Description
This homemade Cranberry Sauce recipe is a classic holiday condiment that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors. Made with fresh cranberries, sugar, and citrus zest, it adds vibrant color and festive flair to turkey dinners, roasts, and a variety of other dishes. Simple to prepare with minimal ingredients, this sauce is versatile, delicious, and naturally gluten-free, making it a staple for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces (340 g) fresh cranberries
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup (240 ml) water or freshly squeezed orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange or 1 lemon
- 1 cinnamon stick or 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional Additions
- Chopped nuts (such as toasted pecans or walnuts)
- Fresh grated ginger (about 1 teaspoon)
- A splash of bourbon, brandy, or red wine (1-2 tablespoons)
- Additional warming spices like cloves, star anise, or nutmeg (to taste)
- Natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup (use to reduce refined sugar)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Rinse the cranberries under cold water, discarding any soft or spoiled ones. Measure out sugar, liquid (water or juice), and zest so everything is ready for cooking.
- Combine and Cook: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, and your choice of liquid. Add the cinnamon stick or ground cinnamon along with any additional spices you’d like to include. Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to pop and soften, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Achieve Desired Texture: When the sauce starts to thicken and most berries have burst, remove from heat. For a smooth sauce, mash a few cranberries gently with the back of a spoon. For a chunkier texture, leave more cranberries whole.
- Cool and Store: Remove the cinnamon stick and stir in any optional ingredients such as citrus zest, nuts, or alcohol. Let the sauce cool to room temperature before transferring it to a serving dish or airtight container. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for best flavor and texture, though frozen can be used in a pinch.
- Simmer slowly to allow the natural pectin to set the sauce to the perfect gel-like consistency.
- Adjust sweetness gradually to balance tartness without overpowering the cranberries.
- Add citrus zest at the end of cooking to preserve brightness and avoid bitterness.
- Allow the sauce to cool completely before serving; it thickens as it cools.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg