Cranberry Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cranberry sauce is simple to make yet full of bold, vibrant flavor. The tart cranberries balance perfectly with sweet sugar and citrus notes, creating a sauce that’s both refreshing and comforting. It’s a classic side that elevates turkey dinners, pairs beautifully with roasted meats, or even tastes delicious on toast and desserts.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Fresh cranberries

• Granulated sugar

• Water or orange juice

• Orange zest or lemon zest

• Optional: cinnamon stick or spices

• Optional: a pinch of salt

Directions

1. Rinse the fresh cranberries and discard any soft or damaged ones.

2. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and water (or orange juice).

3. Add citrus zest and a cinnamon stick if using for extra flavor.

4. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium‑high heat, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.

5. As the cranberries cook, they will begin to pop and release their juices — stir occasionally.

6. Simmer until most of the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.

7. Remove from heat and let the sauce cool; it will continue to thicken as it cools.

8. Remove the cinnamon stick before serving.

Servings and timing

Makes about 2–3 cups of cranberry sauce.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10–15 minutes
Total time: 15–20 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1–2 weeks. Cranberry sauce can be served cold or at room temperature — there’s no need to reheat. If you prefer it warm, briefly microwave or warm it gently on the stovetop before serving.

FAQs

What do fresh cranberries taste like?

Fresh cranberries are tart and slightly bitter, which is why they’re usually cooked with sugar to balance the flavor.

Can I make cranberry sauce ahead of time?

Yes — cranberry sauce can be made several days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes — frozen cranberries work just as well; there’s no need to thaw before cooking.

How thick should cranberry sauce be?

It should be thick enough to coat a spoon but still slightly saucy; it will thicken more as it cools.

Can I add spices?

Yes — cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves add warm, aromatic flavor to cranberry sauce.

Is this cranberry sauce sweet or tart?

It’s balanced, with both sweet and tart flavors. You can adjust sweetness by adding more or less sugar.

Can I use juice instead of water?

Yes — orange juice or apple juice adds extra flavor and sweetness.

How long does cranberry sauce last?

Stored in the fridge, it lasts about 1–2 weeks.

Can I freeze cranberry sauce?

Yes — freeze in a freezer‑safe container for up to 2–3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

What can I serve with cranberry sauce?

It’s classic with turkey or chicken, but also great on sandwiches, yogurt, oatmeal, or desserts.

Conclusion

Cranberry sauce is a bright, flavorful condiment that’s easy to make and versatile to serve. With its perfect balance of sweet and tart, it adds delicious, festive flair to holiday dinners and everyday meals alike. Enjoy it chilled or warmed, and customize the flavors to suit your taste.

---

Print