Homemade Cranberry Sauce: The Best Recipe for a Sweet and Tart Holiday Side Dish
Looking to make the perfect cranberry sauce this holiday season? This homemade cranberry sauce recipe combines fresh cranberries, tangy orange juice, and delicious add-ons like honey and cinnamon to create a balanced sweet-tart flavor that everyone will love.
Whether you’re using fresh or frozen cranberries, this recipe is quick, easy, and bursting with flavor.
Read on to learn how to make the best cranberry sauce that will perfectly complement your holiday meals.
Why Homemade Cranberry Sauce is Better
There’s nothing like the taste of fresh cranberry sauce. Store-bought varieties can be too sweet, bland, or lack the depth of flavor that homemade options offer.
By making your own sauce, you can control the sweetness, adjust the texture, and even add some extra ingredients to make it uniquely yours.
Not to mention, it’s incredibly simple to prepare! The combination of cranberries, orange juice, and cinnamon gives it a rich taste that pairs well with savory dishes like turkey, ham, and stuffing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need for this easy cranberry sauce recipe:
- 12 oz. fresh or frozen cranberries (rinsed)
- ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed works best)
- ½ cup water
- 1/3 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cherry juice (optional, but adds a nice depth)
- 1 pinch cinnamon
- 1 pinch nutmeg
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cranberry Sauce
1. Combine the Ingredients
To start, place the cranberries, orange juice, water, sugar, honey, lemon juice, cherry juice, and spices into a medium saucepan. Stir everything together to combine the ingredients.
2. Bring to a Boil
Heat the mixture over medium-high heat until it comes to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Simmer and Burst the Cranberries
As the sauce simmers, the cranberries will begin to burst, releasing their juices and thickening the sauce. Continue cooking until most of the cranberries have burst, and the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Cool and Store
Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the sauce to cool completely. As it cools, it will continue to thicken. You can refrigerate the cranberry sauce for up to a week or freeze it for up to three months.
Pro Tips for the Best Cranberry Sauce
- Cherry Juice: A little cherry juice adds a rich, fruity note to the cranberry sauce. Use about 1 tablespoon of juice from a jar of Maraschino cherries for the best flavor.
- Sweeteners: Feel free to swap white sugar for brown sugar to add a subtle molasses flavor.
- Zest: Add orange or lemon zest for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
- Add-Ins: Get creative by adding ingredients like blueberries, diced apples, or pecans to your cranberry sauce. These add-ins can enhance the flavor and texture.
- Serve with: This cranberry sauce pairs perfectly with dinner rolls, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and your favorite holiday main dishes. Leftovers also make a great addition to sandwiches or swirled into cottage cheese.
FAQ About Cranberry Sauce
What can I do with leftover cranberry sauce?
You can spread leftover cranberry sauce on biscuits, use it as a filling for sandwiches, or mix it into yogurt or cottage cheese for a fruity twist.
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Yes, frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. Just rinse them before use, and there’s no need to thaw them.
How long does cranberry sauce last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, cranberry sauce will last up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it for up to three months.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the cranberry sauce?
Absolutely! If you prefer a sweeter sauce, simply increase the amount of sugar or honey. For a more tart flavor, reduce the sweeteners slightly.
Can I make cranberry sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Cranberry sauce can be made several days in advance. In fact, letting it sit for a day or two can help the flavors meld together even more.
Tools You’ll Need
To make this cranberry sauce recipe, you’ll need a few kitchen essentials:
- Medium saucepan for cooking the sauce.
- Colander for rinsing your cranberries.
- Measuring spoons to get accurate amounts of spices and liquids.
- Serving bowl to present your beautiful homemade cranberry sauce.
More Holiday Recipes to Try
Looking to round out your holiday meal? Check out these other delicious holiday sides:
- Green Bean Casserole: A creamy and crunchy classic.
- Sausage Stuffing: Hearty and packed with flavor.
- Homemade Dinner Rolls: Soft, fluffy rolls perfect for soaking up gravy.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and rich, a must-have for any holiday meal.
Storing and Freezing Cranberry Sauce
You can store your homemade cranberry sauce in the refrigerator for up to seven days. Make sure it’s in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
If you’d like to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Simply transfer the sauce to a freezer-safe container and freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to use it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 92
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Fat: 0.1g
- Fiber: 2g
- Vitamin C: 14mg
- Calcium: 6mg
- Iron: 0.2mg
Conclusion
Making homemade cranberry sauce from scratch is not only simple but also adds a personal touch to your holiday meals.
With a few basic ingredients and a little time, you can create a sauce that is both delicious and versatile.
Whether you’re spreading it on dinner rolls or serving it alongside your Thanksgiving turkey, this cranberry sauce is sure to become a new favorite.
Reference Links