By: Becky Hardin
This post may include affiliate links that earn us a small commission from your purchases at no extra cost to you.
This homemade Cranberry Sauce recipe is so quick and easy to make, with fresh cranberries, orange, and just a couple other simple ingredients. This classic side dish is a must for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and it only takes 15 minutes to make, so don’t skip it!
Table of Contents
What’s in this Cranberry Sauce Recipe?
Whole cranberries are sweetened and cooked down into a sauce to create an irresistible flavor and texture. It just wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without this sweet and tart side dish!
- Cranberries: You can use fresh or frozen cranberries for this dish. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw!
- Water: Helps the cranberries simmer without burning.
- Oranges: You’ll need 2 whole oranges worth of juice for this recipe. The juice sweetens the sauce, and you can add some of the zest for a more citrus-forward flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the sauce.
- Kosher Salt: Balances the sweetness and acidity of the sauce.
Pro Tip: Add a cinnamon stick to the sauce as it simmers to add some warmth!
Variations on Homemade Cranberry Sauce
This classic tart and sweet side dish can’t be beat–but you can make some swaps to this recipe. For a slightly different flavor, you can swap some or all of the granulated sugar for brown sugar and add a dash of vanilla extract. Or try my spiked cranberry sauce recipe, which uses orange liqueur instead of juice!
Email This Recipe
Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe directly to you!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Cookie Rookie.
Why do we eat cranberry sauce?
Cranberries were extremely abundant around the time of the first Thanksgiving, so it is widely believed that they were eaten then. Plus, it adds a refreshing and tangy contrast to all of the salty and creamy foods served at Thanksgiving.
What’s the difference between cranberry sauce and cranberry jam?
Cranberry jam is sweeter, thicker, and served with desserts. This fruit sauce is thinner, less sweet, and is intended to be eaten with meats.
Is cranberry sauce good for you?
Cranberries are rich in vitamin C, Vitamin E, fiber, manganese, and antioxidants, so it makes a great addition to your holiday table.
What happens if you cook cranberry sauce too long?
If you cook this sauce for too long, it may turn out too thick, and it could also turn bitter if the sugar burns.
Why didn’t my cranberry sauce set?
Cranberries have a lot of natural pectin, so make sure to cook yours until they burst open and release that pectin. If you leave the fruit whole, you will likely end up with a runny sauce.
Should cranberry sauce be served cold or room temperature?
You can serve this tangy sauce warm, at room temperature, or slightly chilled. I usually serve it at room temperature at Thanksgiving, and chilled with leftovers the next day.
How to Store
Store leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
How to Freeze
Freeze this easy cranberry sauce in an airtight container or Ziplock bag for up to 1 month. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Serving Suggestions
It wouldn’t be a holiday without classic Thanksgiving side dishes like this! Serve cranberry sauce with other Thanksgiving favorites, like turkey, turkey gravy, mashed potatoes, creamed corn, maple roasted sweet potatoes, candied yams, green bean casserole, and Thanksgiving rolls. If you’re not serving turkey, it pairs well with this cranberry glazed ham for Christmas too.
Recipe
Cranberry Sauce Recipe
5 from 1 vote
Author: Becky Hardin
Prep: 5 minutes minutes
Cook: 10 minutes minutes
Total: 15 minutes minutes
Serves8
Print Rate
Save Shop our store
You only need a few ingredients and 15 minutes to make the perfect cranberry sauce for your holiday feast. The cinnamon and orange zest is what makes it so good!
Email This Recipe
Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe directly to you!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Cookie Rookie.
Ingredients
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice (from 2 oranges)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 12 ounces cranberries fresh or frozen
- 2 strips orange zest optional
- 1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick optional
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, bring the water, orange juice, and sugar to a simmer.
½ cup water, ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice, ¾ cup granulated sugar
Stir in the cranberries, orange zest and cinnamon stick, if using, and salt. Bring the mixture back to a simmer. Cook, stirring and mashing the berries occasionally, until the sauce has thickened. Note that it will thicken more as it cools.
12 ounces cranberries, 2 strips orange zest, 1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick, ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
Discard the cinnamon stick and orange zest strips. Transfer to a bowl, cover and chill until you are ready to serve.
Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!
Becky’s tips
- If using frozen cranberries, there is no need to thaw.
- For a sweeter sauce, add another ¼ cup sugar.
Storage:Store cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 99kcal (5%) Carbohydrates: 26g (9%) Protein: 0.3g (1%) Fat: 0.1g Saturated Fat: 0.01g Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.03g Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g Sodium: 38mg (2%) Potassium: 66mg (2%) Fiber: 2g (8%) Sugar: 22g (24%) Vitamin A: 58IU (1%) Vitamin C: 14mg (17%) Calcium: 7mg (1%) Iron: 0.2mg (1%)
Did You Make This?I want to see! Be sure to upload an image below & tag @thecookierookie on social media!
Upload A PhotoTag on
InstaLeave A Rating
More Fruity Compotes We Love
- Pear Butter
- Apple Butter
- Blueberry Compote
- Lemon Curd
Claim your free ebook!
Subscribe to have posts delivered straight to your inbox!! PLUS get our FREE ebook!
