The Best Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Homemade cranberry sauce is a sweet and lightly tart relish that is a simple recipe to make with just a few ingredients, in addition to using real cranberries. And, it can be made in less than thirty minutes.
If you use a store-bought canned cranberry sauce or make fresh cranberry sauce, it will be the perfect complement to your feast. However, once you have made this easy cranberry sauce recipe, you will never want to use can store-bought again. Besides, Cranberry sauce is one of those sides that you can often have with dinner any time of the year.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, and this post contains affiliate links to products I love ♥ See my full disclaimer here!
This easy homemade cranberry sauce is the perfect addition to your Christmas dinner or Thanksgiving feast. This easy-to-follow recipe with simple ingredients combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sweetness of orange juice and a hint of citrusy zest. Get ready to impress your guests with this flavorful and vibrant condiment that pairs perfectly with turkey or your favorite holiday dishes.
Shop this Post
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I Freeze Cranberry Sauce?
Yes! You can store it in a freezer for up to 3 months using an airtight container (be sure to leave the 1/2-inch gap on top for expansion as it freezes).
Can I Freeze cranberries until I am ready to use them?
You just need to remove it from the freezer 15-20 minutes before you are ready to use it. However, if needed quickly, another tip is that you can also thaw it in the microwave as well.
Can I make Cranberry Sauce in Advance?
Ultimately, it can be made up to 2-3 days and refrigerated at least two days before the holidays. However, the sauce can also be made two hours ahead of time and serve it chilled
How long does homemade cranberry sauce last?
As long as you store it correctly in a sealed container such as a mason jar, the homemade cranberry sauce will be kept in the refrigerator for about 10 to 14 days.
How do I make cranberry sauce for shelf storage?
You will want to prepare your cranberry sauce for canning. After filling jars, boil in the bath for 10 minutes.
Notes: Cranberries are naturally rich in pectin
How do you reduce the bitterness in cranberry sauce?
Stir in one tablespoon of pure maple syrup and one teaspoon of sweet drink like apple juice, orange juice, or fruity white or red wine.
How to make the best cranberry sauce recipe?
- Drizzle over ice cream
- Use a topping for pound cake
- Make cranberry muffins
- Delicious in a smoothie
- Add a Dollop in Oatmeal
- Spread on crackers with cream cheese
- Serve with your choice of meat
- Make Cranberry Orange Bread
- Spread on leftover turkey sandwiches
What Can I Make with Leftover Cranberry Sauce?
Tools needed
- Medium Saucepan
- Whisk
- Wooden Spoon
- Mason Jar or Glass container
Ingredients
- 1 bag of cranberries
- 1 cup of orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 2-3 cups sugar (I used 3 to add more sweetness)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
Directions
This delightful homemade cranberry sauce is sure to become a new holiday tradition. Enjoy the freshness of the cranberries, the sweetness of orange juice, and the zesty kick of the orange zest in every spoonful. Bring out the homemade cranberry sauce to accompany your Thanksgiving turkey or festive holiday dishes. Watch as your guests savor the perfect blend of sweetness and tartness in every bite of delicious homemade cranberry sauce!
- Start by rinsing the cranberries under cold water and removing any stems or damaged berries.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, white sugar, and fresh orange juice.
- Place the saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring the mixture to dissolve the sugar. Bring it to a gentle boil. You will hear the cranberries pop!
- Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Grate the zest from one orange and add it to the simmering cranberry mixture. The zest adds a burst of citrus flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- Reduce to lower heat and continue to simmer the sauce for about 10-15 minutes or until it thickens. The cranberries will burst, and the sauce will develop a rich, glossy texture.
- If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more orange juice to achieve your desired consistency. Remember, the sauce will thicken as it cools.
- Allow the cranberry sauce to cool in the saucepan for a few minutes. As it cools, it will continue to thicken.
- Once the sauce cools to room temperature, transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving dish.
- For optimal flavor, refrigerate the cranberry sauce for at least 2 hours before serving. This also allows the flavors to meld together.
Note: This recipe made 5 pints plus 1 1/2 pints.
Tip: To get a smooth consistency, use an immersion blender or food processor.
Note: This recipe made 5 pints plus 1 1/2 pint.
THE BEST HOMEMADE CRANBERRY SAUCE RECIPE
Homemade cranberry sauce is a sweet and lightly tart relish that is a simple recipe to make with just a few ingredients, in addition to using real cranberries. And, it can be made in less than thirty minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 bag of cranberries
- 1 cup of orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1 cups sugar (I used 2 to add more sweetness)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Start by rinsing the cranberries under cold water and removing any stems or damaged berries.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, white sugar, and fresh orange juice.
- Place the saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring the mixture to dissolve the sugar. Bring it to a gentle boil. You will hear the cranberries pop!
- Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Grate the zest from one orange and add it to the simmering cranberry mixture. The zest adds a burst of citrus flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- Reduce to lower heat and continue to simmer the sauce for about 10-15 minutes or until it thickens. The cranberries will burst, and the sauce will develop a rich, glossy texture.
- If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more orange juice to achieve your desired consistency. Remember, the sauce will thicken as it cools.
- Allow the cranberry sauce to cool in the saucepan for a few minutes. As it cools, it will continue to thicken.
- Once the sauce cools to room temperature, transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving dish.
- For optimal flavor, refrigerate the cranberry sauce for at least 2 hours before serving. This also allows the flavors to meld together.
Notes
TOOLS NEEDED
- Medium Saucepan
- Whisk
- Wooden Spoon
- Mason Jar or Glass container
This recipe made 5 pints plus 1 1/2 pint.
Final thoughts…
Crafting your own cranberry sauce is an easy recipe that provides the perfect way to enhance your Thanksgiving feast. The combination of fresh cranberries, white sugar, and fresh orange juice, with a touch of orange zest, results in the perfect cranberry sauce. This homemade delight not only adds vibrant flavors to your holiday table but also allows you to savor the simplicity of creating a classic condiment from scratch. Elevate your culinary experience with this easy and perfect cranberry sauce recipe that is sure to become a cherished tradition in your festive celebrations.
If you want to follow along on our home restoration/renovation plans and all of our exciting antique & thrift finds, be sure to check out Linen and Wildflowers on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest! And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to receive updates.
The Best 10 Tips for Organizing Your Home Workspace
10 Simple Organization Tips for Your Laundry Room
How to make Cranberry Sauce Muffins