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Homemade Cranberry Sauce | Bright, Tangy, and Perfect for Every Holiday Table

Nothing says the holidays like the sparkle of ruby-red cranberry sauce on your dinner plate. Whether it’s spooned over roasted turkey, served alongside mashed potatoes, or even spread on a leftover sandwich the next day, Homemade Cranberry Sauce brings that perfect blend of sweet, tart, and citrusy flavor that makes every bite come alive. Forget the canned version — this homemade recipe is incredibly simple, bursting with natural fruit flavor, and ready in under 20 minutes. With just a handful of ingredients — fresh cranberries, orange juice, sugar, and warm cinnamon spices — you can create a sauce that’s festive, fragrant, and made with love. The magic of cranberry sauce lies in its versatility. It’s not just a side dish — it’s the bright note that balances rich, savory meals. It’s also amazing chilled and served as a topping for yogurt, pancakes, or even desserts like cheesecake and pound cake. This easy recipe transforms humble cranberries into a glistening, jewel-toned sauce that’s the heart of every Thanksgiving and Christmas feast.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Cooling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Fruits & Vegetables
  • 1 12 oz bag fresh cranberries, rinsed and drained
Spices & Seasonings
  • ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • ¼ tsp salt
Sweeteners
  • ⅔ cup sugar adjust to taste — more for sweetness, less for tartness
Liquids
  • ½ cup orange juice freshly squeezed preferred
  • ½ cup water
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Equipment

  • You’ll be amazed how few tools you need for something this impressive:
  • Medium saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Zester (optional)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Fine mesh strainer (optional, for smoother sauce)
  • A bowl or jar for storing

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Cranberries
  1. Rinse the cranberries under cold water, removing any stems or soft berries.
  2. Set aside while you prepare the cooking liquid.
🍒 Fresh cranberries are naturally tart — that’s what makes this sauce so vibrant and delicious!
    Step 2: Combine the Base Ingredients
    1. In a medium saucepan, combine the orange juice, water, and sugar.
    2. Stir over medium heat until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer.
    🍊 The combination of orange juice and sugar creates a fragrant, syrupy base for your cranberries.
      Step 3: Add the Cranberries and Spices
      1. Add the cranberries, ground cinnamon, cinnamon stick, and salt to the saucepan.
      2. Stir gently to coat the berries, then bring to a gentle boil.
      🌿 As the cranberries cook, they’ll begin to pop — this is the sound of them transforming into the perfect sauce!
        Step 4: Simmer Until Thickened
        1. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
        2. The cranberries will burst and the sauce will thicken as it cooks.
        🍇 If you prefer a smoother sauce, mash the cranberries slightly with the back of a spoon as they cook.
          Step 5: Adjust and Cool
          1. Taste the sauce — if it’s too tart, stir in an extra tablespoon of sugar.
          2. Remove the cinnamon stick and discard it.
          3. Let the sauce cool to room temperature; it will continue to thicken as it cools.
          ❄️ The sauce should be glossy, rich, and just thick enough to cling to your spoon.
            Step 6: Chill and Serve
            1. Transfer the cooled cranberry sauce to a bowl or jar.
            2. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to let the flavors meld.
            🎄 Once chilled, the sauce sets perfectly and is ready to steal the show on your holiday table.

              Notes

              🧊 Storage & Reheating
              Refrigeration:
              Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
              Freezing:
              Freeze for up to 3 months in a sealed container.
              Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
              Reheating (if serving warm):
              Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
              💡 Cranberry sauce keeps beautifully — it’s the perfect make-ahead holiday side.
              🥄 Variations
              1. Orange Zest Cranberry Sauce
              Add 1 tsp grated orange zest for extra citrus brightness.
              2. Maple Cranberry Sauce
              Replace half the sugar with pure maple syrup for a deep, rich flavor.
              3. Apple Cranberry Sauce
              Add ½ cup diced apples during cooking for a sweet-tart twist.
              4. Spiced Cranberry Sauce
              Mix in a pinch of ground cloves, nutmeg, or ginger for extra warmth.
              5. Chunky Cranberry Relish
              Pulse the cooked sauce briefly in a food processor for a chunky, rustic texture.
              6. Vanilla Cranberry Sauce
              Stir in ½ tsp vanilla extract after cooking for a smooth, elegant flavor.
              7. Jalapeño Cranberry Sauce
              Add ½ diced jalapeño for a sweet-and-spicy kick — perfect for savory dishes.
              8. Honey-Sweetened Version
              Replace sugar with ½ cup honey for a natural sweetener option.
              ❓ 10 FAQs
              1. Can I use frozen cranberries?
              Yes! No need to thaw them first — just cook a few minutes longer.
              2. Can I make this ahead of time?
              Absolutely. It tastes even better after a day or two as the flavors meld.
              3. How do I make it less tart?
              Add more sugar or a splash of orange juice for sweetness balance.
              4. Can I use lemon juice instead of orange juice?
              Yes, though it will be slightly more tart. You can add more sugar to balance.
              5. What if my sauce is too thick?
              Add a tablespoon of water or juice at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
              6. What if it’s too thin?
              Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes until it thickens naturally.
              7. How can I make it extra smooth?
              Blend the sauce after cooling for a silky texture.
              8. Can I can or preserve this cranberry sauce?
              Yes — it’s suitable for canning if you follow proper sterilization methods.
              9. What dishes go well with cranberry sauce?
              It’s amazing with roast chicken, turkey, ham substitutes, beef, mashed potatoes, or even brie cheese and crackers.
              10. Can I use this in desserts?
              Definitely — it’s delicious layered in parfaits, cheesecakes, pies, or over ice cream.
              🏁 Conclusion
              This Homemade Cranberry Sauce is more than just a side dish — it’s the vibrant, tangy heart of your holiday meal. Each spoonful captures the season’s essence: sweet, tart, citrusy, and beautifully spiced.
              It takes only minutes to make yet adds a burst of fresh, festive flavor to any table. Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy fall dinner, this cranberry sauce brings warmth, color, and cheer to every bite.
              It’s proof that simple ingredients — a handful of cranberries, sugar, and a touch of orange — can create something extraordinary.
              Once you’ve made it from scratch, you’ll never go back to the canned version again. One taste, and you’ll see why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your family’s holiday traditions.
              Serve it chilled, spoon it over your roast, or swirl it into desserts — however you enjoy it, this Homemade Cranberry Sauce will fill your holidays with color, comfort, and joy.