This Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe is the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving or holiday table. Made with fresh cranberries, sugar, and orange juice, it’s tangy, sweet, and incredibly easy to prepare. Say goodbye to canned cranberry sauce and hello to this vibrant, flavorful version that comes together in just 20 minutes.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 10
Key Ingredients for Classic Cranberry Sauce
This recipe combines fresh, wholesome ingredients for a sauce that’s bursting with flavor:
- Fresh Cranberries: Opt for firm, plump cranberries for the best texture and taste. They provide the tangy base of the sauce.
- White Sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness to balance the cranberries’ natural tartness.
- Orange Juice: Enhances the flavor with a bright citrus note and acts as the liquid base for cooking. You can substitute with pomegranate juice or red wine for a twist.
Step-by-Step Directions for Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect cranberry sauce:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Gather the fresh cranberries, sugar, and orange juice. Wash the cranberries thoroughly and discard any that are soft or discolored.
Step 2: Dissolve Sugar in Orange Juice
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange juice and sugar. Stir frequently until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Step 3: Cook the Cranberries
Add the cranberries to the saucepan. Stir occasionally and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the cranberries start to pop and release their juices.
Step 4: Cool the Sauce
Remove the saucepan from heat and transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving bowl. Allow it to cool completely. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the cranberry sauce chilled, at room temperature, or slightly warmed. Pair it with roasted turkey, ham, or your favorite holiday dishes.
Tips for the Best Homemade Cranberry Sauce
- Don’t skip the cooling time: The sauce thickens significantly as it cools, so don’t worry if it looks a bit thin while warm.
- Adjust sweetness to taste: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add an extra 1-2 tablespoons of sugar. For a more tart flavor, reduce the sugar slightly.
- Enhance with add-ins: Add orange zest, cinnamon, or a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- Make it ahead: Prepare the sauce up to 5 days in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to serve.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes! Frozen cranberries work perfectly for this recipe. No need to thaw them—just add directly to the saucepan.
How do I store cranberry sauce?
Store cooled cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
Can I freeze cranberry sauce?
Absolutely! Freeze in zip-top freezer bags or airtight containers for up to 1 year. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Can I make this recipe sugar-free?
Yes! Substitute sugar with a natural sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute. Adjust to taste as these may vary in sweetness.
What can I serve cranberry sauce with?
Pair it with classic holiday dishes like turkey, ham, stuffing, or even as a spread on sandwiches and baked goods.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 95
- Total Fat: 0g (0% DV)
- Sodium: 1mg (0% DV)
- Total Carbohydrates: 24g (9% DV)
- Dietary Fiber: 2g (5% DV)
- Total Sugars: 21g
- Protein: 0g (1% DV)
- Vitamin C: 15mg (17% DV)
- Calcium: 5mg (0% DV)
- Iron: 0mg (1% DV)
- Potassium: 71mg (2% DV)
Conclusion
This Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe is a fresh and flavorful upgrade from canned options. With just three ingredients and 20 minutes of your time, you can create a vibrant, tangy, and sweet sauce that complements any holiday meal. It’s easy to make ahead, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Try it this Thanksgiving and make it a permanent part of your holiday tradition!