This Easy Cranberry Sauce is the vibrant star your holiday table has been waiting for! With just a handful of ingredients and a single saucepan, you can whip up a tangy, ruby-red side in less than 20 minutes. The combination of tart cranberries and just the right amount of sweetness bursts with fresh flavor, while optional orange zest and cinnamon tease your senses with warm, festive notes. Whether you’re plating turkey, spooning over oatmeal, or swirling onto a sandwich, this is one recipe you’ll want to make (and taste) all year long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a short list of pantry staples for Easy Cranberry Sauce, yet each ingredient plays a unique part. Every component brings out the color, balances the sweet and tart flavors, and makes the texture so delightfully spoonable.
- Fresh or frozen cranberries (12 oz bag): These beauties are the real stars, giving the sauce its jewel-toned color and signature pucker.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): The sugar mellows out the tartness—feel free to adjust the amount for your personal taste!
- Water (1 cup): A splash of water helps everything simmer together into a luscious sauce.
- Orange zest (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Just a little zest adds citrusy fragrance and brightness, making every spoonful pop.
- Cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For a hint of cozy, holiday warmth, a pinch of cinnamon is a game-changer.
- Salt (pinch): A tiny pinch brings the flavors together—don’t skip it if you want a more balanced sauce.
How to Make Easy Cranberry Sauce
Step 1: Combine the Cranberries, Sugar, and Water
In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, pour in the cranberries, sprinkle in the sugar, then add the water. Give it a good stir to combine everything and help the sugar start to dissolve—you’ll immediately notice the cranberries glistening as they mingle with the sugar.
Step 2: Bring to a Boil, Then Simmer
Once everything’s mixed, turn up the heat and bring the contents to a gentle boil. As soon as it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring every so often. The cranberries will pop, burst, and create the thick, luscious sauce you’re craving. The aroma is incredible!
Step 3: Stir in Zest, Cinnamon, and Salt
When the cranberries have mostly burst and the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the orange zest, cinnamon, and that pinch of salt if you’re using them. These optional extras really make the Easy Cranberry Sauce shine with flavor and fragrance. Give it a taste—you can always add another sprinkle of zest or cinnamon if you like.
Step 4: Cool and Chill
Let the sauce cool to room temperature while it sits in the pan, then transfer it to a bowl. Pop it in the fridge until it’s ready to serve. Don’t worry if it seems a bit thin at first—the sauce continues to thicken (and set up to a perfect scoopable consistency) as it cools.
How to Serve Easy Cranberry Sauce
Garnishes
Give your Easy Cranberry Sauce a beautiful finish by topping with extra orange zest, a few whole cranberries, or a small cinnamon stick. These little touches add irresistible color and aroma, making your dish look as good as it tastes. Fresh rosemary sprigs or even a handful of pomegranate seeds can also add elegance and flair to your serving dish.
Side Dishes
This classic sauce is a natural partner for roast turkey and chicken, but don’t let tradition limit you. Serve it alongside ham, pork loin, or vegetarian mains like lentil loaf. The sweet-tart zing even does wonders for buttery mashed potatoes or roasted Brussels sprouts, bringing a pop of brightness to every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the usual! Spoon Easy Cranberry Sauce over pancakes or oatmeal for a breakfast treat, swirl it into yogurt, or layer in leftover turkey sandwiches the next day. Try using it as a topping for cheesecake, whipped into frosting, or even as a glaze for grilled veggies or tofu steaks. You’ll find endless delicious ways to enjoy every last spoonful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got extra Easy Cranberry Sauce? Lucky you! Simply transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week. The flavors meld and become even better after a day or two, and the texture stays beautifully thick and jammy.
Freezing
For longer storage, this sauce freezes like a dream. Let it cool completely, pour into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for a holiday-perfect side you can make well in advance.
Reheating
If you’d like to serve Easy Cranberry Sauce warm, gently reheat it in a saucepan on low, stirring often. A splash of water can loosen it up if needed. Heating brings back that cozy, just-cooked aroma—absolutely irresistible!
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly in Easy Cranberry Sauce and you don’t even need to thaw them. Just pop them straight into the saucepan and cook as directed.
How do I make my cranberry sauce smoother?
If you prefer a silky texture, simply blend the cooled sauce using a food processor or immersion blender until it’s as smooth as you like. Strain out skins for an extra-refined finish, or leave a little texture for classic appeal.
Is Easy Cranberry Sauce very tart?
You get that wonderfully tangy cranberry flavor, but the sugar tames the tartness. For a sweeter sauce, feel free to add a bit more sugar; for more pucker, trim it back a little. Taste as you go to make it just right for your palate!
Can I make Easy Cranberry Sauce ahead of time?
Yes, and in fact, it’s even better that way! The flavors deepen and meld as it chills, so feel free to prep it up to a full week before your big meal. Just keep it sealed in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Are there any swaps for orange zest or cinnamon?
If orange zest isn’t your thing, try lemon zest for a different citrus spin, or skip it if you want pure cranberry flavor. You can swap cinnamon for five-spice, allspice, or a hint of ground ginger for a different but equally delicious aromatic twist.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making your own Easy Cranberry Sauce, this is your moment to shine! With a few everyday ingredients and only one pot, you’ll create a colorful, zesty side dish that everyone around the table will remember. Go ahead, give it a try—I bet you’ll never reach for canned sauce again!
Print
Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Enjoy this simple and flavorful Easy Cranberry Sauce recipe that is perfect for your holiday table. Made with fresh cranberries, sugar, and a hint of orange zest and cinnamon, this homemade cranberry sauce is a classic favorite.
Ingredients
Fresh Cranberry Sauce:
- 1 (12 oz) bag fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
Optional Ingredients:
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Cook the Cranberries: In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened.
- Season and Chill: Stir in orange zest, cinnamon, and salt. Cool to room temperature, then chill before serving.
Notes
- This cranberry sauce can be made in advance and refrigerated.
- For a smoother texture, blend the sauce once cooled.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
