Description
Homemade Cranberry Sauce is a classic and simple side dish that brings a burst of tart and sweet flavors to any meal. With just a few basic ingredients, this vibrant, tangy sauce is easy to prepare and elevates everything from holiday feasts to weeknight dinners. The combination of fresh cranberries, sugar, and a hint of citrus creates a delicious balance of flavors that perfectly complements savory dishes like turkey, chicken, or roasted vegetables. Unlike store-bought versions, homemade cranberry sauce has a fresher, more robust taste, making it a must-have for any festive table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice (optional)
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Ingredient Highlights
- Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are the star of this sauce, offering a tartness that’s perfect for balancing out the sweetness of sugar and the richness of meats.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar is the most common sweetener for cranberry sauce, but you can experiment with brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
- Orange Zest & Juice: Adding orange zest and juice enhances the flavor with a subtle citrusy note that pairs beautifully with the cranberries.
- Cinnamon: A cinnamon stick adds a warm, comforting flavor, making the sauce perfect for the fall and winter seasons.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla adds depth to the flavor, rounding out the tanginess of the cranberries.
Instructions
Prepare the Sauce:
- Rinse the Cranberries: Begin by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold water, removing any stems or damaged berries.
- Cook the Cranberries: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, and water. Stir to combine.
- Add Flavorings: If using, add the orange zest, orange juice, cinnamon stick, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. You’ll hear the cranberries popping as they cook.
- Check Consistency: As the sauce cooks, the cranberries will burst and the sauce will thicken. If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can mash the cranberries with a spoon or use an immersion blender.
- Cool: Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, remove the saucepan from the heat and discard the cinnamon stick (if used). Let the sauce cool to room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
Serve:
- Serve Fresh: Spoon the cranberry sauce into a serving dish and serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve. The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 60-80 kcal