Hey y’all! If you’re searching for a side dish that’ll steal the show at your next gathering, this homemade cranberry sauce is just what you need. Bursting with tangy-sweet flavor, beautiful color, and a delightfully chunky texture, it’s unbeatable as a holiday staple yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner. It goes perfectly with turkey, poultry, or even as a spread for sandwiches! Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Sauce
- Incredibly easy to make with just a handful of ingredients in under 20 minutes.
- Loaded with fresh, vibrant flavor—much better than canned versions.
- Versatile: pairs beautifully with both savory and sweet dishes.
- Make-ahead friendly so you can prep it before busy occasions.
- Customizable—add your favorite fruits or spices for creative variations!
Ingredients for Homemade Cranberry Sauce
- 12 ounces (340g) fresh or frozen cranberries (rinsed and picked over)
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) water
- 1/2 cup (120ml) orange juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- Pinch of salt
Easy Directions for Making Cranberry Sauce
Step 1: Simmer Cranberries
In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, orange juice, orange zest, and salt. Stir to combine and set over medium heat.
Step 2: Cook Until Berries Burst
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer. Cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries have burst and the sauce thickens nicely. If you prefer a smoother texture, mash some cranberries with the back of a spoon.
Step 3: Cool and Serve
Remove from heat and let your cranberry sauce cool to room temperature—it will continue to thicken as it cools. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
Notes & Helpful Tips for Cranberry Sauce Success
- Fresh cranberries can be swapped for frozen—no need to thaw first. Get ingredient facts from Ocean Spray.
- Adjust sugar to taste: for a tarter sauce, use a bit less sugar; for sweeter, add a bit more.
- Leftover sauce makes a tasty topping for oatmeal or Greek yogurt. Read more on creative uses at Bon Appétit.
Variations on Classic Cranberry Sauce
- Apple Cranberry Sauce: Stir in 1 diced apple for a sweeter, chunkier texture.
- Spiced Orange Cranberry Sauce: Add 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for holiday warmth.
- Maple Cranberry Sauce: Replace half the sugar with pure maple syrup for a rich, earthy sweetness.
Equipment Needed for Cranberry Sauce
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Zester or microplane (for orange zest)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving bowl or storage container
Cranberry Sauce Storage Instructions
Let your cranberry sauce cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. You can freeze cranberry sauce for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge and stir before serving.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Cranberry Sauce
- Spoon alongside roasted turkey, chicken, or ham at holiday meals.
- Spread cold cranberry sauce on leftover turkey sandwiches.
- Top over creamy brie, crostini, or pancakes for a tangy twist.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cranberry Sauce
- Don’t overcook—stop as soon as berries burst to preserve a chunky texture and vibrant color. More details on cooking techniques here.
- If you want a super-smooth sauce, blend it carefully with an immersion blender after cooking.
- Always taste and adjust the sweetness and citrus—cranberries are tart, so balance is key!
FAQ: Cranberry Sauce
- Can I make cranberry sauce ahead of time?
- Absolutely! It tastes even better after chilling for a day or two, as flavors meld beautifully.
- Can I use frozen cranberries?
- Yes, use them straight from the freezer—no need to thaw first. Cooking time remains the same.
- My sauce is too thin—how can I thicken it?
- Simmer a few minutes longer or let it cool; it thickens naturally as it cools.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh cranberries
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) orange juice
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp ground allspice
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
-
1Rinse cranberries thoroughly and discard any damaged or soft berries.
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2In a medium saucepan, combine orange juice, water, and sugar. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
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3Add the cranberries, orange zest, cinnamon, allspice, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil.
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4Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, or until most cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened.
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5Remove from heat. Allow to cool to room temperature before transferring to a serving bowl or airtight container.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
90cal
Protein:
0 gg
Fat:
0 gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
24 gg
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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