Description
This easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce is tart, sweet, and infused with citrus and cinnamon — the perfect holiday side dish! It comes together in under 15 minutes with fresh cranberries, orange juice, and warm spices. Way better than store-bought!
Ingredients
▢ 12 oz fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
▢ 3/4 cup granulated sugar
▢ 1 teaspoon orange zest
▢ 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
▢ 1/4 cup water
▢ 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
▢ Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange zest, orange juice, water, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to combine.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it starts to boil and cranberries begin to pop, reduce heat to medium-low.
3. Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most cranberries have burst and the sauce thickens.
4. Remove from heat and let cool completely. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.
5. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
For a smoother sauce, mash the cranberries with a spoon or potato masher while simmering.
Make-ahead tip: This sauce can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
Optional add-ins: A cinnamon stick, a splash of vanilla, or chopped nuts.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 55
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cranberry sauce, homemade cranberry sauce, thanksgiving sides, easy cranberry recipe, holiday sauce