Hey y’all! If you’re searching for the best ever cranberry sauce to serve up at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive meal, you’ve just found your new go-to. This sauce balances tangy cranberries with just the right amount of sweetness, giving you that classic, luscious texture everyone craves. It’s quick to make from scratch, uses simple ingredients, and is perfect for impressing your guests (or elevating your weekday dinners!). Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes with minimal prep.
- Incredible Flavor: Perfect balance of tart cranberries and sweet orange.
- Make Ahead: Tastes even better after chilling overnight.
- Versatile Pairing: Gorgeous with turkey, ham, sandwiches, or cheese plates.
- All-Natural: No artificial flavors or preservatives—just wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice (fresh-squeezed is best!)
- 1/4 cup water
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Directions
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, orange juice, water, orange zest, cinnamon (if using), and salt. Give everything a gentle stir to mix.
Step 2: Simmer the Sauce
Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries start to pop, about 5-6 minutes.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and most cranberries have burst. For a smoother sauce, mash some cranberries with the back of your spoon.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
Remove from heat. Let the sauce cool to room temperature—it will thicken as it cools. Transfer to a serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate until ready to use.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Notes
- cranberry sauce thickens more as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a little runny right after cooking.
- Taste and adjust sweetness—add more sugar if your cranberries are extra tart or if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
- If using frozen cranberries, no need to thaw! Just add a couple extra minutes to the cooking time.
Variations
- Spiced cranberry Sauce: Add a pinch of ground cloves and nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor.
- Pear-cranberry Sauce: Stir in 1 finely diced ripe pear for a subtle, mellow sweetness.
- Apple-Cranberry Sauce: Add 1 small diced apple along with the cranberries for more texture and flavor variety.
Required Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Fine grater or zester (for the orange zest)
- Serving bowl
Storage Instructions
- Store cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Classic alongside roast turkey, chicken, or baked ham.
- Spread on leftover sandwiches, or spooned over creamy brie or goat cheese on a charcuterie board.
- Try it swirled into oatmeal or served with Greek yogurt for breakfast!
Pro Tips
- Use fresh orange juice and zest for the brightest, most vibrant flavor.
- Allow the sauce to chill completely for optimal taste and texture—it gets better as it sits!
- Double the recipe for holiday gatherings so everyone gets seconds (and leftovers!).
FAQ
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Absolutely! No need to thaw—just add a few extra minutes to account for the temperature difference.
How do I make the sauce less tart?
Increase the sugar to 1 cup, or add a splash more orange juice for added sweetness.
Can I make cranberry sauce ahead of time?
Yes! This sauce actually tastes better made a day or two ahead as the flavors meld together beautifully in the fridge.
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries, rinsed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice, fresh
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
-
1Combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
-
2Stir in the orange zest, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
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3Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
-
4Remove from heat. If desired, stir in vanilla extract.
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5Let the cranberry sauce cool to room temperature; it will thicken as it cools. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
110cal
Protein:
0gg
Fat:
0gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
28gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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