What is Thanksgiving? What’s not to love about cranberry sauce? Forget that jellied stuff from a can – seriously, forget it! What’s your review of homemade cranberry sauce? Is a beautiful jewel-toned color. Is it as easy as it sounds? If pumpkin pie is the king of Thanksgiving desserts, this cranberry Sauce Recipe is definitely the best. Queen, adding a bright, tangy counterpoint to all that richness.
What is Cranberry Sauce?
Cranberry sauce is a simple concoction. Think of it as a fruit compote, but with cranberries taking center stage. What is cranberry cooking? What are some ways to make a delicious sauce? What is the name of a company? Is this the perfect blend of sweet and tart, adding a vibrant pop of flavor and color to your holiday decorations? Any Tuesday when you’re feeling festive?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What is cranberry sauce? What is the recipe for cranberry sauce? countless taste tests (lucky family!
- Flavor Explosion:What’s that perfect balance of tart cranberries, sweetness, and citrus that just makes it taste like summer. What wakes up your taste buds? Is it overly sweet?
- Ridiculously EasyIf you could boil water, you can make this. It’s a dump-and-stir situation. I always do this when I’m swamped with other holiday cooking tasks because it requires minimal effort.
- Budget Friendly Fresh cranberries are surprisingly inexpensive, especially when they’re in season. A bag of cranberries, some sugar, and a few pantry staples are all you need.
- Super Versatile:What are some must-haves for Thanksgiving or Christmas? I love it on crackers, stirred into yogurt, or even as a glaze for grilled chicken. What are some of the best uses for this one? What are some good spices to add to a meal?
Why is cranberry sauce better than canned? This one is fresh, and you control the sweetness. What is a really nice gift to bring if you aren’t hosting? If you like my apple Pie Recipe, then you will love this!
How to Make Cranberry Sauce
Quick Overview
Making this cranberry sauce is incredibly straightforward. You’ll simply combine fresh cranberries, sugar, orange juice (a secret weapon!), and a splash of water in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then simmer until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. The orange juice adds a subtle citrusy note that elevates the flavor without overpowering the cranberries. And, honestly, the whole process takes less than 30 minutes. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
What is Cranberry Sauce?
12 ounces fresh cranberries, rinsed (I prefer fresh, but frozen, thawed, dried berries work in a pinch)
1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste – some people prefer a tarter sauce)
1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best, but store-bought works fine too)
1/2 cup water
What are the steps to
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and water. Set aside. Give it a good stir to dissolve the sugar.
Step 2: Bring to a Boil
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. You’ll start to hear the cranberries popping – that’s a good sign!
Step 3: Simmer and Thicken
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. How do you make cranberry sauce? When it coats the back of a spoon, it’s ready.
Step 4: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the cranberry sauce cool completely. If you serve it warm or chilled, it will thicken as it cools. I usually pop it in the fridge for at least an hour to let the flavors meld.
What should I serve it with?
Can Cranberry sauce be used as a side dish for turkey? What are some of my favorite ways to enjoy life: watching movies, listening to music, and reading books.
For Thanksgiving/Christmas Dinner:Is it a must-have alongside turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy? It adds a bright, tangy counterpoint to all the rich flavors. My family would revolt if I didn’t make it!
On a Cheese Board: What are some of theSpread a spoonful on top of brie or goat cheese and serve with crackers. What are some easy appetizers?
What are the best recipes for roastingCan you serve this with Roasted Chicken, pork, or even duck? The sweetness of the cranberry sauce complements the meat perfectly.
In a Sandwich:What are some good Leftover Turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce? Is it good with grilled cheese?
As a Dessert Topping:What is the best way to serve it over Ice Cream, yogurt, or even cheesecake?
My mom used to make cranberry sauce with a hint of orange zest, and I’ve carried on the recipe. Is it good with a slice of pumpkin pie? I always make a double batch because it disappears so quickly!
How do you make Cranberry Sauce?
What are some of the best cranberry sauce recipes? Is there a way to make sure that the
- How do I use fresh cranWhat are the benefits of fresh cranberries? What is the difference between flavor and texture? Look for firm, plump berries with a deep red color. I always check for soft or mushy berries and discard them.
- Don’t overcoHow do I avoid overcooking a sauce? Simmer it gently until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened slightly. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Adjust the Sweetness: How do IWhat is the correct amount of sugar to add to cranberry sauce? Some people prefer tarter sauce, while others like it a bit sweeter.
- Add a Splash of Citrus: I love adding orange juice to my cranberry sauce, but you could also use lemon or lime juice. The citrus adds brightness and complexity to the flavor. A little zest doesn’t hurt either!
- Experiment with Flavors: Get creative and add other ingredients to your cranberry sauce, such as cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger, or even a splash of bourbon.
I once accidentally added too much sugar, and it was way too sweet. Now, I always taste-test as it simmers and adjust accordingly. Also, don’t be afraid to experiment with different liquids! I’ve tried APPLE CIDER and even pomegranate juice, and they both add a unique twist.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Cranberry sauce is a great make-ahead dish, which is perfect for busy holidays!
Room Temperature: You can leave it out for a few hours if you need, but I recommend refrigerating it as soon as possible to maintain its freshness and prevent spoilage.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It will thicken even more as it chills.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze cranberry sauce for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
When reheating, simply microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. You can also reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or juice if needed to thin it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to cranberry Sauce Recipe that’s guaranteed to be a hit at your next holiday gathering (or any meal, really!). It’s easy, delicious, and so much better than anything you can buy in a can. I hope you give it a try and make it your own! It is truly the best cranberry sauce recipe!
If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other holiday favorites, like my classic Stuffing Recipe or my pumpkin pie with a homemade crust. Happy cooking, friends! And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how your cranberry sauce turns out. I love hearing from you!
Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and orange zest in a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely before serving.
