Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Our Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe has become a must-have tradition at our holiday table. There’s just something magical about the sweet and tangy touch it brings to every festive meal, and making it from scratch with fresh ingredients takes it to the next level. This quick recipe combines fresh cranberries, a blend of white and brown sugar, and a hint of citrus for that perfect zing.
We’ve also added a dash of cinnamon to warm up the flavors, making it the best-ever cranberry sauce that’s both sweet and tart—a wonderful complement to any savory dish. Every year, this vibrant, vegetarian side dish steals the show, reminding us that some holiday classics are best made at home!
Table of Contents
- About Homemade Cranberry Sauce
- Why You’ll Love This Homemade Cranberry Sauce
- What Is in Our Homemade Cranberry Sauce
- Key Ingredients
- How to Make Homemade Cranberry Sauce
- Have It Your Way!
- Nutritional Facts and Health Benefits of Homemade Cranberry Sauce
- Health Benefits:
- Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe
About Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Cranberries are native to North America, and their use in culinary traditions dates back to Native American recipes. Early settlers adopted cranberry sauces for their holiday feasts, with the sweet-tart condiment becoming a staple of Thanksgiving meals by the 19th century. Cranberry sauce complements rich, savory dishes, making it a perfect pairing for holiday classics like turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes.
Homemade cranberry sauce is often associated with Thanksgiving, a time when families come together to enjoy a festive meal. It symbolizes the seasonal harvest and adds a pop of color to the dinner table. While canned cranberry sauce is convenient, making it from scratch allows for a fresher, more vibrant flavor that can be customized with different ingredients like orange zest and cinnamon. It’s a small, thoughtful addition that can make your holiday feast feel extra special.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Cranberry Sauce
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, making it an easy last-minute addition to your holiday menu.
- Rich and Vibrant Flavors: The combination of fresh cranberries, brown sugar, and orange zest creates a complex, tangy flavor.
- Versatile: Pairs well with turkey, ham, roasted veggies, or even as a spread for holiday sandwiches.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be made in advance, allowing you to focus on other dishes during your holiday preparations.
What Is in Our Homemade Cranberry Sauce
- Cranberries: Fresh or frozen cranberries provide the tart base of the sauce.
- White Sugar & Brown Sugar: A mix of sugars adds sweetness and depth to balance the cranberries’ natural tartness.
- Cinnamon Stick: Adds a warm, spicy note that complements the cranberries.
- Orange Juice & Zest: Brightens the sauce with a hint of citrus.
- Water: Helps the cranberries cook down into a sauce.
Key Ingredients
- 12 Ounces Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: The star of the dish, providing the vibrant red color and tart flavor.
- 2/3 Cup White Sugar & 1/3 Cup Brown Sugar: A balanced sweetness, with the brown sugar adding a touch of caramel-like richness.
- 1 Stick of Cinnamon: Infuses a gentle warmth and spice.
- Zest and Juice of Half an Orange: Adds a fresh, citrusy note that brightens the sauce.
- 2-3 Tablespoons Water: Helps the cranberries break down and thicken into a sauce.
How to Make Homemade Cranberry Sauce
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine 12 ounces of cranberries, 2/3 cup white sugar, 1/3 cup brown sugar, the zest and juice of half an orange, and a cinnamon stick. Add 2-3 tablespoons of water.
- Cook: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the cranberries begin to pop (about 5-7 minutes).
- Thicken: Reduce heat to low and cook for another 5-8 minutes, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Remove the cinnamon stick.
- Cool and Serve: Let the sauce cool completely before serving. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
Have It Your Way!
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a tarter sauce, reduce the amount of sugar.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for a more complex flavor profile.
- Make It Boozy: Stir in a splash of brandy or port wine for a grown-up twist.
- Extra Citrus: Use the zest and juice of a whole orange for a more pronounced citrus flavor.
- Smooth or Chunky: Mash the cranberries for a smoother texture or leave them whole for a chunkier sauce.
Nutritional Facts and Health Benefits of Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, approximately 2 tablespoons):
- Calories: 70 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugars: 16g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Vitamin C: 8% of Daily Value
Health Benefits:
- Rich in Antioxidants: Cranberries are loaded with antioxidants, which help to fight free radicals in the body, promoting overall health and potentially reducing inflammation.
- Supports Immune Health: With a good dose of Vitamin C from both the cranberries and orange, this sauce helps boost the immune system and combat seasonal illnesses.
- Promotes Digestive Health: Cranberries contain fiber, which can aid digestion and help maintain a healthy gut.
- Heart-Healthy: The flavonoids in cranberries may help improve heart health by reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and promoting good cholesterol (HDL).
- Low in Calories: This sauce is a lower-calorie alternative to many other holiday condiments, making it a great addition to festive meals without adding too many extra calories.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- French Onion Green Beans Casserole
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Vegan Mac And Cheese
- Sweet Potato Casserole
- Easy Stuffing
Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
- 12 Oz Cranberries fresh or frozen
- ⅔ Cup White Sugar
- ⅓ Cup Brown Sugar
- 1 Stick Cinnamon
- Zest and Juice of Half of Orange
- 3 Tbsp. Water
Equipment
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine 12 ounces of cranberries, 2/3 cup white sugar, 1/3 cup brown sugar, the zest and juice of half an orange, and a cinnamon stick. Add 2-3 tablespoons of water.
- Cook: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the cranberries begin to pop (about 5-7 minutes).
- Thicken: Reduce heat to low and cook for another 5-8 minutes, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Remove the cinnamon stick.
- Cool and Serve: Let the sauce cool completely before serving. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
Notes
Recipe Notes
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Cranberry sauce tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld.
- Freezing: This sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve alongside your favorite holiday dishes or spread on leftovers.
Video
Nutrition
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Homemade cranberry sauce is 10x better than store bought. ❤️
I love making cranberry sauce lol im always using some type of liquid left in the fridge orange juice half a can of ginger ale whatever there may be lol