Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Cranberry sauce is a classic dish often associated with holiday meals, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. This Easy Cranberry Sauce recipe is a quick and straightforward way to make fresh, tangy, and sweet cranberry sauce that will elevate any meal. With just three simple ingredients—fresh cranberries, sugar, and water—you can prepare a homemade cranberry sauce that tastes far superior to the canned version.

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to add a burst of color and flavor to their holiday spread without spending hours in the kitchen. It only takes 15 minutes to prepare and can easily be made ahead of time, allowing you to focus on other parts of your meal. Whether you serve it with turkey, roast pork, or even as a spread for sandwiches, this homemade cranberry sauce will surely become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Simple

With just a handful of ingredients and only 15 minutes of cooking time, this cranberry sauce is incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy holiday meals.

2. Fresh and Flavorful

Unlike canned versions, this cranberry sauce is made with fresh cranberries, resulting in a burst of natural flavor and a delightful balance of tartness and sweetness.

3. Versatile

Cranberry sauce pairs well with a variety of dishes, from turkey and roast meats to stuffing and mashed potatoes. It can also be used as a spread on toast or as a topping for desserts.

4. Customizable

Feel free to experiment with different flavorings, like orange zest, cinnamon, or vanilla, to give your cranberry sauce a personal twist.

5. Make Ahead Friendly

This cranberry sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge, saving you time on the big day.

Ingredients

• Fresh cranberries
• Sugar
• Water

Variations

• Orange Zest: Add a teaspoon of fresh orange zest for a citrusy twist.
• Spiced Cranberry Sauce: Stir in a pinch of cinnamon or a few whole cloves for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Maple Syrup: Swap the sugar for maple syrup for a more natural sweetness and a subtle depth of flavor.
• Ginger: Add a small amount of grated fresh ginger to the sauce for a zingy, aromatic kick.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

In a saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, sugar, and water.

Step 2: Boil the Mixture

Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir occasionally to dissolve the sugar.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cranberries will pop and the sauce will begin to thicken.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Remove the saucepan from heat and let the cranberry sauce cool before serving. It will continue to thicken as it cools.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Watch the Cranberries Pop: As the cranberries cook, they will pop and break down. Stir occasionally to make sure everything cooks evenly.
• Thickening: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Sweetness Level: Taste the sauce before removing it from the heat. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more sugar to your taste.

How to Serve

Serve this cranberry sauce chilled or at room temperature as a topping for roast turkey, chicken, pork, or even on sandwiches. It’s a perfect accompaniment to your holiday dinner table or as a side dish for any occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The sauce can also be frozen for up to three months.

Freezing

To freeze, let the sauce cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

Cranberry sauce can be served cold, at room temperature, or gently reheated on the stovetop over low heat if you prefer it warm.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh cranberries in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking.

2. Can I adjust the sweetness of the cranberry sauce?

Absolutely! You can adjust the amount of sugar to make the sauce sweeter or less sweet, depending on your preference.

3. How long can I store cranberry sauce?

Cranberry sauce will keep in the refrigerator for up to one week or can be frozen for up to three months.

4. Can I make cranberry sauce with other sweeteners?

Yes, you can use alternatives like honey, agave syrup, or maple syrup to replace the sugar for a different flavor profile.

5. Can I add alcohol to the sauce?

Yes, you can add a splash of port, brandy, or rum for a richer flavor if desired.

6. How can I thicken cranberry sauce?

If you want a thicker sauce, simply simmer it for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.

7. Can I add orange juice to the cranberry sauce?

Yes, you can replace some of the water with fresh orange juice for a citrusy flavor boost.

8. Can I use this cranberry sauce as a topping for desserts?

Yes, this sauce works wonderfully as a topping for cheesecakes, ice cream, or yogurt.

9. Is cranberry sauce a healthy option?

Yes, this cranberry sauce is a healthier alternative to canned versions, as it contains natural ingredients and can be customized with alternative sweeteners.

10. Can I make a large batch of cranberry sauce?

Yes, simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need and follow the same steps.

Conclusion

This Easy Cranberry Sauce is a quick and effortless way to bring a burst of flavor to your holiday meals. With just a few ingredients and minimal cooking time, you can create a fresh, tangy sauce that will complement turkey, chicken, pork, and even desserts. Whether you make it ahead of time or prepare it on the spot, this simple recipe is sure to become a staple at your festive gatherings.

Print