10+ Recipes Using Craisins for Sweet and Savory Dishes

Craisins are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can add a burst of flavor to many recipes. You can use them in sweet and savory dishes, making them a great addition to your cooking repertoire. Whether you’re baking cookies, preparing salads, or creating snacks, recipes using Craisins can enhance your meals with their sweet and tangy taste.

Incorporating Craisins into your cooking is simple and satisfying. Their chewy texture and rich flavor make them a popular choice for various dishes, appealing to both kids and adults alike. As you explore these recipes, you’ll find it’s easy to create delightful meals that everyone will enjoy.

Craisins Oatmeal Cookies

Craisins oatmeal cookies are a delightful treat that’s easy to make. The sweet and chewy texture combines perfectly with the tartness of craisins.

To start, gather your ingredients, including oats, flour, butter, and of course, craisins. These cookies are perfect for any occasion.

Begin by creaming together butter and sugars until light. Then, mix in eggs and vanilla. Slowly add the oats and flour. Finally, fold in the craisins.

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet, leaving space in between. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes.

Let them cool slightly before enjoying!

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup white sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups oats
• 1 ½ cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup craisins

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream together the butter and sugars.
3. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
4. Slowly mix in oats and flour.
5. Fold in the craisins.
6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls.
7. Place on a greased baking sheet.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
9. Cool before serving.

Craisins and Quinoa Salad

Craisins add a sweet and tangy flavor to quinoa salads. This dish is both healthy and colorful, making it perfect for any meal.

To start, cook your quinoa according to the package instructions. Traditionally, you would use two cups of water for one cup of quinoa. Bring it to a boil, then simmer for about 15 minutes until the quinoa is fluffy.

Once cooked, let the quinoa cool. Then, mix in your Craisins, nuts like pecans or walnuts, and some feta cheese for creaminess. Adding chopped onions and fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro brightens the flavor.

Drizzle with a simple dressing made from olive oil and vinegar to make it even tastier.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup Craisins
• 1/2 cup feta cheese
• 1/4 cup nuts (pecans or walnuts)
• 1/4 cup chopped onions
• Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon vinegar

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse quinoa in cold water.
2. In a pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
3. Add quinoa, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Let quinoa cool in a bowl.
5. Mix in Craisins, nuts, feta, onions, and herbs.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar, then toss gently.

3) Turkey and Craisins Stuffing

This Turkey and Craisins Stuffing is a delicious twist on a classic holiday dish. The combination of savory flavors from the turkey and the sweetness of craisins makes it a favorite for gatherings.

To start, you will need to prepare your bread cubes. You can use white or cornbread, depending on your preference. Then, mix them with sautéed onions and celery.

Next, stir in dried craisins, which add a burst of flavor. You can also include herbs like sage and thyme for extra aroma.

For moisture, pour in some broth. Mix everything well to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid. Finally, stuff your turkey or bake it in a casserole dish at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown.

Ingredients

• 9 cups bread cubes
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 3/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup dried craisins
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Sauté celery and onion in melted butter until soft.
3. In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, craisins, and herbs.
4. Pour in sautéed vegetables and broth; mix well.
5. Stuff turkey or place in a baking dish.
6. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until heated through.

4) Cranberry-Craisin Muffins

Cranberry-Craisin Muffins are a delicious treat you can enjoy at any time of the day. The combination of tart cranberries and sweet Craisins creates a perfect balance of flavors.

To make these muffins, start by gathering your ingredients. You’ll need flour, sugar, baking powder, and spices to add flavor. Using butter in your batter makes them wonderfully rich and moist.

Once your batter is mixed, scoop it into muffin liners. Fill each liner nearly full and top with extra Craisins for a tasty finish. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 5 minutes. Then reduce the heat to 400°F (200°C) and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes.

Your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll be left with fluffy muffins perfect for breakfast or a snack!

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup Craisins
• 1 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
3. In another bowl, mix the butter and sugar until creamy.
4. Add the eggs and vanilla, then mix well.
5. Combine the wet and dry ingredients.
6. Fold in the dried cranberries and Craisins.
7. Scoop the batter into muffin liners.
8. Bake for 5 minutes at 425°F (220°C).
9. Lower the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes.
10. Check with a toothpick to see if they are done.

5) Wild Rice with Craisins

Wild rice with Craisins is a tasty dish that’s perfect as a side or a main meal. The chewy texture of wild rice pairs nicely with the sweet and tart flavor of Craisins. It’s both nutritious and fulfilling.

To make this dish, start by cooking the wild rice according to package instructions. You can use water or broth for extra flavor.

In a separate pan, sauté some diced onion in olive oil until it’s soft. Once the rice is ready, stir in the onion, along with a handful of Craisins and your favorite nuts, like slivered almonds.

This dish can be served warm or at room temperature. It looks colorful and inviting on any table!

Ingredients

• 1 cup wild rice
• 2 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup Craisins
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a saucepan, bring water or broth to a boil.
2. Add wild rice, reduce the heat, and cover. Cook until tender, about 50-60 minutes.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft.
4. Combine cooked rice, sautéed onion, Craisins, and almonds. Mix well and serve.

6) Craisins and Apple Waldorf Salad

Apple Waldorf Salad is a fresh and crunchy dish that’s perfect for any meal. Adding Craisins brings a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs well with the crisp apples.

To make this salad, you’ll start with diced apples and mix them with celery for crunch. The Craisins add a delightful burst of flavor. You can also include nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra texture.

A light dressing can bring everything together. Greek yogurt or a simple vinaigrette works well. Mix everything gently to keep the apples from browning too quickly.

This salad is great as a side or even as a light lunch. It’s healthy, tasty, and quick to prepare.

Ingredients

• 2 cups diced apples
• 1 cup Craisins
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or vinaigrette
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine diced apples and chopped celery.
2. Add the Craisins and nuts to the bowl.
3. Stir in the Greek yogurt or vinaigrette until well-coated.
4. Season with salt as desired.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for a short time before serving.

7) Baked Brie with Craisins

Baked Brie with Craisins is a delicious and simple appetizer. You’ll love how the creamy cheese melts together with the sweet-tart flavor of the cranberries. It’s perfect for any gathering.

To make this dish, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). You will need a wheel of brie cheese and craisins for topping.

Place the brie in an oven-safe dish. Then, sprinkle the craisins on top. You can add a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness if you like.

Bake the brie for about 15 minutes, or until it’s gooey. Be careful opening the rind to avoid leakage. Serve it warm with crackers or slices of bread for dipping.

Ingredients

• 1 wheel of brie cheese
• 1/2 cup of craisins
• Honey (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place the brie in an oven-proof dish.
3. Top with craisins.
4. Drizzle with honey if desired.
5. Bake for 15 minutes.
6. Serve warm with crackers or bread.

8) Craisins and Spinach Chicken

Craisins and spinach chicken is a delicious and healthy dish. The sweetness of the Craisins pairs nicely with the savory chicken. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.

To start, you will need to butterfly your chicken breasts. This means cutting them so they can be stuffed.

Next, mix chopped spinach with Craisins and some cheese for flavor. Once mixed, spoon the mixture into each chicken breast. Secure them with toothpicks or twine to keep the filling inside.

Then, season the outside with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme.

Now, heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the stuffed chicken in a baking dish and bake until it’s cooked through. This usually takes about 25-30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup Craisins
• 4 oz cheese (like Brie or Parmesan)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Thyme

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Butterfly the chicken breasts.
3. In a bowl, combine spinach, Craisins, and cheese.
4. Stuff the chicken breasts with the mixture.
5. Secure with toothpicks or twine.
6. Season the outside with salt, pepper, and thyme.
7. Place in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Craisins and Carrot Cake

Craisins add a unique twist to traditional carrot cake. Their sweet and tart flavor pairs well with the natural sweetness of carrots. You can mix them into the batter or sprinkle them on top.

To make a delicious carrot cake with craisins, start by gathering your ingredients.

Combine grated carrots, flour, and spices in a bowl. Then, fold in the craisins for added texture and flavor.

When baking, set your oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare your cake pans.

After mixing everything together, pour the batter into the pans and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick comes out clean.

Ingredients

• 2 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup craisins
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and cinnamon.
3. In another bowl, whisk together oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
4. Add grated carrots and craisins to the wet mixture.
5. Combine both mixtures until just blended.
6. Pour into prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes.

10) Craisins Chocolate Bark

Craisins Chocolate Bark is a simple and tasty treat you can make at home. This sweet snack combines chocolate and the tartness of Craisins for a delightful flavor.

To start, melt dark or white chocolate in the microwave, heating in 30-second intervals until smooth.

Then, spread the melted chocolate evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Next, sprinkle a generous amount of Craisins on top of the chocolate. You can even add some nuts or seeds if you like extra crunch.

Once everything is ready, chill the bark in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes until set. When firm, break it into pieces and enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 cup Craisins
• 2 cups chocolate (dark or white)
• Optional: nuts or seeds

Cooking Instructions

1. Melt chocolate in the microwave.
2. Spread melted chocolate on parchment paper.
3. Sprinkle Craisins (and nuts, if using) on top.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
5. Break into pieces and serve.