Tart, sweet, and glowing ruby red, this cranberry sauce recipe is what cozy holidays taste like. Whether you’re spooning it over juicy turkey or sneaking bites straight from the fridge, this homemade version brings so much more flavor than anything from a can
Table of Contents
4 Must-Have Ingredients for the Best Cranberry Sauce
Making cranberry sauce from scratch is surprisingly simple when you’ve got the right ingredients. You only need four essentials to make a version that’s bold, balanced, and better than store-bought
Fresh Cranberries
Always go for fresh if you can. Look for firm, glossy berries with that beautiful deep red hue. If you’re working ahead, they’ll last in the fridge for up to a month or freeze beautifully. And yes, frozen cranberries totally work here too just rinse and toss them straight in the pot
Sugar (or Sweetener of Choice)
Granulated sugar is the classic move, but feel free to swap in coconut sugar, maple syrup, or a zero-calorie sweetener like monk fruit. Cranberries are naturally tart, so don’t skip the sweetness unless you’re a true tang-lover
Liquid Base
Water keeps things simple, but if you want extra flavor, try using orange juice or apple cider. Even half-and-half water and juice adds great depth and richness
Optional Boosters
This is where your cranberry sauce becomes your signature. A spoonful of orange zest adds sparkle. A cinnamon stick cozies it up. Vanilla brings warmth. Even a pinch of salt helps everything shine
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
You don’t need much to whip this up. A medium saucepan, silicone spatula, and a small bowl for cooling do the trick. If you want it extra smooth, keep a mesh strainer on hand. And if you’re worried about splatters, a splatter screen is a game-changer
Ingredients List
• 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup water or orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange (optional)
• 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
• Pinch of salt
How to Make This Cranberry Sauce Recipe
- Rinse and sort the cranberries, removing any soft or shriveled ones
- Add cranberries, sugar, and liquid to a saucepan over medium heat
- Stir until sugar dissolves, then bring to a gentle boil
- Add orange zest, cinnamon stick, and salt if using
- Let simmer for 10 12 minutes, stirring occasionally
- You’ll hear the berries pop as they cook this is normal and satisfying
- Once thickened, remove from heat and let cool in the pan for 5 minutes
- Transfer to a bowl and chill before serving or store in the fridge
Pro Tips for Perfect Sauce Every Time
Let it cool fully before serving this helps it thicken up beautifully
If it feels too thick after chilling, stir in a splash of juice or water
Want to serve it warm? Just reheat gently over low heat
Make it 3 5 days ahead and stash it in the fridge in a sealed jar
Need a show-stopping dessert idea? Spoon it over this cranberry orange curd tart for a holiday-worthy finish
Flavor Variations to Try
Let your cranberry sauce personality shine with these tasty twists
Orange Spice
A classic combo. Add 1 teaspoon orange zest and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon. You can even throw in a whole clove or two if you’re feeling fancy
Apple-Ginger
Grate in half an apple and a bit of fresh ginger. This one’s perfect for those who love sweet-tart with a zing
Port Wine or Bourbon
Just a splash (¼ cup) of port or bourbon adds incredible depth. Simmer off the alcohol and let those warm flavors mingle
For a comforting side dish pairing, serve this sauce with these cranberry apple twice-baked sweet potatoes
Serving Suggestions
It’s a Thanksgiving staple, of course, but don’t stop there
Spread it on leftover turkey sandwiches
Swirl it into yogurt or oatmeal
Dollop it onto pancakes or waffles
Serve alongside a festive spread like these turkey cranberry sliders for the ultimate holiday combo
FAQ: Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. It actually tastes better after a day or two in the fridge
Why is my sauce too tart or too sweet?
Adjust the sugar to taste next time. Cranberries vary in tartness so it’s normal to tweak
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes! Just rinse them well and use them exactly like fresh
Try It and Share the Love
This cranberry sauce recipe brings color, flavor, and cozy vibes to your table. Try it out and let us know how you personalized it. Did you go classic? Add orange? Go wild with port?
Leave a comment, snap a pic, or share it with someone who loves holiday cooking as much as you do
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Cranberry Sauce Recipe (Homemade & Ready in 15 Minutes)
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup water or orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange optional
- 1 cinnamon stick optional
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Rinse and sort the cranberries, removing any soft or shriveled ones.
- Add cranberries, sugar, and liquid to a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir until sugar dissolves, then bring to a gentle boil.
- Add orange zest, cinnamon stick, and salt if using.
- Let simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- You’ll hear the berries pop as they cook—this is normal and satisfying.
- Once thickened, remove from heat and let cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
- Transfer to a bowl and chill before serving or store in the fridge.