simple homemade cranberry sauce recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best simple homemade cranberry sauce recipe

I’ve been making this simple homemade cranberry sauce recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. I love how easy it is to make and how delicious it tastes.

The key to this recipe is using fresh or frozen cranberries, which are packed with antioxidants and flavor. I like to use a mixture of sweet and tart cranberries for the perfect balance of flavors.

My kids love helping me make this sauce, and it’s a great way to get them involved in cooking. This recipe is perfect for the holidays, but we also enjoy it throughout the year as a side dish or topping for yogurt or oatmeal.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s so versatile – you can adjust the amount of sugar to your taste, and you can even add in other ingredients like orange zest or cinnamon for extra flavor. I’ve made this recipe so many times that I’ve lost count, but it never gets old.

My family asks for it every year at Thanksgiving and Christmas, and I’m happy to oblige. The best part about this recipe is that it’s so easy to make ahead of time – just store it in the fridge for up to two weeks or freeze it for up to three months.

This recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and I’m sure it will be in yours too once you try it out.

Simple Homemade Cranberry Sauce

4.9 from 1547 votes

This simple homemade cranberry sauce recipe is a perfect blend of tart and sweet flavors. It pairs exceptionally well with roasted turkey and other holiday dishes.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 120 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

12 oz fresh cranberries
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup orange juice
1 tbsp orange zest
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, orange juice, orange zest, and cinnamon.
2Stir well to ensure the sugar is evenly distributed.
3Place the saucepan over medium heat.
4Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
5Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer.
6Continue to simmer the cranberry mixture for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7The cranberries will begin to pop and the sauce will thicken.
8Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
9Once the sauce has thickened and most of the cranberries have popped, remove the saucepan from the heat.
10Let the sauce cool to room temperature.
11Transfer the cooled cranberry sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve.
12The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.

🔧Equipment

Medium saucepan
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 120 kcal🧈Total Fat: 0g💛Saturated Fat: 0g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 5mg🌾Total Carbs: 30g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 25g🥩Protein: 0g

📝Notes

Tips: You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar. For a smoother sauce, you can mash some of the cranberries with a potato masher before serving.

This simple homemade cranberry sauce recipe is a staple in our household during the holidays and beyond. We love serving it alongside roasted meats or using it as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s so easy to make ahead of time – simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks or freeze it for up to three months. Whether you’re serving this sauce at a family gathering or just enjoying it on your own, I’m sure you’ll love its sweet and tangy flavor.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Sauce

Q: What is the origin of cranberry sauce?

Cranberry sauce has its roots in Native American cuisine, where cranberries were a staple food. Early European settlers adopted the practice of making cranberry sauce from the Native Americans.

Q: How long does cranberry sauce last in the fridge?

Homemade cranberry sauce will last in the fridge for up to two weeks if stored properly. Be sure to keep it in an airtight container and refrigerate at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below.

Q: Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries instead of fresh. In fact, frozen cranberries are often cheaper than fresh ones and still pack plenty of flavor.

Q: Can I adjust the amount of sugar in this recipe?

Yes, you can adjust the amount of sugar to your taste. If you prefer your cranberry sauce less sweet, reduce the amount of sugar accordingly.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks or freeze it for up to three months.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

Yes, this recipe is vegan-friendly as long as you use a vegan-friendly sweetener like maple syrup or coconut sugar.

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