Print

Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry Sauce

This easy cranberry sauce recipe combines fresh cranberries, sugar, water, and bright orange zest and juice to create a tangy, sweet, and vibrant sauce perfect for holidays or everyday meals. Versatile and quick to prepare, it adds a festive touch and lively flavor to turkey, sandwiches, salads, and more.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 12 oz fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • Juice of 1 orange
  • 1 cinnamon stick (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Rinse the cranberries thoroughly, zest and juice the orange, and gather all your other ingredients for easy access.
  2. Cook the Cranberries: In a medium saucepan, combine water, sugar, and orange zest. Bring to a simmer over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Add Cranberries and Cook: Stir in the fresh cranberries and the orange juice. Let the mixture cook, stirring occasionally until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 10-15 minutes.
  4. Add Spices (Optional): If using cinnamon sticks or other spices, add them during the cooking process to infuse the sauce with extra warmth and aroma.
  5. Cool and Serve: Remove the sauce from heat and discard any whole spices. Let it cool to room temperature before serving or refrigerating.

Notes

  • Pick fresh cranberries that are firm and bright red for best flavor and texture.
  • Don’t skip the orange zest to enhance freshness and complexity without added sweetness.
  • Adjust sugar gradually and taste to avoid an overly sweet sauce.
  • Use a non-reactive pot such as stainless steel to preserve the bright color.
  • Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry sauce, holiday sauce, easy cranberry recipe, homemade sauce, gluten free condiment