Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick, vibrant, and utterly delicious holiday staple, you can’t go wrong with this Easy Cranberry Sauce. Bursting with tart cranberries, bright orange, and just the right amount of sweetness, this homemade favorite is ready in just 20 minutes and always outshines anything from a can. Whether it’s gracing your Thanksgiving table or adding flair to a weeknight meal, this sauce is guaranteed to win hearts (and taste buds) with its jewel-like color and perfect balance of flavors.

Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Easy Cranberry Sauce lies in its simplicity—every ingredient has a purpose, bringing out the best in the cranberries and creating that irresistible, glossy finish. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some tips for getting the most out of each component.

  • Cranberries (12 oz, fresh or frozen): The star of the show, cranberries offer a delightful tartness and their signature deep red hue.
  • Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the sauce and balances the cranberries’ tart bite, turning them into a luscious treat.
  • Water (1/2 cup): Helps dissolve the sugar and soften the berries as they burst.
  • Orange Juice (1/2 cup): Adds a citrusy brightness that pairs beautifully with the cranberries.
  • Orange Zest (1 tsp): Intensifies the orange flavor and adds a hint of aromatic freshness.
  • Ground Cinnamon (1/2 tsp, optional): Brings a gentle warmth and cozy spice, especially lovely for holiday tables.
  • Pinch of Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sauce from tasting flat.

How to Make Easy Cranberry Sauce

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

Grab a medium saucepan and add your cranberries, sugar, water, and orange juice. Give everything a good stir to make sure the sugar starts dissolving and the berries are evenly coated. The vibrant red and orange colors will immediately signal that something delicious is about to happen.

Step 2: Cook Until Berries Burst

Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. You’ll hear the cranberries popping as they burst—this is where the magic happens! Keep stirring occasionally, and let the sauce bubble away for about 10 to 15 minutes, until it thickens up and most of the berries have broken down.

Step 3: Add the Final Flavors

Once your sauce has thickened, stir in the orange zest, cinnamon (if you’re using it), and a pinch of salt. These finishing touches layer in extra flavor and aroma, making your Easy Cranberry Sauce truly special. Remove from heat and let it cool—remember, the sauce will thicken even more as it cools.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Allow your cranberry sauce to come to room temperature, then transfer it to a serving dish or airtight container. You can serve it chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference. If you like a smoother sauce, use a potato masher to break down the berries more, or blend it once it’s cooled.

How to Serve Easy Cranberry Sauce

Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Give your Easy Cranberry Sauce a little extra sparkle by topping it with a twist of fresh orange zest, a few whole cranberries, or even a sprig of mint. These simple garnishes add color and a festive flair that make your sauce truly stand out on the table.

Side Dishes

This sauce isn’t just for turkey! Try it with roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or even spooned over a wheel of brie with crackers. It adds a pop of flavor and color to any savory dish, making it a versatile side you’ll want at every meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to have a little fun, layer Easy Cranberry Sauce in parfait glasses with Greek yogurt and granola for a festive breakfast, or swirl it into oatmeal for a holiday twist. It also makes a stunning topping for cheesecakes or ice cream—seriously, don’t be afraid to get creative!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Easy Cranberry Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to a week, and the flavors actually improve over time as they meld together.

Freezing

If you want to get ahead of the holiday rush, go ahead and freeze your sauce! Pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving a little space at the top for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

To serve your Easy Cranberry Sauce warm, simply transfer it to a saucepan and heat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired temperature. If it’s too thick after chilling or freezing, add a splash of water or orange juice to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh, and you don’t even need to thaw them first. Just add them straight to the pan and proceed as directed.

Is Easy Cranberry Sauce very tart?

This recipe strikes a lovely balance between tart and sweet, thanks to the sugar and orange juice. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can always add a bit more sugar to taste.

Can I make Easy Cranberry Sauce ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, making it a day or two ahead allows the flavors to meld and deepen. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

How can I make the sauce smoother?

For a smoother texture, simply mash the cranberries with a potato masher while they cook, or blend the sauce with an immersion blender after it’s cooled a bit.

What can I do with leftover Easy Cranberry Sauce?

Besides serving it with meats, try spreading it on sandwiches, stirring it into yogurt, or using it as a topping for pancakes and waffles. There’s almost no wrong way to enjoy it!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making Easy Cranberry Sauce from scratch, now is the perfect time to start. It’s so simple, so fresh, and so much better than anything from a can. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite at your table!

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Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 8 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This easy cranberry sauce recipe combines fresh or frozen cranberries with orange juice and zest for a bright, tangy flavor. Sweetened with sugar and subtly spiced with cinnamon, it’s a perfect, homemade side dish for Thanksgiving or any festive meal. Ready in just 20 minutes, this stovetop sauce is versatile and can be served chilled or at room temperature.


Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1 tsp orange zest
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
  • Pinch of salt


Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, and orange juice. Stir well to mix all ingredients thoroughly.
  2. Boil and Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
  3. Add Flavorings: Stir in the orange zest, ground cinnamon if using, and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor profile of the sauce.
  4. Cool the Sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the cranberry sauce to cool to room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
  5. Serve: Serve the cranberry sauce chilled or at room temperature as a delicious side to your meal.

Notes

  • For a smoother texture, mash the cranberries during cooking or blend the sauce after it has cooled.
  • This sauce can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 cup
  • Calories: 110
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 5 mg
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 0 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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