If you’re looking for a quick and delightful addition to your holiday table, this Easy Cranberry Sauce is just what you need! This homemade sauce is a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, elevating your Thanksgiving turkey or holiday ham to new heights.

What makes this cranberry sauce so special is its fresh flavor and the ability to customize it to your taste. This Easy Cranberry Sauce recipe is not only simple to prepare but also a fantastic way to use fresh cranberries!

This Easy Cranberry Sauce features fresh cranberries simmered with sugar and orange juice, creating a vibrant and flavorful sauce. Ready in about 15 minutes, this sauce is perfect for holidays or as a flavorful condiment any time of year!

With straightforward ingredients and easy preparation, you can whip up this scrumptious recipe in no time. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Exciting Story:

The first time I made Cranberry Sauce, it was for a Thanksgiving dinner, and I wanted to create something fresh and homemade instead of the canned version. As I simmered the cranberries with sugar and orange juice, the delightful aroma filled my kitchen, making everyone eager to taste it!

Once the sauce was ready, its bright color and rich flavor were a hit at the dinner table. The first bite was a perfect blend of tartness and sweetness, complementing the turkey beautifully. This Easy Cranberry Sauce has since become a staple in our home for holiday meals, and it’s so simple to make!

Why This Easy Cranberry Sauce?

• Fresh and Flavorful: The bright flavors of fresh cranberries and orange juice create a delicious sauce that enhances any meal.
• Quick and Simple: With minimal prep time, this recipe is ideal for busy holiday cooking!
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness or add spices to suit your taste.

How to Make Easy Cranberry Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, sugar, and water (or orange juice). If using, add the orange zest and spices.
2. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cranberries will pop and the sauce will begin to thicken.
3. Cool: Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat and let it cool. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
4. Serve: Transfer the sauce to a serving dish or jar and refrigerate until ready to serve. Your Easy Cranberry Sauce is ready to be enjoyed!

Tips For Easy Cranberry Sauce

• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar based on your taste preference.
• Make It Ahead: This sauce can be made a few days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Substitutions and Variations

• Different Juices: You can substitute the water with apple juice or pomegranate juice for a unique flavor.
• Add Fruit: Consider adding diced apples or pears to the sauce for added texture and flavor.

Make a Healthier Version

• Reduce the sugar content or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.

Closing For Easy Cranberry Sauce

And there you have it! This Easy Cranberry Sauce is a fresh and flavorful addition to any meal, perfect for the holidays or any occasion. Don’t forget to let us know how your sauce turns out, and consider checking out some of our other recipes for more delightful dishes!

Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Cranberry Sauce

How long can I store leftovers?
This cranberry sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes! This sauce can be made several days in advance, making it perfect for holiday meal prep.

What can I use instead of sugar?
You can use honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute to sweeten the sauce.

Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes! You can use frozen cranberries; just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

What if I want to make it spicier?
Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce can give your sauce a nice kick!

How do I know when the sauce is done?
The sauce is done when it has thickened and most of the cranberries have burst.

Can I add nuts to the sauce?
Yes! Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a nice crunch and flavor to the sauce.

What can I serve with this sauce?
Serve it with turkey, ham, or even on sandwiches for a delightful flavor boost!

How can I make this more festive?
Consider garnishing with fresh herbs or pomegranate seeds for a festive presentation!

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or juice if it gets too thick.

Can I use other fruits?
Yes! You can mix in chopped apples, oranges, or even dried fruits for added flavor and texture.

How can I enhance the flavors?
Consider adding a splash of brandy or orange liqueur for an adult twist on this classic sauce!

Easy Cranberry Sauce

Recipe by CutsfoodCourse: All Recipes, Thanksgiving, Weight watchers

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 (12 oz) bag fresh cranberries, rinsed and sorted

• 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)

• 1 cup water (or orange juice for added flavor)

• Optional: Zest of 1 orange

• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or nutmeg (for extra warmth)

Directions

• Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, sugar, and water (or orange juice). If using, add the orange zest and spices.
• Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cranberries will pop and the sauce will begin to thicken.
• Cool: Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat and let it cool. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
• Serve: Transfer the sauce to a serving dish or jar and refrigerate until ready to serve. Your Easy Cranberry Sauce is ready to be enjoyed!