Name: Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup water; ½ cup orange juice (optional); 16 oz fresh cranberries; 1 teaspoon orange zest; ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 cinnamon stick or a pinch of ground cinnamon or cloves; Orange peel or splash of wine or rum; 1 split vanilla bean

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Let’s talk about one of the most delicious and underrated dishes you can make during the holiday season—Homemade Cranberry Sauce! I know what you’re thinking—cranberry sauce? But trust me, once you make it from scratch, you’ll never go back to the canned version again. The tartness of the cranberries, the sweetness of the sugar, and the zesty touch of orange come together in a sauce that’s the perfect complement to turkey, stuffing, or anything else on your holiday plate. Plus, it’s so easy to make and will leave your kitchen smelling amazing! Get ready to wow your guests with this homemade delight.

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Why You’ll Love Homemade Cranberry Sauce

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a family holiday gathering, a cozy dinner with friends, or just treating yourself to a little something special, this cranberry sauce is guaranteed to elevate the meal. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for the holidays but can be enjoyed any time of the year. Imagine it on Thanksgiving, served with roasted meats or even a creamy brie cheese. It’s a game-changer.

Budget-Friendly: Made with basic ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. No need to splurge on anything fancy here—just a few simple ingredients that transform into something extraordinary.

Quick and Easy: You don’t need to be a master chef to make this sauce. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a beautiful, homemade cranberry sauce that will impress everyone at the table.

Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness or spice level to suit your taste. Add a cinnamon stick for warmth, a splash of vanilla for richness, or even a dash of ginger for a little extra kick.

Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for holiday meals, this sauce is sure to be a crowd favorite. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart, and everyone will be asking for the recipe.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this homemade cranberry sauce. It’s simple, yet so flavorful:

Fresh Cranberries: The star of the show! Fresh cranberries provide the tartness and vibrant color that make this sauce so irresistible.

Sugar: A little sweetness goes a long way in balancing the tartness of the cranberries.

Water: Helps cook down the cranberries and create that perfect, saucy texture.

Orange Juice: The bright, citrusy flavor of orange really brings this sauce to life. It adds a refreshing twist that complements the cranberries beautifully.

Orange Zest: A little extra burst of citrus flavor to take the sauce to the next level.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this delicious cranberry sauce:

Cook the Cranberries: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, water, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally as the cranberries begin to pop and release their juices.

Add Orange Juice and Zest: Once the cranberries have started to pop, reduce the heat and stir in the fresh orange juice and orange zest. This will give the sauce a beautiful, bright flavor that takes it to a whole new level.

Simmer to Thicken: Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. You’ll notice that the cranberries break down, and the sauce becomes glossy and thickened.

Cool and Serve: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature. It will thicken further as it cools. Once it’s cooled, it’s ready to serve! You can even refrigerate it for a few hours to let the flavors meld together before serving.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve this homemade cranberry sauce with your favorite holiday dishes. It’s great with turkey, roast pork, or even as a topping for desserts like cheesecake!

How to Serve Homemade Cranberry Sauce

This cranberry sauce pairs beautifully with many dishes and is the perfect accompaniment to any meal. Here are a few serving suggestions to bring out the best in your cranberry sauce:

Holiday Dinners: Serve alongside roasted turkey, stuffing, or ham. It’s the perfect contrast to savory dishes.

With Cheese: Cranberry sauce is an excellent topping for cheese boards, especially when paired with brie or goat cheese.

Breakfast: Spoon some over your morning oatmeal or spread it on toast for a festive twist.

Desserts: Use cranberry sauce as a topping for desserts like cheesecake, yogurt, or vanilla ice cream for a refreshing, tangy kick.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to make this recipe even better:

Prep Ahead: Make this cranberry sauce the day before your holiday meal. It stores well in the fridge and can be served cold or at room temperature.

Spice It Up: Add a cinnamon stick, a couple of cloves, or a pinch of ground ginger for extra warmth and spice.

Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar depending on your personal preference. You can even swap the sugar for honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness.

Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
A1: Yes, you can! Frozen cranberries work just as well. Just make sure to thaw them before using.

Q2: Can I make this cranberry sauce in advance?
A2: Absolutely! This sauce actually tastes better when made a day or two ahead. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

Q3: How long will leftovers last?
A3: Leftovers will last in the fridge for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

Q4: Can I add other fruits to this cranberry sauce?
A4: Yes, feel free to add in other fruits like pears, apples, or even a handful of raisins for extra flavor and texture.

Q5: Can I use a sweetener other than sugar?
A5: Absolutely! You can substitute sugar with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute like stevia, depending on your preference.

Q6: How do I store leftover cranberry sauce?
A6: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It’s also freezer-friendly for up to 3 months.

Q7: Can I add nuts to the cranberry sauce?
A7: Yes, adding chopped walnuts or pecans would be a great way to add some texture and a nutty flavor.

Q8: Can I make cranberry sauce without orange juice?
A8: Yes! You can skip the orange juice and zest and use a little lemon juice for a more tart flavor. The sauce will still be delicious.

Q9: Can I make this sugar-free?
A9: Yes, you can substitute sugar with a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit. Just make sure to taste as you go to get the right sweetness.

Q10: Can I make cranberry sauce with other citrus fruits?
A10: Yes! You can experiment with lemon or lime for a different citrus twist. They’ll give the sauce a refreshing flavor.

Conclusion

Homemade cranberry sauce is one of those simple dishes that transforms any meal into something special. It’s easy, customizable, and full of vibrant flavor that’s perfect for holiday feasts or any occasion. Once you make this from scratch, you’ll never want to go back to the canned stuff again. So grab your cranberries and get cooking—you’re going to love this one!

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Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Description

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition