Cranberry sauce is a classic side dish that brings a burst of flavor to your meals, especially during the holidays! This simple recipe is easy to make and adds a tart sweetness that pairs perfectly with turkey or ham. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a regular dinner, homemade cranberry sauce is a delightful addition to the table.
Why Make This Recipe
Making cranberry sauce from scratch is not only easy, but it also tastes so much better than store-bought versions! You can adjust the sweetness and flavor to your liking. Plus, the bright color and fresh ingredients make your meal look extra special. It’s always a hit with family and friends, and you’ll feel proud serving something homemade.
How to Make Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 bag of fresh cranberries (12 oz)
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of water
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon (optional)
Directions:
- Rinse the cranberries under cold water and remove any stems or damaged berries.
- In a saucepan, combine the water and sugar over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, and cinnamon (if using).
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and let cool. The sauce will thicken more as it cools. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
How to Serve Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is perfect for holiday meals but it can also brighten up any regular dinner. Serve it alongside roasted meats like turkey or chicken, or add it to sandwiches for a tasty twist. You can enjoy it chilled or at room temperature. It even makes a great topping for desserts or yogurt!
How to Store Cranberry Sauce
Store any leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about one week. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge before serving.
Tips to Make Cranberry Sauce
- Make sure to rinse the cranberries well and pick out any that look bad.
- Adjust the sugar to your taste! If you like it sweeter, add more sugar.
- Feel free to experiment with flavors by adding spices like nutmeg or cloves.
Variation
For a citrus twist, you can replace half of the water with orange juice, or add some chopped apples for added sweetness and texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! Just thaw them before cooking.
2. Is it okay to make cranberry sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make it a day or two in advance. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
3. Can I make cranberry sauce without sugar?
Yes! You can use honey or maple syrup instead, or reduce the amount of sweetener to your liking.
