Cranberry Sauce Recipe
If you’ve ever wished for that perfect balance of tartness and sweetness to brighten your holiday table, look no further than this Cranberry Sauce Recipe. It’s incredibly simple to make yet packs a flavorful punch that elevates any meal, from Thanksgiving turkey feasts to casual winter dinners. With fresh or frozen cranberries simmered to juicy bursts of goodness, enhanced by a touch of orange and cinnamon, this recipe is a timeless favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great dish starts with straightforward, quality ingredients that harmonize to create memorable flavors. For this Cranberry Sauce Recipe, each ingredient plays a vital role—cranberries bring their signature tartness, sugar balances the sharpness with sweetness, and optional additions like orange zest and cinnamon add warmth and depth.
- 1 (12 oz) bag fresh or frozen cranberries: The star ingredient that provides the vibrant color and tart flavor essential to the sauce.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the sauce, mellowing the tartness of the cranberries while caramelizing slightly as it cooks.
- 1 cup water: Acts as the cooking liquid to gently soften the cranberries without diluting flavor.
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional): Adds a bright, citrusy aroma that lifts the overall flavor profile.
- 2 tablespoons orange juice (optional): Infuses a subtle tangy sweetness that complements the cranberries beautifully.
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional): Introduces a warm, cozy spice that’s perfect for holiday vibes.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances sweetness and balances flavors, ensuring the sauce isn’t flat.
How to Make Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Combine Cranberries, Sugar, and Water
Start by placing the cranberries, sugar, and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently as the sugar dissolves, and let the mixture come to a gentle boil. This step is crucial because the sugar needs to blend fully with the cranberries’ natural juices for that perfect sweetness.
Step 2: Add the Flavor Boosters
Once boiling, stir in the optional orange zest, orange juice, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. These additions bring layers of flavor that transform the simple cranberry sauce into something truly special. Then reduce the heat to medium-low to let everything simmer.
Step 3: Simmer Until Thickened
Allow the sauce to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, you’ll notice the cranberries bursting and the mixture thickening. This is when that luscious, velvety texture develops, and the flavors meld into a harmonious blend.
Step 4: Cool and Store
Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool to room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it rests. Once cooled, transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving bowl or airtight container and chill it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to impress your guests with this homemade gem.
How to Serve Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A beautiful cranberry sauce deserves a little garnish love. Fresh orange slices, a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme, or a handful of whole cranberries can make your dish pop visually and add a fresh note to each bite.
Side Dishes
This Cranberry Sauce Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, baked ham, or even simple grilled chicken. It’s also fantastic alongside mashed potatoes, stuffing, or as a tangy complement to creamy cheeses on a charcuterie board.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, try swirling the cranberry sauce into yogurt or oatmeal for a colorful breakfast treat. Alternatively, use it as a vibrant topping for desserts like cheesecake or ice cream. Another fun idea is serving it in mini ramekins adorned with a sprig of mint for individual portions at your holiday table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the best things about this Cranberry Sauce Recipe is how well it keeps. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making leftovers even tastier.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this sauce beyond the week, feel free to freeze it. Place the sauce in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion, and it will keep well for up to 3 months. When thawed, give it a good stir to restore its silky texture.
Reheating
You can reheat the sauce gently on the stove over low heat or microwave it in short bursts. Stir occasionally to ensure even warming without breaking down the texture. Reheated cranberry sauce is perfect warmed or served at room temperature, depending on your preference.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries in this Cranberry Sauce Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones and often make the process easier since they are available year-round and don’t require rinsing before cooking.
Is it possible to make the sauce less sweet?
Yes, you can reduce the amount of sugar or substitute it with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey to suit your taste without compromising the sauce’s integrity.
How long does homemade cranberry sauce last in the fridge?
Stored properly in a sealed container, your cranberry sauce will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator while maintaining its vibrant flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Definitely! This Cranberry Sauce Recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a perfect addition to many dietary preferences and festive meals.
What if I prefer a smoother sauce texture?
Once cooled, you can blend the cranberry sauce using an immersion blender or regular blender for a smooth consistency. This option works great if you prefer your sauce without whole cranberry pieces.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about whipping up this Cranberry Sauce Recipe at home—it’s simple, flavorful, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re serving it alongside a holiday feast or getting creative with your meals, it’s a delightful way to add brightness and cheer to your table. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your recipe collection!
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Cranberry Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free
Description
This homemade cranberry sauce recipe is a classic holiday favorite that’s easy to prepare and full of fresh, tangy flavors. Made with fresh or frozen cranberries, sugar, and water, with optional hints of orange zest, juice, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt, it creates a perfectly balanced, vibrant sauce ideal as a Thanksgiving side or anytime you want a sweet-tart condiment.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (12 oz) bag fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
Optional Add-ins
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, sugar, and water. Stir occasionally as the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
- Add Flavorings and Simmer: Stir in the optional orange zest, orange juice, cinnamon, and salt. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
- Cool and Store: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the sauce to cool to room temperature, during which it will continue to thicken. Transfer the cooled sauce to a serving bowl or container, then refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Cranberry sauce can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- For a smoother texture, blend the sauce once it has cooled.
- Adjust the sweetness to taste or substitute sugar with maple syrup or honey for a different flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
