8 Festive Holiday Recipes Featuring Michigan Cherries

The holidays in Northern Michigan are more than snowflakes and family gatherings — they’re about flavor, tradition, and a little bit of cherry magic. From the orchards that line the 45th Parallel to the kitchens that fill with the scent of baked fruit and spice, Michigan cherries are part of every season’s celebration.

At Traverse Bay Farms, we’re proud to share recipes that blend Michigan flavor with farm-to-table tradition. Whether sweet or savory, these eight festive recipes showcase why cherries are the most versatile fruit on your holiday table.

Published: November 2025

At-a-Glance

• Cherry Cranberry Relish

• Cherry-Glazed Holiday Ham

• Dried Cherry and Pecan Stuffing

• Baked Brie with Cherry Salsa

• Cherry Jalapeño Jam Meatballs

• Winter Greens Salad with Dried Cherries

• Cherry Cheesecake Cups

• Cherry Thumbprint Cookies

1. Cherry Cranberry Relish

A bright, tangy sauce that pairs perfectly with turkey or ham.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Traverse Bay Farms Dried Cherries

• 2 cups fresh cranberries

• ½ cup orange juice

• ½ cup sugar

• Zest of 1 orange

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan.

2. Simmer 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

3. Cool and refrigerate before serving.

Traverse Bay Farms Tip: Add a tablespoon of Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate for a deeper cherry note and richer color.

Pairs With: Roast turkey, pork tenderloin, or holiday sandwiches.

2. Cherry-Glazed Holiday Ham

A show-stopping centerpiece that captures the sweet-tart balance of Michigan cherries.

Ingredients:

• 1 fully cooked spiral ham

• 1 cup Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.

2. Combine glaze ingredients in a saucepan and simmer until slightly thickened.

3. Brush over ham and bake 1½–2 hours, basting every 30 minutes.

Traverse Bay Farms Tip: Brush an extra layer of glaze right before serving for a shiny, caramelized finish.

Learn more about the benefits of Michigan cherries in our Ultimate Guide to Tart Cherry Juice.

3. Dried Cherry and Pecan Stuffing

This cozy side dish balances savory herbs with pops of sweet cherry flavor.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups cubed bread

• ½ cup Traverse Bay Farms Dried Cherries

• ½ cup chopped pecans

• 1 cup chopped celery

• 1 cup chopped onion

• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

• ¼ cup butter

• Salt, pepper, and sage to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté celery and onion in butter until tender.

2. Stir in bread cubes, cherries, and pecans.

3. Pour in broth gradually until evenly moistened.

4. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes covered, then uncover for 15 minutes.

Traverse Bay Farms Tip: For extra flavor, replace ¼ cup of broth with tart cherry juice.

4. Baked Brie with Cherry Salsa

An easy, elegant appetizer that disappears fast.

Ingredients:

• 1 wheel Brie cheese

• ½ cup Traverse Bay Farms Cherry Salsa

• ¼ cup chopped toasted walnuts

• Crackers or sliced baguette

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. Place Brie on a baking sheet, top with salsa and nuts.

3. Bake for 10 minutes, until gooey and golden.

Traverse Bay Farms Tip: Try this recipe with our Award-Winning Cherry Salsa, a multiple national food competition winner for flavor and innovation.

Pairs With: Sparkling cider or Michigan Riesling.

5. Cherry Jalapeño Jam Meatballs

Sweet, spicy, and irresistibly crowd-pleasing — this recipe has become a Traverse Bay Farms fan favorite for holiday parties.

Ingredients:

• 1 jar Traverse Bay Farms Cherry Jalapeño Jam

• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen cocktail meatballs

• ¼ cup ketchup

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

1. Combine Cherry Jalapeño Jam, ketchup, and vinegar in a slow cooker.

2. Add meatballs and toss to coat evenly.

3. Cook on low for 3–4 hours, stirring occasionally.

Traverse Bay Farms Tip: Serve with toothpicks and garnish with chopped parsley for presentation.

Try our Cherry Jalapeño Jam in baked brie or as a glaze for roasted chicken — it’s one of our most versatile award-winning products!

6. Winter Greens Salad with Dried Cherries and Maple Vinaigrette

A refreshing, antioxidant-rich salad that brightens your holiday spread.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, kale)

• ½ cup Traverse Bay Farms Dried Cherries

• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese

• ¼ cup toasted almonds or walnuts

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Whisk oil, syrup, vinegar, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

2. Toss greens, cherries, cheese, and nuts.

3. Drizzle dressing and serve immediately.

Traverse Bay Farms Tip: Add grilled chicken or salmon for a full meal — or sprinkle in a few fresh Michigan blueberries for a fruity twist.

7. Cherry Cheesecake Cups

A crowd-pleasing, no-bake dessert that looks elegant but takes just minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Traverse Bay Farms Cherry Jam

• 8 oz cream cheese

• ¼ cup sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• 1 cup whipped topping

• Graham cracker crumbs

Instructions:

1. Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.

2. Fold in whipped topping.

3. Spoon into cups, top with cherry jam and graham crumbs.

Traverse Bay Farms Tip: Stir in a teaspoon of cherry juice concentrate for a vibrant pink color and enhanced tartness.

8. Cherry Thumbprint Cookies

A holiday classic that tastes even better with real Michigan cherries.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter

• ½ cup sugar

• 2 egg yolks

• 2 cups flour

• Traverse Bay Farms Cherry Jam or Cherry Jalapeño Jam

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Cream butter and sugar, add egg yolks, then flour.

3. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, press the center, and fill with jam.

4. Bake 12–14 minutes or until edges turn golden.

Traverse Bay Farms Tip: Make half with Cherry Jam and half with Cherry Jalapeño Jam for a sweet-and-spicy cookie mix!

The Traverse Bay Farms Promise

38+ National Food Awards | USA-Grown Fruit | Family-Owned in Northern Michigan
Made using as much Michigan-grown fruit as possible — always USA cherries only.
Trusted by health-conscious families, home cooks, and holiday bakers nationwide.

Discover our full range of Michigan-Made Cherry Products for your holiday recipes and gifts.

FAQ

1. Can I use frozen or dried cherries interchangeably?
Yes — Traverse Bay Farms Dried Cherries or frozen Michigan cherries both work beautifully in cooking and baking.

2. What makes Michigan cherries special?
They’re grown along the 45th Parallel, where cool nights and sunny days create perfectly balanced sweetness and tartness.

3. Are Traverse Bay Farms products available year-round?
Yes — order online anytime or visit our stores in Bellaire and Elk Rapids, Michigan.

4. What’s the best gift idea for cherry lovers?
Our Cherry Gift Boxes include salsas, jams, and dried cherries — perfect for holiday gifting.

5. How long do Traverse Bay Farms jams last after opening?
Refrigerate after opening and enjoy within 60 days for best flavor.

Continue Your Journey

This holiday season, celebrate the warmth of Michigan with dishes that tell a story — from the orchard to your table. Whether it’s sweet Cherry Thumbprint Cookies or savory Cherry Jalapeño Meatballs, these recipes make every gathering memorable.

Shop our Michigan Cherry Holiday Collection and bring award-winning Northern Michigan flavor to your kitchen.