Classic Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Elevate your holiday feasts with this tangy and sweet Classic Cranberry Sauce Recipe.
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes minutes
Course: Snacks & Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Keyword: condiment, cranberry sauce, Easy Cranberry Sauce, Festive Sauce, Homemade Cranberry Sauce, Thanksgiving Sauce
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 50kcal
For the Sauce
- 12 oz fresh cranberries pick bright, firm berries for the best flavor
- 1 cup granulated sugar adjust this for sweetness; reduce for tangier
- 1 cup water or orange juice using orange juice adds a delightful citrusy note
- 1 tbsp orange zest gives the sauce a fragrant, vibrant kick
- 1 splash orange juice an extra splash deepens the orange flavor
Optional Spices
- 1 stick cinnamon infuses warmth into your sauce
- 3 pcs cloves brings a cozy spice essence to your dish
- 1 tsp ginger adds a zesty zing
Procedure
Gently rinse fresh or frozen cranberries under cool water. Discard any bruised or shriveled berries.
Carefully zest the orange, avoiding the white pith.
In a medium saucepan, mix granulated sugar, water or orange juice, and orange zest. Add any optional spices if using.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer, about 3-5 minutes.
Add the rinsed cranberries and stir well to ensure they are fully submerged.
Cook over medium heat until cranberries start to pop, stirring frequently for about 10-15 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Taste the sauce and adjust sweetness or tanginess as needed, removing any whole spices before serving.
Transfer the sauce into a heatproof bowl or jar, letting it cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
Serve with a sprinkle of additional orange zest on top for an extra touch of brightness.
Serving: 1tablespoon | Calories: 50kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Potassium: 30mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin C: 15mg