Classic Homemade Cranberry Sauce
This Classic Homemade Cranberry Sauce is a fresh, tangy, and sweet side dish made with cranberries, orange juice, and simple ingredients. Perfect for holiday meals, this easy cranberry sauce recipe is far better than store-bought and can be made ahead for convenience.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- Fresh or frozen cranberries
- Granulated sugar
- Orange juice
- Orange zest
- Water
- Cinnamon stick (optional)
- Vanilla extract (optional)
- Salt
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10–15 minutes until cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
- Stir in orange zest, cinnamon stick (if using), and a pinch of salt.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract if desired.
- Let cool to room temperature—the sauce will thicken as it cools.
- Remove cinnamon stick before serving.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
Cranberries naturally thicken due to their pectin—no need for additives.Adjust sugar to taste depending on preferred sweetness.Sauce thickens more as it chills.Great for making ahead—flavors improve over time.
Find it online: https://cookibly.com/classic-homemade-cranberry-sauce/
