfect to prep a week before Thanksgiving.
- Spice it up: Add fresh ginger or red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Texture: Mash some apples while simmering for a smoother relish, or leave chunky.
