EASIEST CRANBERRY SAUCE EVER

Are you ready to ditch the canned cranberry sauce forever? Seriously, once you taste this homemade version, you’ll never go back! We’re talking about the Best Cranberry Sauce-Quick & Easy! recipe, bursting with fresh, tart flavor that perfectly complements your holiday feast. Get ready to impress your guests (and yourself!) with a simple, delicious cranberry sauce that takes minutes to make.

Gathering Your Star Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create cranberry sauce magic:

Essential Ingredients:

• Fresh Cranberries: 12 ounces (about 3 cups), rinsed and picked over. They are the star!
• Granulated Sugar: 1 cup. Adjust to your taste.
• Water: 1 cup. The base for our sauce.

Flavor Boosters:

• Orange Zest: 1 teaspoon. Adds a bright citrusy note.
• Orange Juice: 1/4 cup. Complements the zest perfectly.
• Cinnamon Stick: 1 (optional). For a warm, comforting spice.
• Pinch of Salt: Enhances the flavors.

Step-by-Step to Cranberry Sauce Perfection

Let’s make this cranberry sauce. It’s truly easier than you think!

Cooking the Cranberry Sauce:

1. Combine the sugar and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved, creating a simple syrup.
2. Add the cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, cinnamon stick (if using), and a pinch of salt to the saucepan.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Don’t worry if it looks a little watery at first; it will thicken as it cools.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and discard the cinnamon stick.
5. Let the cranberry sauce cool completely. It will thicken further as it cools.

Why This Cranberry Sauce is the BEST

Okay, so what makes this cranberry sauce stand out from the crowd? It’s more than just the simple recipe. It’s about the fresh, vibrant flavor and the ease of preparation. But let’s break it down:

• Freshness Factor: Using fresh cranberries makes a HUGE difference. The flavor is brighter and more intense than anything you can get from a can.
• Customizable Sweetness: Taste the sauce as it cooks and adjust the sugar to your liking. Prefer a tart cranberry sauce? Reduce the sugar. Want it sweeter? Add a little more!
• The Orange Zest and Juice: These ingredients add a layer of complexity and brightness that balances the tartness of the cranberries perfectly.
• Quick and Easy: Seriously, it takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish. You can even make it a day or two ahead of time!

Troubleshooting Your Cranberry Sauce Adventure

Even the easiest recipes can sometimes have a few hiccups. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:

• Sauce is Too Tart: Add a tablespoon or two of sugar at a time, stirring and tasting until you reach your desired sweetness.
• Sauce is Too Thick: Add a tablespoon or two of water at a time, stirring until you reach your desired consistency.
• Sauce is Too Thin: Continue simmering the sauce for a few more minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens. Remember, it will thicken more as it cools.
• Cranberries Aren’t Bursting: Make sure your heat is high enough to bring the sauce to a simmer. Gently press down on some of the cranberries with the back of a spoon to help them burst.

Serving Suggestions: Beyond the Thanksgiving Table

Cranberry sauce isn’t just for Thanksgiving! Here are some creative ways to enjoy it year-round:

• With Roasted Meats: Cranberry sauce pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, pork, or duck.
• On Sandwiches: Spread cranberry sauce on turkey or ham sandwiches for a festive twist.
• As a Topping for Brie: Spoon cranberry sauce over a wheel of baked brie for an elegant appetizer.
• Mixed into Yogurt or Oatmeal: Add a spoonful of cranberry sauce to your morning yogurt or oatmeal for a burst of flavor.
• With Pancakes or Waffles: Use cranberry sauce as a topping for pancakes or waffles.

Storage Tips for Maximum Freshness

Proper storage will ensure your cranberry sauce stays delicious for days. Here’s what I recommend:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze cranberry sauce. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving a little headspace as it will expand when frozen. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Variations to Spice Things Up

Want to get a little creative with your cranberry sauce? Here are a few variations to try:

• Spicy Cranberry Sauce: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the sauce for a little heat. I also have a delicious CRANBERRY JALAPEÑO JAM that you might enjoy!
• Apple Cranberry Sauce: Add a diced apple (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) to the sauce for a sweeter, more complex flavor. It’s similar to the APPLE CRANBERRY SALAD, but in sauce form!
• Cranberry Walnut Sauce: Stir in some chopped walnuts or pecans after the sauce has cooled for added texture and flavor.
• Ginger Cranberry Sauce: Add a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger to the sauce for a warm, spicy kick.
• Maple Cranberry Sauce: Substitute maple syrup for some or all of the granulated sugar for a richer, more complex sweetness.

Cranberries and Complements: Side Dish Harmony

Speaking of complements, consider these other seasonal side dishes to round out your holiday meal. A bright and fresh AUTUMN APPLE SALAD adds a wonderful crunch and sweetness. Or, for a more substantial salad, try the FALL FRUIT SALAD, packed with seasonal goodness. These options provide a lovely contrast to the richness of the main course and the tartness of the cranberry sauce.

Enjoy Your Homemade Cranberry Sauce!

There you have it! The easiest, most delicious cranberry sauce recipe you’ll ever need. It’s so simple, so fresh, and so much better than anything you can buy in a can. So go ahead, impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. You’ve got this! Enjoy every tart and sweet bite!

Easiest Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Amelia Chen-Morrison

Ditch the canned stuff forever with this incredibly easy and delicious homemade cranberry sauce. Bursting with fresh, tart flavor and a hint of citrus, this recipe takes minutes to make and will impress your guests at any holiday feast.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Airtight container

Ingredients

  

• 12 ounces fresh cranberries, rinsed and picked over
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• ¼ cup orange juice
• 1 cinnamon stick optional
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

 

• Combine the sugar and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved, creating a simple syrup.
• Add the cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, cinnamon stick (if using), and a pinch of salt to the saucepan.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat and discard the cinnamon stick.
• Let the cranberry sauce cool completely. It will thicken further as it cools.

Notes

For a smoother sauce, use a potato masher to gently mash some of the cranberries while cooking. Taste and adjust the sugar level to your preference. Cranberry sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. If the sauce is too thick after refrigeration, stir in a tablespoon of water at a time until desired consistency is reached.