When I think about Thanksgiving, I always return to one memory, my Nonna’s small kitchen where a pot of ruby-red cranberries bubbled on the stove, filling the house with a sweet-tart aroma. She’d hum softly as the berries popped, turning into that glossy sauce that brought every plate to life. Making cranberry sauce now feels like carrying that memory forward; the warmth, the love, and the simplicity of real home cooking. This easy recipe captures everything that made those meals so comforting. Whether you’re serving it with turkey, spreading it on toast, or pairing it with brie, this cranberry sauce will remind you why homemade always tastes better.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something deeply satisfying about making cranberry sauce from scratch. You control the sweetness, the texture, and the flavor balance. Unlike store-bought versions, homemade cranberry relish bursts with freshness, a mix of tangy and sweet that complements rich, savory dishes like Thanksgiving Roast Turkey. It’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and takes less than 20 minutes to prepare. Plus, it makes your kitchen smell divine. You can also add a twist, a hint of orange zest or a splash of cinnamon to give it that cozy holiday warmth. It’s more than a side dish; it’s the sparkle that brings your holiday meal together.
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Cranberry Sauce
A simple homemade cranberry sauce bursting with tangy, sweet flavor, ready in 20 minutes!
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
Ingredients
12 oz cranberries
¾ cup sugar
½ cup water or orange juice
1 tbsp orange zest
1 cinnamon stick (optional)
Instructions
1. Combine sugar and water in saucepan.
2. Add cranberries and bring to boil.
3. Simmer 10–12 minutes until thick.
4. Add zest and cool before serving.
Notes
Store up to 10 days in fridge or 2 months in freezer. Serve with turkey or dessert.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 55
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Ingredients
Cranberry sauce needs only a handful of ingredients, yet it delivers bold flavor. You’ll find these simple items likely already in your pantry:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fresh or frozen cranberries | 12 oz (about 3 cups) |
| Granulated sugar | ¾ cup |
| Water or orange juice | ½ cup |
| Zest of one orange (optional) | 1 tablespoon |
| Cinnamon stick (optional) | 1 |
You can even add a handful of chopped pecans or a dash of vanilla extract to give the sauce a more complex flavor, like the one that pairs beautifully with Baked Cranberry Brie Bites.
How to Make It
Making cranberry sauce is as easy as simmering, stirring, and letting it thicken. Start by rinsing your cranberries and picking out any that are bruised. Combine the sugar and water (or juice) in a medium saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Stir in the cranberries and bring to a gentle boil. As they heat, you’ll hear that signature “pop”, that’s when the magic happens. Lower the heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Remove from the heat, stir in orange zest or cinnamon if desired, and let it cool. It’ll thicken more as it cools. Serve warm or chilled alongside your favorite mains, or spoon some over Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites for a delicious twist.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few ways to make this cranberry sauce your own:
- Sweetness: Adjust sugar to your taste, or substitute maple syrup or honey.
- Texture: For a chunkier sauce, cook less; for a smoother version, mash or blend after cooling.
- Flavor Boosters: Add grated apple, pear, or a splash of bourbon for a deeper holiday flavor.
- Make Ahead: Prepare up to a week before your gathering; it tastes even better as it sits.
Try pairing your sauce with Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls or spooning some onto warm rolls for breakfast. It’s the perfect make-ahead side that turns leftovers into something special.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make cranberry sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare it up to a week ahead and refrigerate it. It even tastes better after sitting for a day or two, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I use instead of sugar?
Honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar work well. For a lower-calorie option, try a natural sweetener like monk fruit.
How long does cranberry sauce last?
In an airtight container, it stays fresh in the fridge for up to 10 days. You can also freeze it for up to two months.
Can I freeze homemade cranberry sauce?
Yes, cool it completely, then freeze it in a sealed bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving. It retains both flavor and texture beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Cranberry sauce isn’t just a holiday condiment, it’s a tradition, a memory, and a burst of flavor that completes any festive meal. It’s quick, versatile, and far tastier than canned varieties. Whether you’re spreading it over turkey, swirling it into cheesecake, or pairing it with Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake, this homemade cranberry sauce brings warmth to every bite. Try it once, and it’ll become a holiday staple in your kitchen.
Loved this recipe? Follow me on Pinterest for more comforting dishes and easy weeknight favorites you’ll want to save.
