by Holly
Cranberry Sauce is the perfect complement to every turkey dinner. Nothing is more satisfying than the flavor of a sweet and tart homemade cranberry sauce. You don’t have to wait until the holidays to prepare and serve this super-easy side!
Traditionally, cranberry sauce goes with the Thanksgiving turkey, but even chicken, goose, and Cornish game hens taste divine with this cranberry sauce recipe! Adding a splash of orange juice not only adds extra flavor and this looks beautiful on a Thanksgiving dinner plate!
Cranberry Sauce
Once you make your own cranberry sauce, I almost guarantee you’ll never buy canned cranberry sauce again (unless you’re using it to make cocktail meatballs).
It’s insanely easy to make and the bright burst of flavor from the cranberries is tempered by a simple sauce made from orange juice (or water if you prefer) and sugar. Leave a few berries whole or puree the entire sauce…but either way, homemade is best!
How to Make Cranberry Sauce
The trick to the best ever cranberry sauce is replacing the water called for in most recipes with orange juice. The amazing flavor the citrus adds takes this to the next level!
You can use fresh or frozen cranberries in this recipe, just ensure they’re rinsed well and any debris is removed (like stems). If using frozen, there’s no need to defrost first.
Add your cranberries whole and simmer slowly for about 10 minutes. Remember that the sauce thickens as it cools.
Can You Freeze Cranberry Sauce?
Absolutely! In fact, stock up on cranberries when they show up at your local supermarket because they have multiple uses all year round from Sour Cream Cranberry Bars to Cranberry Trifle or even toss them into smoothies.
When selecting cranberries, buy 1 or 2 pound packages that have full, unbroken berries that are bright pink or red in color. Fresh cranberries will last up to 4 weeks in the refrigerator and they can be frozen up to a year as long as they are sealed in an airtight bag.
I love to experiment with flavor depth by adding a tiny pinch of nutmeg, cinnamon, or allspice to bring out the flavors even more! Replace a tablespoon or so of the o.j. with something boozy, a splash of Grand Marnier, a dash of rum or a bit of brandy.
What to do with leftover cranberry sauce: Leftover cranberry sauce is perfect to top ice cream, cheesecake or sponge cake. It’s great on turkey sandwiches or layer it into Overnight Refrigerator Oatmeal or on top of french toast. The possibilities are endless!
More Turkey Dinner Sides You’ll Love
- The BEST Mashed Potatoes – Simple perfection.
- Classic Green Bean Casserole
- Easy Stuffing Recipe – Personal favorite!
- Corn Casserole
- Sweet Potato Casserole
- Homemade Creamed Corn – Ultimate comfort food!
Cranberry Sauce
Prep Time 5 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Ingredients
- 12 ounces cranberries about 3 cups
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water or orange juice
- 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 10-12 minutes uncovered.
- Cool and serve.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Information
(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.)
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Like your recipes would like to have them to my email box.
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I always add a little Grand Marnier, orange zest and while the sauce is simmering I put some orange rind peels in it. So good and freezes great!
That sounds amazing!
This is also great with some crunched up walnuts it!!!
That sounds delicious, Diane!
Cranberry sauce is so easy.
What garnish did you use for this cranberry recipe?
Hi Sarah, we garnished it with a sprig of rosemary.
This is my first time to do cranberry sauce and came excelente! Ty
So happy to hear that! Glad you enjoyed it!
I made this cranberry sauce and it’s too die for thank you it’s so awesome I put a little orange zest in also we like the tart that it has my favorite recipe. Ever. Lyndia from Lakeland fla
I am so glad you loved it! We love making this for the holidays too!
So glad you loved it Lyndia!
what can I do if I don’t have cinnamon stick?
You can leave it out or add a very small pinch of cinnamon (around ⅛ tsp or less).
I’ve learned it tastes much better the next day, so I make it at least a day ahead. Super easy and so good!
So glad you loved it Terry!
Hi. This looks great! Do the cranberries need to pop open when cooking?
Also, if using frozen cranberries do they need to thaw out before cooking?
THANK you!
You do not need to thaw the cranberries first. They will naturally pop open while simmering. Enjoy Lisa!
Hey I was wondering how far in advance to Thanksgiving cal the cranberry sauce be made. Thank you for sharing your recipe
This can be made 4-5 days in advance or up to a couple of months if you freeze it. This recipe freezes perfectly!
This’s is how I make it but I also add orange zest. Gives it just a little texture.
Yummy, thanks for sharing!
My ex mother in law use to make a jellied cranberry relish. It had chopped celery, nuts and cottage cheese. Don’t remember the other ingredients and she has passed away. Any ideas?
I don’t have anything close but I’m a big cottage cheese lover! I have some vintage recipe cards and books so if I happen to come across something similar, I’ll be sure to let you know!
Do you serve this cold, hot, room temperature, or what?
I usually serve it room temperature.