Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Flavored with zesty orange juice and a perfectly balanced sweetness, this homemade cranberry sauce is the ultimate addition to your holiday table. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a delightful side dish that pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, or even as a topping for desserts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: Uses just a handful of pantry staples.
Quick Prep: Only 5 minutes of hands-on work for a show-stopping side.
Perfect Balance: The tartness of cranberries blends seamlessly with the citrusy sweetness of orange juice.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be made days in advance, freeing up your time during holiday chaos.
Versatile: Works as a side, spread, or dessert topping.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups fresh cranberries
½ cup water
¼ cup orange juice
½ cup granulated sugar
Pinch of salt

Directions

Rinse cranberries thoroughly.
In a medium saucepan over high heat, combine water and orange juice. Bring to a boil.
Whisk in sugar and salt until fully dissolved.
Add cranberries to the pot and return the liquid to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 12 minutes, allowing the cranberries to burst.
Turn off the heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes 6 servings.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Spiced Cranberry Sauce: Add a cinnamon stick or a pinch of ground nutmeg during cooking for a warm, spiced flavor.
Maple-Orange Twist: Substitute maple syrup for half of the sugar for a richer sweetness.
Berry Medley: Mix in other berries like raspberries or blueberries for added texture and flavor.
Zesty Kick: Add orange zest for an extra citrus burst.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Freezer: Freeze in a resealable bag or airtight container for up to 1 month. When reheating, allow the sauce to simmer for 5-6 minutes to thicken.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet or saucepan over medium heat until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. No need to thaw; simply add them directly to the boiling liquid.

2. Can I reduce the sugar?

Absolutely. Adjust the sugar to your taste, keeping in mind it will affect the tartness.

3. What can I use instead of orange juice?

Apple cider or pomegranate juice are great alternatives for a different flavor profile.

4. How can I thicken my cranberry sauce?

Let it simmer a bit longer, stirring occasionally. The natural pectin in cranberries helps thicken the sauce as it cools.

5. Can I make this in advance?

Yes, it can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

6. Can I double the recipe?

Certainly! Just ensure your saucepan is large enough to accommodate the extra volume.

7. Why is my cranberry sauce too thick?

If it thickens too much, stir in a tablespoon of water or orange juice at a time while reheating.

8. Can I make this recipe sugar-free?

Yes, use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia. Adjust to taste.

9. What can I serve cranberry sauce with?

It pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, pork, chicken, or as a topping for toast, pancakes, or cheesecake.

10. Is cranberry sauce gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Conclusion

Homemade cranberry sauce is a simple yet impressive addition to any holiday meal. Its vibrant color and tangy-sweet flavor make it a must-have side dish that can be prepared ahead of time. Whether you’re serving it alongside a Thanksgiving turkey or using it as a dessert topping, this recipe is sure to delight your guests and become a seasonal favorite. Give it a try, and let the festive flavors shine!