Description
This Best Ever Cranberry Sauce is a simple, classic recipe perfect for adding a zesty and sweet-tart accompaniment to your holiday meals. Made with fresh or frozen cranberries, orange juice, a hint of cinnamon, and orange zest, this sauce is cooked on the stovetop until thickened to a luscious consistency. Ready in 20 minutes, it’s a vibrant and flavorful addition that can be prepared ahead and chilled until serving.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, orange juice, and water. This creates the base for your cranberry sauce.
- Bring to a boil: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar completely.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes. During this time, the cranberries will burst and the sauce will thicken to a desirable consistency.
- Add flavorings: Stir in the orange zest and cinnamon, if using, then remove the saucepan from the heat to preserve the fresh citrus notes and warm spices.
- Cool the sauce: Allow the cranberry sauce to cool to room temperature, which helps it set further and develop flavor.
- Chill before serving: Transfer the cooled sauce to a serving dish or airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve, ensuring a refreshing and slightly firm texture.
Notes
- You can use either fresh or frozen cranberries; no need to thaw frozen ones before cooking.
- Adjust the sugar amount if you prefer a tarter or sweeter sauce.
- Orange zest and cinnamon are optional but add lovely complementary flavors.
- Store leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- This sauce can be served cold or at room temperature.
