If you’re looking to brighten up your holiday table with a classic touch, this Cranberry Sauce Recipe is your new best friend. It’s bursting with fresh, tangy cranberries perfectly balanced by the natural sweetness of orange juice and just the right hint of warm spices. Whether you’re a seasoned cranberry fan or someone eager to try making your own sauce from scratch, this recipe is so straightforward that you’ll wonder why you ever settled for store-bought. It’s vibrant, flavorful, and absolutely essential for making your festive meals unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together beautifully in this Cranberry Sauce Recipe, each playing a vital role in achieving that perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the tang of fresh cranberries to the gentle warmth of cinnamon, every element is thoughtfully chosen to create a delightful sauce that’s as pretty to look at as it is delicious to eat.
- ½ cup water: The base liquid that helps soften the cranberries and dissolve the sugar evenly.
- ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice: Adds a bright citrus flavor that complements the tart berries perfectly.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the sauce just enough without overpowering the natural tartness; add ¼ cup more if you prefer it sweeter.
- 12 oz. cranberries (fresh or frozen): The star of the show, delivering that signature tang and vibrant color.
- 2 strips orange zest (optional): Infuse subtle citrus aroma and extra depth of flavor.
- 1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick (optional): Provides a touch of warm spice that elevates the sauce to something special.
- â…› tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
How to Make Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Simmer the Base
Start by combining the water, freshly squeezed orange juice, and granulated sugar in a medium saucepan. Gently bring it to a simmer over medium heat, allowing the sugar to dissolve completely and infusing the liquid with that lovely citrus sweetness that forms the foundation of our cranberry sauce recipe.
Step 2: Cook the Cranberries
Next, stir in the cranberries along with the optional orange zest and cinnamon stick, plus a pinch of kosher salt. Bring the mixture back to a simmer, and cook it while stirring and mashing the berries occasionally. You’ll see the cranberries burst and the sauce start to thicken beautifully. Keep in mind, it will thicken further as it cools, so don’t worry if it looks a bit loose while cooking.
Step 3: Chill and Set
Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the cinnamon stick and orange zest strips. Transfer the sauce to a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and chill until you’re ready to serve. Trust me, the flavors meld even better after a little time in the fridge!
How to Serve Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some fresh orange zest or a few whole cranberries on top to make the sauce pop visually and add an extra hint of freshness. A small sprig of rosemary can also add a lovely herbal aroma and festive touch.
Side Dishes
This cranberry sauce pairs wonderfully with traditional roasted turkey or chicken, making your holiday meal festive and flavorful. It also works beautifully alongside ham, pork chops, or even creamy mashed potatoes for an exciting twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the cranberry sauce in a pretty glass bowl or a festive dish surrounded by orange slices or cinnamon sticks. You could also dollop it over vanilla yogurt or swirl it into oatmeal for a burst of holiday cheer at breakfast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cranberry sauce keeps well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This makes it a handy make-ahead addition to any meal without losing its bright, fresh flavor.
Freezing
If you want to keep your cranberry sauce longer, freezing is a great option. Simply place it in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion, and it will stay fresh for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
Although this cranberry sauce is delicious cold or at room temperature, you can gently warm it on the stovetop if you prefer. Just heat it slowly over low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through but not boiled, to preserve its fresh taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I make this cranberry sauce recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a day or two in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste. Just keep it chilled until serving.
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cranberries work perfectly and there’s no need to thaw them before using. They behave just like fresh ones in this recipe.
My sauce is too tart; how can I fix that?
If your sauce tastes too tart, simply stir in a little more sugar to balance the flavor to your liking. The recipe’s flexibility lets you tweak sweetness easily.
What if I don’t have orange juice on hand?
Freshly squeezed orange juice adds brightness and sweetness, but if you don’t have it, apple juice or water with a splash of lemon juice can be a good substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Can I skip the cinnamon stick and orange zest?
Certainly! The cinnamon stick and orange zest are optional but highly recommended since they add wonderful warmth and citrus notes. Without them, the sauce will still be tasty, just a bit simpler.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting about making your own cranberry sauce, and this Cranberry Sauce Recipe makes it so approachable and delicious that it’s sure to become a family favorite. From its bright, fresh flavor to the cozy hint of spice, it complements so many dishes and occasions. Next time you’re planning a holiday feast or just want to add a burst of flavor to your meal, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!
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Cranberry Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic cranberry sauce recipe combines fresh or frozen cranberries with orange juice, a hint of cinnamon, and sugar to create a tangy-sweet condiment perfect for holiday meals or any occasion. It’s quick and easy to prepare, thickening to the ideal consistency as it cools, and adds vibrant color and flavor to your dishes.
Ingredients
Liquid Ingredients
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice (from 2 oranges)
Sweetener
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (add ¼ cup more if you prefer it sweeter)
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz. cranberries (fresh or frozen, if using frozen, no need to thaw)
Optional Flavorings
- 2 strips orange zest (optional)
- 1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick (optional)
Seasoning
- â…› tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- Simmer liquids and sugar: In a medium saucepan, combine water, freshly squeezed orange juice, and granulated sugar. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar completely.
- Add cranberries and flavorings: Stir in the cranberries, orange zest strips, cinnamon stick if using, and kosher salt. Return the mixture to a simmer. Cook the sauce, stirring occasionally and mashing some cranberries with the back of your spoon. Continue until the sauce thickens and most berries have burst, usually about 10 minutes. Note that the sauce will thicken further as it cools.
- Strain and chill: Remove and discard the cinnamon stick and orange zest strips. Transfer the cranberry sauce to a bowl, cover it, and refrigerate until chilled and ready to serve. The sauce can be made ahead and kept refrigerated for several days.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding an extra ¼ cup of sugar if desired.
- Using frozen cranberries is convenient as they can be added directly without thawing.
- The sauce thickens more as it cools, so avoid overcooking for a perfect texture.
- For a smoother sauce, you can blend it slightly after cooking.
- This sauce pairs excellently with turkey, chicken, or even as a topping for desserts.
