Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce | YumAndJoy

Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Elevate your holiday meals with this quick and easy homemade cranberry sauce! Infused with fresh orange juice for a zesty twist, this vibrant sauce strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tart. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a must-have addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Ingredients: Only five pantry staples are needed for this classic dish.
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under half an hour with minimal prep.
  • Perfect Balance: Sweet, tart, and slightly citrusy for a crowd-pleasing flavor.
  • Versatile: Pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, or even desserts.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.

Ingredients

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

  • 2 cups fresh cranberries (washed and dried)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 orange)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Pinch of salt

Directions

  1. Combine Ingredients:
    • In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, water, and salt. Stir to mix.
  2. Cook the Sauce:
    • Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer, stirring occasionally.
  3. Burst the Cranberries:
    • Cook for 10–15 minutes, or until most of the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened. Use the back of a spoon to mash some cranberries for a smoother texture, or leave them whole for a chunkier sauce.
  4. Cool the Sauce:
    • Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
  5. Serve or Store:
    • Transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving bowl and enjoy immediately, or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to a week.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 6
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

  • Cinnamon-Spiced: Add a cinnamon stick or 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon for a warm, festive flavor.
  • Berry Blend: Mix in raspberries or blueberries for a unique twist.
  • Alcohol-Infused: Replace 2 tbsp of water with red wine or Grand Marnier for an adult-friendly version.
  • Maple Sweetened: Swap sugar with maple syrup for a natural sweetness.
  • Zest It Up: Add orange zest or lemon zest for an extra citrusy kick.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
  • Freezing: Freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
  • Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, frozen cranberries work perfectly. No need to thaw them—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

2. Can I make this sauce sugar-free?

You can use a sugar substitute like stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol for a sugar-free option.

3. How do I know when the sauce is done?

The sauce is ready when most of the cranberries have burst, and the mixture has thickened. It will thicken further as it cools.

4. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Simply double all the ingredients and use a larger saucepan.

5. What if my sauce is too thick?

Stir in a bit of water or orange juice to reach your desired consistency.

6. Can I add nuts to the sauce?

Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans make a delicious addition. Stir them in after the sauce has cooled.

7. What’s the best way to serve cranberry sauce?

Serve it chilled or at room temperature alongside turkey, ham, or as a topping for desserts like cheesecake or ice cream.

8. Can I add spices besides cinnamon?

Yes, try cloves, nutmeg, or allspice for a warm, spiced flavor profile.

9. What if I want it less tart?

Add a bit more sugar or honey to balance out the tartness.

10. Can I use bottled orange juice?

Fresh orange juice is best for flavor, but bottled juice works in a pinch.

Conclusion

This easy homemade cranberry sauce is a classic holiday staple that’s simple to prepare and packed with fresh, vibrant flavors. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or Christmas, this quick recipe will elevate your meal and leave your guests raving. Try it today and savor the perfect blend of sweet and tart in every bite!

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Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce


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  • Author: asma
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Elevate your holiday table with this simple yet flavorful homemade cranberry sauce! Made with fresh cranberries, orange juice, and just the right amount of sweetness, it’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive occasion.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Produce:

  • 2 cups fresh cranberries

Baking & Spices:

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 pinch of salt

Drinks:

  • 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)

Liquids:

  • 1/2 cup water

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients:

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, water, and a pinch of salt. Stir to mix.

2. Cook the Sauce:

  1. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.

3. Simmer:

  1. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries start to pop and the sauce thickens. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

4. Cool and Serve:

  1. Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature. It will thicken further as it cools.
  2. Transfer to a serving dish and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Make Ahead: This sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • Optional Add-Ins: Add a cinnamon stick, a pinch of nutmeg, or orange zest while cooking for extra flavor.
  • Sweetness Adjustment: For a sweeter sauce, add an extra 1-2 tablespoons of sugar. For a tart flavor, reduce the sugar slightly.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
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