20 Minute Homemade Cranberry Sauce: A Festive and Flavorful Classic

Cranberry sauce is a must-have on any holiday table, offering the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess to complement your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast. Whether you’re serving it alongside turkey, ham or as a topping for desserts, this simple and versatile dish is always a hit. Let’s explore how to make the perfect cranberry sauce and some creative ways to enjoy it!


Why Make Cranberry Sauce at Home?

  • Better Flavor: Homemade cranberry sauce is fresher and more flavorful than store-bought options.
  • Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, spices, and texture to your liking.
  • Healthier: You control the ingredients, avoiding preservatives and unnecessary sugars.

Classic Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz (1 bag) fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed for best results)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Optional: A pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract for added depth

Instructions:

  1. Rinse Cranberries: Wash and drain the cranberries, removing any damaged ones.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, orange juice, and water. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Cook Cranberries: Add the cranberries to the saucepan. Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens (about 10-15 minutes).
  4. Customize: Stir in cinnamon, vanilla extract, or even a splash of brandy for a festive twist.
  5. Cool: Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature before serving. It will thicken as it cools.

Creative Ways to Use Cranberry Sauce

  1. As a Spread: Use it as a topping for toast, bagels, or pancakes.
  2. In Sandwiches: Add cranberry sauce to turkey or ham sandwiches for a burst of flavor.
  3. With Desserts: Serve it as a topping for cheesecake, ice cream, or yogurt.
  4. As a Glaze: Mix it with balsamic vinegar or mustard to glaze meats like chicken or pork.
  5. In Drinks: Stir it into cocktails or mocktails for a fruity twist.

Tips for the Best Cranberry Sauce

  • Make Ahead: Cranberry sauce tastes even better after sitting for a day as the flavors meld together.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for more extended storage.
  • Sweetness: Adjust the sugar level based on your taste preference and the tartness of your cranberries.

Homemade Cranberry Sauce: A Festive and Flavorful Classic

Recipe by Lindsay G. Cabral
0.0 from 0 votes
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Calories

100

kcal
Total time

20

minutes

Ingredients

  • 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries (1 bag)

  • 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste)

  • 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed for best results)

  • 1/2 cup water

  • Optional: A pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract for added depth

Steps

  • Rinse Cranberries: Wash and drain the cranberries, removing any damaged ones.
  • Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, orange juice, and water. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
  • Cook Cranberries: Add the cranberries to the saucepan. Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens (about 10-15 minutes).
  • Customize: Stir in cinnamon, vanilla extract, or even a splash of brandy for a festive twist.
  • Cool: Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature before serving. It will thicken as it cools.

FAQs About Cranberry Sauce

1. Can I make cranberry sauce without sugar?
Yes, you can use natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or stevia as alternatives.

2. How do I thicken cranberry sauce?
The sauce naturally thickens as it cools. To make it thicker, simmer it longer to reduce the liquid.

3. Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
While fresh or frozen cranberries work best, you can rehydrate dried cranberries by soaking them in hot water before cooking.

4. What spices go well in cranberry sauce?
Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and star anise pair wonderfully with cranberries for a warm, festive flavor.

5. Can I make cranberry sauce in advance?
Absolutely! It’s an ideal make-ahead dish and can be stored in the refrigerator for several days.

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