The Perfect Cranberry Sauce for Your Holiday Table
Our homemade cranberry sauce offers a vibrant, sweet-tart contrast to your holiday dishes. With its burst of fresh, fruity flavor and a hint of orange zest, this sauce is not only the perfect accompaniment to turkey, but it’s also easy to make and full of festive flair. The balance of sweetness from the sugar and the tanginess of the cranberries creates the ultimate holiday condiment that pairs beautifully with everything from savory meats to mashed potatoes and stuffing. Whether you’re serving a large crowd or making a small batch for family dinner, this cranberry sauce will steal the show.
A small bowl of cranberry sauce with a spoon inside, garnished with fresh orange zest and cranberries.
Let’s Dish: About This Cranberry Sauce
Why This Recipe
This cranberry sauce strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tart, with just the right amount of warmth from cinnamon and a refreshing citrus kick. It’s simple to make but full of flavor, transforming a traditional dish into something extraordinary. The orange zest gives it a fresh, zesty taste, while the cinnamon adds warmth, making it the ideal sauce for any holiday table. Whether you’re making it ahead or just before serving, this recipe is quick and guaranteed to impress.
Cranberry Sauce Ingredients
- Fresh Cranberries: 12 oz (about 3 cups)
- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup (adjust to taste)
- Water: 1 cup
- Orange Zest: 1 tablespoon
- Ground Cinnamon: ½ teaspoon
- Orange Juice: 2 tablespoons (optional, for extra flavor)
How To Make This Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Let’s walk through the simple steps to making this delightful holiday sauce.
STEP ONE: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by rinsing the cranberries and discarding any that are mushy or discolored. Zest the orange and set aside.
STEP TWO: Simmer the Cranberries
In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. Stir occasionally, and cook for about 10-15 minutes, until the cranberries begin to pop and the sauce thickens slightly.
STEP THREE: Add Orange Zest and Juice
Once the cranberries have softened and the sauce is bubbling, add the orange zest and orange juice (if using). Stir to combine, and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
STEP FOUR: Cool and Serve
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Let the cranberry sauce cool to room temperature. It will thicken as it cools. Transfer the sauce to a serving dish and garnish with additional orange zest or whole cranberries if desired.
Tips for the Best Cranberry Sauce
- Adjust Sweetness: You can add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter sauce, or cut back for a more tart version.
- Make It Ahead: Cranberry sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead of time. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge and serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Add a Twist: If you want to experiment, try adding a splash of bourbon or a handful of chopped apples to your sauce for extra depth of flavor.
How To Serve Cranberry Sauce
While cranberry sauce is traditionally served with turkey, it’s also perfect for complementing other dishes. Here are a few ideas for how to enjoy it:
- With Roast Meats: Pair with roasted turkey, chicken, or pork for the perfect balance of flavors.
- On Sandwiches: Spread some sauce on leftover turkey sandwiches for a festive treat.
- With Cheese: Serve it alongside soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese for an easy appetizer.
- As a Salad Dressing: Drizzle over a winter salad for an unexpected twist.
Storing Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It will continue to thicken as it chills, so feel free to add a splash of water if you want to loosen it up before serving. For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
Why We Love This Cranberry Sauce Recipe
There’s something so satisfying about homemade cranberry sauce. The fresh, tangy berries combined with the citrus and cinnamon create a flavor profile that is both nostalgic and exciting. It’s an easy, make-ahead dish that adds the perfect touch to your holiday meals. Plus, it’s a versatile condiment that can be paired with so many dishes, ensuring your holiday spreads are both beautiful and delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cranberry sauce ahead of time? Yes! In fact, it often tastes even better after sitting for a day or two as the flavors have time to meld together.
Can I use frozen cranberries? Yes, you can use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones. Just be sure to thaw and rinse them before using.
Can I make it sugar-free? You can substitute the sugar with a sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, but be mindful that the texture and sweetness may vary slightly.
More Holiday Recipes
- Orange Glazed Carrots: A sweet and savory side dish that pairs perfectly with your holiday feast.
- Roast Turkey with Herb Butter: Moist, flavorful turkey that will be the star of your dinner table.
- Stuffing with Sausage and Sage: A rich, savory stuffing that complements your cranberry sauce perfectly.
Cranberry Sauce
These homemade cranberry sauce recipes are the perfect addition to your holiday meal, adding a sweet-tart contrast to everything from turkey to stuffing. With fresh cranberries, orange zest, and a hint of cinnamon, this cranberry sauce is simple to make, yet packed with festive flavor. Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just to enjoy with your favorite holiday dishes, this sauce will surely be a hit at any gathering.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Ingredients
For the Cranberry Sauce:
- 12 oz (about 3 cups) fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons orange juice (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
Prepare the Cranberry Sauce:
-
Rinse the Cranberries: Begin by rinsing the cranberries and discarding any that are mushy or discolored. Zest the orange and set it aside.
-
Simmer the Cranberries: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes until the cranberries begin to pop and the sauce thickens.
-
Add Orange Zest and Juice: Once the cranberries are softened, stir in the orange zest and orange juice (if using). Let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
-
Cool and Serve: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the cranberry sauce cool to room temperature. The sauce will thicken as it cools. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with extra orange zest or whole cranberries, if desired.
Notes
- Adjust Sweetness: You can add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter sauce or cut back for a more tart version.
- Make Ahead: This cranberry sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It can be served chilled or at room temperature.
- Add a Twist: For extra flavor, try adding a splash of bourbon or some chopped apples during cooking for a more complex sauce.
How to Serve
- With Roast Meats: This cranberry sauce pairs perfectly with roasted turkey, chicken, or pork for a delightful balance of flavors.
- On Sandwiches: Spread it on leftover turkey sandwiches for a festive treat.
- With Cheese: Serve alongside brie or goat cheese for an elegant appetizer.
- As a Salad Dressing: Drizzle it over a winter salad for a sweet and tangy twist.
Storing Cranberry Sauce
- Refrigerate: Store the cranberry sauce in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It will continue to thicken as it chills, so feel free to add a splash of water before serving if needed.
- Freeze: You can freeze this cranberry sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before using.
These homemade cranberry sauces are perfect for any holiday table, offering a fresh and flavorful complement to your favorite dishes. Whether you’re serving it with turkey, mashed potatoes, or stuffing, this sauce is a simple yet elegant way to enhance your meal!
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30