Cranberry Sauce is truly the bright, ruby star on any holiday table! Tart, juicy cranberries simmered with zesty orange and warm spices create a sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned cranberry enthusiast or trying this classic for the first time, you’ll be amazed at how just a few simple ingredients turn into a show-stopping holiday side. Cranberry Sauce isn’t just for Thanksgiving—it’s a year-round treat that brings color, flavor, and excitement to so many meals!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cranberry Sauce keeps things delightfully simple, allowing every ingredient to shine. Each item plays its part in building layers of flavor and that gorgeous crimson color we all love!
- Fresh cranberries: These tart, plump berries bring the sauce its classic flavor and eye-catching color.
- Granulated sugar: The perfect sweetener to mellow the tartness and help form a glossy sauce.
- Water: Helps the cranberries cook down and keeps the sauce from becoming too thick.
- Orange juice: Adds a bright, citrusy zing that pairs beautifully with the cranberries.
- Ground cinnamon: A warm spice that deepens the flavor and makes the kitchen smell amazing.
- Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch of this cozy spice brings subtle holiday warmth.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies all the other flavors.
- Orange zest (optional): For those who adore extra citrus flair, orange zest finishes the sauce with beautiful aroma and flavor.
How to Make Cranberry Sauce
Step 1: Give Your Cranberries a Rinse
Start by giving your cranberries a good rinse under cool water. As you do, pick through and remove any that look a little bruised or past their prime. This simple step ensures your Cranberry Sauce is perfectly fresh and flavorful in every bite.
Step 2: Combine the Basics
In a medium saucepan, combine your cranberries, granulated sugar, water, and orange juice. These ingredients are the building blocks of your sauce, ensuring a blend of sweetness, tartness, and a splash of citrusy brightness right from the start.
Step 3: Bring It to a Boil
Set your saucepan over medium-high heat and bring everything to a lively boil. You’ll hear the cranberries begin to pop—an incredibly satisfying sound signaling that your Cranberry Sauce is well on its way!
Step 4: Simmer and Thicken
Once boiling, dial the heat down to medium-low. Let your sauce simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cranberries will burst, releasing their juices and transforming the mixture into a beautifully thick sauce.
Step 5: Add Warm Spices
With the sauce thickening up, stir in the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This trio works wonders to round out the flavors, making your Cranberry Sauce irresistibly aromatic and rich.
Step 6: Zest for Extra Citrus
Now, if you’re a fan of bold citrus flavor, now’s the time to add the orange zest. Off the heat, stir in the zest for a final burst of fresh, zippy flavor. It’s optional, but highly recommended for true fans!
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow your sauce to cool to room temperature. It will thicken further as it cools, becoming perfectly spoonable. Transfer to your favorite serving dish or chill in the fridge until ready to serve. Homemade Cranberry Sauce couldn’t be easier or more delicious!
How to Serve Cranberry Sauce
Garnishes
For a touch of elegance, try topping your Cranberry Sauce with a few strips of fresh orange zest or even a sprinkle of chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme. A scattering of whole cranberries also adds a festive look that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Side Dishes
Of course, this sauce is a classic with roast turkey and stuffing, but don’t stop there! Spoon Cranberry Sauce alongside roast chicken, baked ham, or even over creamy mashed potatoes for a zesty twist. It’s the ultimate sidekick for both holiday meals and everyday dinners.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your Cranberry Sauce into bite-sized appetizers by pairing it with brie on crostini, swirling it into yogurt, or using it as a topping for pancakes and waffles. You can even jazz up your grilled cheese or turkey sandwiches—trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply scoop any leftover Cranberry Sauce into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep beautifully for up to a week and tastes just as bright and delicious as when it was first made—some say it’s even better after the flavors meld!
Freezing
Cranberry Sauce freezes incredibly well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and give it a good stir before serving.
Reheating
If you prefer your Cranberry Sauce warm, simply heat it gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of orange juice or water if it’s become too thick. It’s also delicious served chilled or at room temperature, so serve it exactly how you love it most!
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work wonderfully in this recipe—no need to thaw them first. Just add them straight to your saucepan and continue with the recipe as written for perfectly tangy Cranberry Sauce.
How do I make my Cranberry Sauce smoother?
If you prefer a silky, smooth sauce, blend it with an immersion blender after it cools, or pulse it carefully in a regular blender. This yields a velvety Cranberry Sauce that’s perfect for sauces, spreads, and even dessert toppings.
Can I adjust the sweetness or spices?
Definitely. If you like a sweeter sauce, add an extra tablespoon or two of sugar. Prefer a spicier Cranberry Sauce? Sprinkle in more cinnamon or even a dash of ground ginger for a cozy, personalized touch.
Is this recipe gluten-free and vegan?
Yes on both counts! All the ingredients in this homemade Cranberry Sauce are naturally gluten-free and vegan, making it a safe and tasty addition to just about any table.
What other fruits or add-ins work with this recipe?
Feel free to stir in diced apples, pears, or even a handful of dried cherries or raisins for a fun twist. Pecans or walnuts add texture and a nutty richness, while a splash of bourbon can offer a sophisticated flavor. The possibilities are endless!
Final Thoughts
There’s something so special about serving up a generous bowl of homemade Cranberry Sauce, bursting with flavor and color. Whether you’re new to making it from scratch or it’s a cherished family tradition, I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. Go ahead—give it a try this season and savor every dazzling, tangy-sweet bite!
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Cranberry Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
A classic homemade cranberry sauce recipe that’s perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday meal. This sweet and tangy sauce is easy to make and bursting with festive flavors.
Ingredients
Fresh Cranberry Sauce:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 orange (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the cranberries: Rinse the cranberries and discard any that are damaged.
- Cook cranberries: In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, water, and orange juice. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Add spices: Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Finish the sauce: Remove from heat, stir in orange zest, and let cool to thicken.
- Serve: Transfer to a dish and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, blend the sauce after cooling.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more sugar if desired.
- This sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for a few days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
