Cranberry Sauce

Homemade Cranberry Sauce: A Quick and Tasty Classic

Cranberry sauce is a must-have at holiday tables, especially for Thanksgiving and Christmas. This simple and nutrient-packed recipe is ready in under 20 minutes with just three ingredients: sugar, water, and fresh cranberries. Whether you prefer it warm or chilled, it’s always a crowd-pleaser with its sweet-tart flavor and vibrant color.

Cranberry Sauce Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 8 oz fresh Cranberries

• Medium saucepan
• Colander

Directions

Prep the Cranberries: Rinse the cranberries thoroughly using colander, removing any that don’t look fresh.

Dissolve Sugar: In a medium saucepan, stir the sugar and water together over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.

Cook the Cranberries: Add the cranberries and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until most of the cranberries have popped. You can gently press them against the side of the pan to help them burst.

Cool the Sauce: Remove from heat and stir for about a minute to cool slightly. Transfer the sauce to a heat-resistant dish. Serve hot or cold.

Pro Tip

As the sauce cools, it will thicken naturally thanks to the cranberries’ high pectin content.

Variations to Try

1. Cranberry-Orange Flavor: Replace half or all of the water with orange juice for a bright, citrusy twist.
2. Spiced Cranberry Sauce: Add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the saucepan.
3. Orange Spice: Include the zest from one orange and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice for a festive, aromatic version.
4. Apple-Cranberry: Add one diced Granny Smith apple to the cranberries for a sweeter, more textured sauce.
5. Jalapeño Kick: Finely dice half a jalapeño (with seeds) and simmer it with the cranberries for a sweet and spicy take.

Creative Ways to Use Cranberry Sauce

This cranberry sauce is incredibly versatile beyond being a holiday side dish! Try it in:

• Hot Ice-cream Sunday: Use as a festive toping on your favorite ice cream.
• Cranberry-Jalapeño Dip: Combine with cream cheese for an irresistible party spread.
• Baked goods: Swirl it into your batter for a tangy touch.
• Meatballs: Simmer meatballs in the sauce for a quick appetizer.
• Cheesecake Topping: Add a dollop to your favorite cheesecake.
• Turkey Sandwiches: Use it as a spread on sandwiches with leftover turkey.

Storage

Store your cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

A Holiday Favorite

Cranberry sauce is more than just a side dish—it’s a celebration of the season. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, this simple dish is sure to become a cherished part of your holiday menu.

If you end up with sauce leftovers, try my Cranberry Jalapeno Dip or Cranberry Orange loaf.

Happy Holidays!