Best Homemade Cranberry Sauce (Easy to Make Recipe)
Looking for the perfect Cranberry Sauce? This. Is. It! This easy recipe not only bursts with the fresh flavors of cranberries and orange but is also perfect for any celebration, be it Thanksgiving or a cozy Sunday Brunch. Once you try it, you’ll want it all year round!
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Why You Will Love Making This Cranberry Sauce Recipe
- There’s a huge difference between the canned cranberry sauce and homemade. When you make cranberry sauce at home, you get to experience the rich, natural flavors without any added preservatives or artificial sweetness that you’ll find in the canned stuff. Plus, there’s an unbeatable sense of pride in knowing you’ve crafted this delicious dish from scratch!
- For those of us who aren’t seasoned chefs, the idea of cooking from scratch can be daunting. Here’s some good news: Our classic cranberry sauce recipe is not only a simple recipe, but also a quick one. With just a handful of ingredients and a medium saucepan, you’ll have a delectable cranberry dish ready in no time. Holiday cooking has never been this stress-free: You can even make this cranberry sauce ahead of time!
- While cranberry sauce is a Thanksgiving dinner and holiday meal staple, don’t limit it to just that. This recipe, with its delightful combination of cranberries and fresh squeezed OJ, can be a delightful addition to sandwiches, desserts, and more. Think of it as a sweet, tangy spread that adds flavor to many dishes.
- Fresh cranberries are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making them a superfood in many eyes. By choosing to go with a fresh cranberry sauce, you’re adding a nutritious twist to your meals. What’s more, when you make it at home, you can control the amount of sugar, so it’s just the right amount of sweetness for your taste buds without overdoing it.
- We’ve all had those recipes that are a hit from the first try – and this is one of them! Once you’ve made this cranberry sauce, it’s bound to become a “keeper recipe” in your collection, especially for the holiday season. Your family will love it, and you might just become the designated cranberry sauce maker for every gathering!
Ingredients you’ll need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make The BEST Cranberry Sauce with Step-by-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Heating Up the Magic Mixture
Grab your medium saucepan and place it over medium heat. Combine the water, fresh orange juice (remember to zest the orange first!), and sugar.
Now, bring it to a boil, as this is where the transformation begins.
Introducing the Cranberries
Once your orange mixture is bubbling away, it’s time to add cranberries. Stir in the orange zest and that pinch of kosher salt.
Bring everything back to a boil, and then reduce the heat. Keep it at a gentle boil for about 10 minutes.
This is where the cranberries will burst open, releasing their natural pectin and beginning to thicken the sauce.
Finishing Touches
After the cranberries have burst open, take the saucepan off the heat.
Add the vanilla extract and give it a good stir. If you prefer a smoother consistency, mash the cranberries with the back of a fork or leave them as is for a chunkier texture.
Your cranberry sauce will thicken as it cools, so don’t be alarmed if it seems a tad runny.
Serving and Savoring
Pour your freshly made sauce into a serving bowl, allowing it to cool completely.
This sauce is versatile; it can be served warm, at room temperature, or even a little chilled based on your preference.
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
- Sugar: One of the great things about making your own sauce at home is the ability to control its sweetness. While the recipe calls for a certain amount of sugar, feel free to adjust according to your preference. Some like their sauce on the tangier side, using less sugar, while others have a sweet tooth. Remember, taste as you go and adjust accordingly!
- Boosting the Flavor: For an added flavor kick, consider introducing other spices or ingredients. A cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice can bring a warm, spiced note to your sauce. And if you’re feeling particularly fancy, a splash of Grand Marnier can elevate the sauce to gourmet levels!
- Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: While we love using fresh ingredients whenever possible, frozen cranberries can be just as good, especially when fresh ones are out of season or hard to find. If you’re opting for frozen, no need to thaw them overnight. Toss them straight into the boiling mixture, and they’ll work their magic!
- My Sauce Hasn’t Thickened: If you find your cranberry sauce a bit runnier than expected, don’t fret. Cranberries have natural pectin, which helps the sauce thicken as it cools. So, give it some time, and you’ll see it reach that perfect consistency.
- My Sauce is Too Thick: If this happens, simply heat your sauce on low and add a splash of water or orange juice until you reach your desired consistency.
- Texture: Homemade cranberry sauce can be served chunky, where the berries are whole, or smooth, where the berries are mashed or blended. This is entirely up to personal preference. If you’re serving a crowd, why not make a batch of each?
- Cooking Time Matters: The 10-minute boiling time is essential as it ensures all the cranberries burst and release their natural flavors. But be wary of overcooking; it might lead to a slightly bitter aftertaste. Keep an eye on your sauce, stirring occasionally, to make sure it’s just right.
- Can I use a sweetener other than sugar for my cranberry sauce? Absolutely! If you’re looking to cut down on sugar or prefer natural alternatives, swap it for maple syrup, agave nectar, or even honey. Adjust to taste, keeping in mind that some sweeteners may be sweeter than regular sugar.
- Can I make my cranberry sauce more citrusy? To add an extra citrus punch, increase the amount of orange zest or squeeze in more fresh orange juice. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for a zesty twist.
How to Store Leftover Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce keeps really well, making it a perfect for meal prep Thanksgiving recipe.
Airtight Containers are Best
To keep it fresh, always store your homemade cranberry sauce in an airtight container. If you’re planning to enjoy it within a few days, the fridge is your best bet.
Kept cold, your cranberry sauce will stay fresh and delicious for up to two weeks.
Freezing for Longer Shelf Life
If you’ve made a big batch and realize there’s no way you’ll finish it in two weeks (though, trust us, it’s tempting), try freezing it.
Properly stored in a freezer-friendly container or freezer bag, cranberry sauce can last up to three months.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Reheating: Gentle is the Way to Go
If you’re someone who prefers their cranberry orange sauce warm, reheat it gently in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Be careful not to boil or overheat, as this can alter the sauce’s flavor and consistency.
What to Serve with Cranberry Sauce
You don’t just have to serve cranberry sauce with your Thanksgiving feast; you can get creative with it.
Delightful on Desserts
While cranberry sauce is a classic feature on your Thanksgiving table, its sweet and tangy flavors make it a fantastic topping for various desserts.
Spoon some over a slice of air fryer cheesecake or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ll see what we mean.
If you’re in the mood to experiment, swirl it into your yogurt or oatmeal for a fruity twist!
Boost Your Bread Spread
We can’t help but mention the joy of slathering cranberry sauce on freshly toasted bread or even pancakes and waffles.
And if you’re whipping up some vegan ham sandwiches, a smear of cranberry sauce can add a delightful sweet contrast to your savory fillings.
A Side for Savory Dishes
Cranberry sauce can also be served as a tangy relish alongside vegetarian dishes like stuffed bell peppers, vegetarian nut loaf, or even a lentil loaf.
The contrast of the sweet-tart cranberry with savory dishes elevates the overall dining experience.
More Thanksgiving Recipes For You To Try
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
- Sweet Potato Casserole
- Air Fryer Vegan Ham
- Pecan Pie Cheesecake
Best Homemade Cranberry Sauce (Easy to Make Recipe)
Ingredients
For the Cranberry Sauce
- ½ cup Water
- ½ cup Fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp Sugar
- 12 oz Cranberries fresh or frozen
- Orange Zest of one orange
- 1 pinch Salt
- ½ tsp Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Over high heat, bring a pan of water, orange juice, and sugar to a boil. Add the cranberries, orange zest, and salt, return to a boil, and then lower the heat to a gentle boil until the cranberries have burst open approximately 10 minutes.½ cup Water, 2 tbsp Sugar, 12 oz Cranberries, Orange Zest, 1 pinch Salt
- Remove from the heat, add vanilla extract, and stir to combine. If preferred, mash the cranberries with the back of a fork until you get your desired consistency. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.½ tsp Vanilla extract
Notes
- Sugar: While the recipe calls for a certain amount of sugar, feel free to adjust according to your preference. If you’re looking to cut down on sugar or prefer natural alternatives, swap it for maple syrup, agave nectar, or even honey. Adjust to taste, keeping in mind that some sweeteners may be sweeter than regular sugar.
- Boosting the Flavor: For an added flavor kick, consider introducing other spices or ingredients. A cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice can bring a warm, spiced note to your sauce. And if you’re feeling particularly fancy, a splash of Grand Marnier can elevate the sauce to gourmet levels!
- Can I make my cranberry sauce more citrusy? To add an extra citrus punch, increase the amount of orange zest or squeeze in more fresh orange juice. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for a zesty twist.
- Frozen Cranberries: If you’re opting for frozen, no need to thaw them overnight. Toss them straight into the boiling mixture, and they’ll work their magic!
- My Sauce Hasn’t Thickened: If you find your cranberry sauce a bit runnier than expected, don’t fret. Cranberries have natural pectin, which helps the sauce thicken as it cools. So, give it some time, and you’ll see it reach that perfect consistency.
- My Sauce is Too Thick: If this happens, simply heat your sauce on low and add a splash of water or orange juice until you reach your desired consistency.
- Texture: Homemade cranberry sauce can be served chunky, where the berries are whole, or smooth, where the berries are mashed or blended. This is entirely up to personal preference.
- Storage: Store any leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: Cranberry sauce is great for freezing! It keeps well in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat it gently in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to boil or overheat, as this can alter the sauce’s flavor and consistency.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
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