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Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry Sauce

Nothing says “holiday season” quite like the bright, tart flavor of cranberry sauce. It’s the perfect companion to roast turkey, chicken, or even baked ham — balancing out savory dishes with its sweet-tangy goodness. Forget the canned version; once you try this easy homemade cranberry sauce, you’ll never go back. With just a handful of ingredients and 15 minutes, you can create a fresh, flavorful sauce that makes any festive meal feel complete.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz 340 g fresh or frozen cranberries
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar adjust to taste
  • ½ cup orange juice freshly squeezed for best flavor
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract optional
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon optional for warmth

Method
 

Combine the ingredients
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, water, and orange zest. Stir to mix everything together.
Simmer the sauce
  1. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil. Once the cranberries start to pop (you’ll hear tiny pops!), reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. The sauce will begin to thicken naturally as the cranberries break down.
Add flavor and cool
  1. Once it reaches your desired consistency, remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract and cinnamon, if using. Let the sauce cool completely — it will continue to thicken as it cools.
Serve or store
  1. Serve warm or chilled. Transfer leftovers to a glass jar or airtight container and refrigerate for up to one week.

Notes

  • Adjust sweetness: Taste the sauce halfway through cooking — if it’s too tart, add a bit more sugar or honey.
  • Texture control: Mash for a smoother sauce, or leave some whole cranberries for a rustic look.
  • Citrus balance: A bit of lemon zest or juice adds extra brightness.
  • Make it sparkle: Add a splash of orange liqueur or apple cider for a gourmet twist (optional, alcohol-free alternatives work great too).