Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Serving Size: 1/4 cup
• Number of Servings: 8

Ingredients

You only need a few pantry staples to create a sauce that tastes like you spent hours on it:

• 12 ounces of fresh or frozen cranberries

• 1 cup of granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup water

• 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best, but bottled works too!)

• 1 teaspoon of orange zest

• Optional: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm holiday touch

Instructions

Making this cranberry sauce is easier than you think. Here’s how you do it:

1. Mix it up: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, and orange juice. Give it a good stir to make sure the sugar starts dissolving.
2. Heat things up: Put the pan on medium heat and bring it to a boil. Once it starts bubbling, turn the heat down to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally.
3. Pop, pop, pop: You’ll notice the cranberries start to pop open as they cook. That’s exactly what you want! The sauce will start to thicken as the berries release their juices.
4. Add the finishing touches: Stir in the orange zest and, if you’d like, a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.
5. Cool it down: Remove the pan from the heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature. It will thicken even more as it cools.
6. Serve and enjoy: Transfer the sauce to a serving dish, and you’re ready to go! Whether it’s with turkey, ham, or just a spoon (no judgment), this sauce is a crowd-pleaser.

Tips for Success

• Taste and adjust: If you prefer your sauce less sweet, you can reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup or add a splash of maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness.
• Frozen cranberries work too: No need to defrost if you’re using frozen berries—just toss them straight into the saucepan.
• Add some crunch: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts after cooking for a fun texture boost.
• Make it ahead: This sauce tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it a day or two in advance and save yourself some holiday stress.

Creative Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some ideas to make this cranberry sauce your own:

• Spiced cranberry sauce: Add a cinnamon stick, cloves, or a star anise to the mix while it cooks for warm, cozy flavors.
• Make it boozy: Replace half the water with port wine or brandy for a grown-up twist.
• Berry medley: Toss in some fresh raspberries or blueberries for a unique flavor combination.
• Savory twist: Stir in fresh thyme or rosemary for a herbaceous flavor that pairs well with roast meats.

Serving Ideas

This cranberry sauce is versatile enough to go with so many dishes. Here are some ideas:

• Serve it with roast turkey or ham for a classic holiday meal.
• Spread it on leftover turkey sandwiches (it’s a game-changer!).
• Use it as a topping for baked brie or cream cheese for an easy appetizer.
• Stir it into yogurt or oatmeal for a festive breakfast treat.

FAQs About Cranberry Sauce

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh. No need to thaw them first.

How long will it keep?

Store your cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

What if it’s too thick?

If your sauce thickens more than you’d like, just stir in a little water or orange juice until it’s the consistency you want.

Can I make this without sugar?

Sure! Swap the sugar for honey, maple syrup, or your favorite sugar substitute to suit your needs.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just double all the ingredients and cook as directed. Perfect for feeding a crowd!