Best Ever Cranberry Sauce Recipe
This Best Ever Cranberry Sauce recipe is a simple, classic holiday staple featuring fresh cranberries cooked with sugar and water or orange juice for a bright, tart flavor. Enhanced with optional orange zest and cinnamon for warmth, this sauce is easy to prepare on the stovetop and perfect for complementing turkey and other festive dishes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 2 cups 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water (or orange juice for added flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Flavorings
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional, for extra citrus flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Rinse the fresh cranberries under cold water and remove any stems or damaged berries to ensure a clean and fresh final sauce.
- Cook the Cranberry Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed cranberries, sugar, and water or orange juice. Add the optional orange zest, ground cinnamon, and salt for additional layers of flavor. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar and prevent sticking.
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes. During this time, the cranberries will burst open and release their natural juices, thickening the sauce. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the cranberry sauce to cool to room temperature. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. Transfer it to a serving dish or airtight container and serve immediately or refrigerate for up to one week.
Notes
- For a more citrusy flavor, use fresh orange juice instead of water.
- The sauce thickens further as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit runny when hot.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- This recipe can be made a day ahead to let flavors develop more fully.
- Adjust sugar amount to your taste if you prefer a sweeter or more tart sauce.
Keywords: cranberry sauce, holiday sauce, Thanksgiving sauce, stovetop cranberry sauce, homemade cranberry sauce
Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/best-ever-cranberry-sauce-recipe/
