Fresh Cranberry Sauce Recipe: Easy 20-Minute Thanksgiving Side Dish

The Ultimate Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe

This homemade cranberry sauce is a game-changer for your holiday table. Bright, tangy, and perfectly balanced with sweetness, this classic Thanksgiving side dish comes together in just 20 minutes with minimal effort. Say goodbye to the canned version forever!

Why Make Cranberry Sauce From Scratch?

Nothing compares to the flavor of fresh cranberry sauce. The vibrant ruby color, the perfect balance of sweet and tart, and the satisfaction of making it yourself – these are just a few reasons to try this recipe. Plus, your guests will taste the difference immediately!

Simple Ingredients for Perfect Cranberry Sauce

• 12 ounces fresh cranberries (rinsed and sorted)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup orange juice (preferably freshly squeezed)
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (optional, for enhanced citrus flavor)
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• Pinch of salt

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Measuring cups
• Citrus zester (if using orange zest)
• Storage container

How to Make the Perfect Cranberry Sauce

1. Gather all your ingredients and rinse the cranberries, removing any stems or soft berries.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, and orange juice. If using, add the orange zest, cinnamon, and pinch of salt.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to help dissolve the sugar.
4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until most cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened.
5. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely at room temperature. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
6. Transfer to a serving dish or storage container and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Pro Tips for Cranberry Sauce Success

• Listen for the pop: You’ll know the cranberries are cooking properly when you hear them start to burst open – it’s a satisfying sound that signals you’re on the right track!
• Texture control: For a smoother sauce, cook longer and mash some berries with your spoon. For chunkier sauce, cook for less time.
• Make ahead: This sauce actually improves with time! Make it 1-3 days before your big meal.
• Storage: Refrigerated cranberry sauce will keep for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.

Delicious Variations to Try

Spiced Cranberry Sauce

Add 1 cinnamon stick, 3 whole cloves, and a star anise while cooking. Remove the whole spices before serving.

Apple Cranberry Sauce

Add 1 diced apple (Granny Smith works great) when cooking the cranberries for added texture and flavor.

Holiday Cranberry Sauce

Stir in 2 tablespoons of Grand Marnier or bourbon after removing from heat for a sophisticated adult version.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Sauce

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Absolutely! No need to thaw them first – just add them frozen and cook as directed. You may need to add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.

How do I know when my cranberry sauce is done?

Most of the cranberries should have burst, and the sauce should coat the back of a spoon. Remember, it will thicken more as it cools.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, you can adjust the sugar to taste. Start with 3/4 cup if you prefer a tangier sauce. You can also substitute honey or maple syrup for part of the sugar.

Why isn’t my sauce thickening?

Cranberries naturally contain pectin, which helps the sauce gel as it cools. If your sauce seems thin, continue cooking a few more minutes, then let it cool completely.

Perfect Pairings for Cranberry Sauce

While cranberry sauce is the perfect companion to roast turkey, it’s versatile enough to enjoy in many ways:

• Spread it on leftover turkey sandwiches
• Serve alongside roast chicken or pork tenderloin
• Spoon over vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert
• Mix into plain yogurt with granola
• Use as a topping for baked brie or cream cheese appetizer

Nutrition Information

Per serving (about 2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 95 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Sugar: 21g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 1mg

Why This Cranberry Sauce Recipe Works

The beauty of this cranberry sauce lies in its simplicity. Just a few ingredients create the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. The orange juice adds brightness while complementing the natural tartness of the cranberries. Whether you’re a traditionalist or looking to experiment with new flavor combinations, this versatile base recipe won’t disappoint your holiday guests.

Recipe adapted from: AllRecipes