Homemade Cranberry Sauce That Tastes Like the Holidays
This homemade cranberry sauce is tart, citrusy, and lightly spiced the perfect quick holiday side that’s ready in 20 minutes and far better than canned.
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg optional
- ¼ cup water or apple juice
- Small pinch of salt
Instructions
- 1. Add all ingredients to a medium saucepan.
- 2. Set over medium heat and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- 3. As the cranberries begin to pop, gently mash some of them with a spoon to thicken the mixture.
- 4. Simmer for 10–12 minutes until it looks jammy and the liquid has reduced.
- 5. Taste it. Add more sugar or zest if needed.
- 6. Remove from heat and let it cool completely — it will thicken as it chills.
Notes
Let the sauce cool fully before serving for the best texture.
Frozen cranberries work without thawing.
For a deeper flavor, add a splash of vanilla or maple syrup at the end.