Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with the vibrant, tart, and sweet burst of homemade Cranberry Sauce! This quintessential holiday side brings a glorious pop of color and flavor to your table, pairing beautifully with everything from savory turkey to creamy mashed potatoes. With a bright hint of orange and a gentle touch of spice, this easy Cranberry Sauce recipe is the perfect mix of nostalgic tradition and fresh, zesty flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons orange juice (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
How to Make Cranberry Sauce
Step 1: Dissolve the Sugar
Start by combining the water and granulated sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture gently until the sugar is completely dissolved and you see the liquid just begin to bubble. This sweet syrup is the perfect base for our tart cranberries to work their magic.
Step 2: Add the Cranberries
Pour in all those beautiful cranberries, whether fresh or still frozen from the bag. You’ll notice them sizzle and begin to pop as they heat—this is when the magic happens! Simmer the mixture for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the berries burst and the sauce starts to thicken with a luscious, gem-like color.
Step 3: Flavor Boost
Once the cranberries have mostly broken down, it’s time to stir in the orange zest, orange juice (if using), and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm, festive touch. Give everything a gentle mix and allow it to simmer for another minute so all the flavors come together.
Step 4: Cool and Thicken
Remove your saucepan from the heat and let the Cranberry Sauce cool to room temperature. As it cools, the sauce will set into its classic, spreadable consistency—the kind that spoons beautifully over turkey, biscuits, or even yogurt!
Step 5: Store and Serve
Transfer the finished sauce into a serving bowl, a mason jar, or any airtight container. Refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. The flavors will deepen as it chills, making it even more irresistible on the big day.
How to Serve Cranberry Sauce
Garnishes
Add a flourish right before serving with some extra fresh orange zest, a cinnamon stick tucked on the side, or even a few whole, raw cranberries for a playful finish. These little touches add eye-catching brightness and a hint of what’s inside.
Side Dishes
Cranberry Sauce isn’t just for turkey! It’s a fantastic companion to any roast—think chicken, pork, or even a hearty nut loaf for a vegan spread. It also sings alongside stuffing, roasted winter veggies, and creamy holiday potatoes, delivering a tart-sweet contrast that livens up traditional fare.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, layer your Cranberry Sauce in small jars for individual portions, dollop it over baked Brie for an instant appetizer, or swirl it into oatmeal and parfaits for a festive breakfast. You can also marble it through cheesecake for a show-stopping dessert!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Cranberry Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. The flavors will actually improve with a day or two of relaxing in the fridge, making it a fabulous make-ahead addition to your menu.
Freezing
If you find yourself with leftover sauce (lucky you!), it freezes beautifully. Transfer the sauce to a freezer-safe container, leaving a little space for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when ready to use.
Reheating
If you like your Cranberry Sauce warm, simply heat it gently in a saucepan over low heat or microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between. Add a splash of water or orange juice if it seems too thick after chilling or freezing.
FAQs
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?
While dried cranberries have a different texture and are sweeter, you can try them in a pinch by soaking them in water first. However, the sauce will be thicker and won’t have the same burst of tang or color as the classic version.
How do I make a smoother Cranberry Sauce?
If you prefer a smoother sauce, use a potato masher or a handheld immersion blender after the cranberries have burst and cooked down. This creates a jam-like texture that’s lovely on toast or in baked goods.
Is it possible to make Cranberry Sauce less sweet?
Absolutely! Reduce the sugar, or try replacing half with honey or maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness. Taste as you go and add more to suit your family’s preferences.
Can I make Cranberry Sauce ahead of time?
Definitely—Cranberry Sauce is actually better when made a day or two in advance! The flavors meld, and the sauce thickens to perfection. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
What can I do with leftover Cranberry Sauce?
Leftovers are a treat—spread it on sandwiches, swirl it into yogurt, add it to baked goods, or even pair it with cheese and crackers for a quick appetizer. It’s a versatile staple far beyond the holiday table!
Final Thoughts
I hope this Cranberry Sauce becomes a cheerful highlight of your holiday tradition, just as it has in mine. It’s simple, delicious, and endlessly versatile—why not whip up a batch and watch it brighten every plate at your table? Enjoy every spoonful!
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Cranberry Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
Learn how to make a delicious cranberry sauce that’s perfect for the holidays. This homemade cranberry sauce is easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re serving it with Thanksgiving dinner or as a condiment for your favorite dishes, this recipe is a must-try!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons orange juice (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine water and sugar over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves and the mixture boils gently.
- Add Cranberries: Stir in cranberries and cook for 10–12 minutes until most berries burst and the sauce thickens.
- Enhance Flavor: Stir in orange zest, orange juice, and cinnamon if desired. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
- Chill and Serve: Transfer the sauce to a bowl or jar, refrigerate until ready to serve. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.
Notes
- You can adjust sweetness by using honey or maple syrup.
- For chunkier sauce, cook for a shorter time; for smoother texture, mash or blend after cooking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ cup
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
