Cranberry Sauce
A simple and classic side dish for the holidays, this homemade cranberry sauce is sweet, tart, and bursting with fresh flavor. It’s the perfect accompaniment to turkey, chicken, or roast beef. Making your own cranberry sauce ensures a fresher, more flavorful alternative to the canned version.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Zester or grater (optional, for zesting orange)
Ingredients
- 12 oz bag fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp orange zest optional, for extra flavor
- 1 cinnamon stick optional
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, and water.
- Stir to combine, then add the vanilla extract, orange zest (if using), and cinnamon stick (if using). Add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.
- Step 2: Cook the Cranberries
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
- Once the sauce reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cranberries will burst open, and the sauce will begin to thicken.
- If you like a smoother sauce, you can use a spoon or potato masher to break up the cranberries as they cook.
- Step 3: Adjust Consistency
- If the sauce gets too thick, you can add a little more water to reach your desired consistency.
- Once the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Step 4: Cool and Serve
- Remove the cinnamon stick (if used) and let the cranberry sauce cool to room temperature.
- The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. You can also refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight for a colder, thicker sauce.
- Step 5: Serve
- Serve the cranberry sauce as a side dish with your favorite holiday meals or any savory dishes you desire. It pairs beautifully with turkey, chicken, pork, or roast beef.
Notes
✔ Sweetness level: Adjust the sugar to your taste. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more sugar. For a tart version, reduce the sugar slightly.
✔ Add-ins: You can experiment with adding other ingredients, such as orange juice instead of water, maple syrup for a different sweetness, or even a small amount of ginger or cloves for extra flavor.
✔ Smooth or chunky: If you prefer a smoother cranberry sauce, blend it with an immersion blender or regular blender after it cools.
✔ Storage: This sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
✔ Add-ins: You can experiment with adding other ingredients, such as orange juice instead of water, maple syrup for a different sweetness, or even a small amount of ginger or cloves for extra flavor.
✔ Smooth or chunky: If you prefer a smoother cranberry sauce, blend it with an immersion blender or regular blender after it cools.
✔ Storage: This sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.