Easy, flavorful, and perfect for your next holiday gathering, this Homemade Cranberry Sauce is our go-to recipe with minimal ingredients and time! It’s a delightful complement to any meal and can elevate your festive table. This sauce not only bursts with freshness but also showcases the vibrant flavors of cranberries, making it an ideal choice for various occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 5 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this sauce in no time.
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of cranberries with orange juice and cinnamon creates a deliciously tangy and sweet profile.
- Versatile Use: Perfect as a side for turkey or as a topping for desserts, this sauce suits multiple dishes.
- Natural Ingredients: Made from simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have at home.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for convenient serving later.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Homemade Cranberry Sauce successfully, you’ll need some handy tools in your kitchen. These will help ensure a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving dish
Importance of Each Tool
- Medium saucepan: Essential for simmering the cranberries and combining flavors effectively.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware, allowing even mixing.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the best flavor balance.
Ingredients
For this delightful Homemade Cranberry Sauce, gather these simple ingredients:
For the Sauce
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 12 oz bag cranberries
How to Make Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, add your sugar, orange juice, water, ground cinnamon, cinnamon stick, salt, and cranberries.
Step 2: Cook the Mixture
Over medium-high heat, bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir occasionally for about 15-20 minutes until the cranberries start to pop. Continue cooking until slightly thickened and popping stops.
Step 3: Chill the Sauce
Pour the sauce into a serving dish. Cover it and refrigerate until chilled, approximately 30 minutes before serving.
This Homemade Cranberry Sauce will surely be a hit at your next gathering! Enjoy its fresh taste along with your favorite dishes.
How to Serve Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Homemade Cranberry Sauce is not only delicious but also versatile. Here are some creative ways to serve it at your next gathering.
With Roast Chicken
- Pairing it with roast chicken adds a sweet and tangy element that complements the savory flavors beautifully.
On a Charcuterie Board
- Use the sauce as a spread on crackers or alongside cheeses for a delightful appetizer that balances flavors.
Mixed into Salads
- Add a dollop of cranberry sauce to salads for an extra burst of color and flavor, enhancing both taste and presentation.
As a Glaze for Meats
- Brush the sauce over grilled turkey or chicken for a glossy finish that enhances the dish’s overall appeal.
In Sandwiches
- Spread cranberry sauce on sandwiches, especially with turkey or chicken, to bring a fresh, zesty flavor to each bite.
How to Perfect Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Creating the perfect Homemade Cranberry Sauce can elevate your dish. Here are some tips to ensure success.
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Use Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries provide the best flavor and texture compared to canned options. Look for bright, firm berries.
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Balance Your Sweetness: Adjust sugar levels based on your preference. If you like it less sweet, reduce the sugar slightly for a more tart flavor.
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Experiment with Spices: Try adding nutmeg or allspice along with cinnamon for a more complex flavor profile that enhances the traditional recipe.
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Chill Before Serving: Letting the sauce cool in the refrigerator allows flavors to meld together better, resulting in improved taste when served.
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Store Properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last about a week, making it easy to enjoy later.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Homemade Cranberry Sauce pairs well with various side dishes. Here’s a list of ideal companions for your holiday meal.
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Roast Turkey: A classic pairing that brings out the best in both dishes—juicy turkey with vibrant cranberry contrast.
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Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes offer a comforting base that benefits from the tartness of cranberry sauce.
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Green Bean Casserole: The crunchiness and creaminess of this dish work well with the freshness of homemade cranberry sauce.
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Stuffing: Savory stuffing complements sweet cranberry sauce, creating balanced bites full of flavor.
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Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes contrasts nicely with tart cranberry sauce, enhancing both dishes.
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Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts add depth and richness that pairs perfectly with the refreshing acidity of cranberry sauce.
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Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad featuring nuts and greens provides a nutritious option that works well alongside homemade sauces.
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Cornbread: The slight sweetness of cornbread makes it an excellent match for tangy cranberry sauce, creating delightful textures and flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Homemade Cranberry Sauce can be simple, but many people make common mistakes that could affect the taste and texture. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.
- Using too much sugar: Adding excessive sugar can mask the natural tartness of cranberries. Stick to the recommended amount for balance.
- Not rinsing cranberries: Failing to rinse cranberries may leave dirt or debris. Always wash them thoroughly before cooking.
- Ignoring cooking time: Overcooking can lead to a sauce that is too thick or mushy. Monitor the sauce closely and remove it when the cranberries have popped and thickened slightly.
- Skipping the spices: Not adding spices like cinnamon can result in a bland flavor. Incorporate spices to enhance the overall taste of your sauce.
- Serving warm: Cranberry sauce is best served cold. Allow it to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Ensure it’s completely cooled before sealing to avoid condensation.
Freezing Homemade Cranberry Sauce
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
- Leave some space in the container as it will expand when frozen.
Reheating Homemade Cranberry Sauce
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warmed evenly.
- Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Homemade Cranberry Sauce made of?
Homemade Cranberry Sauce typically includes fresh cranberries, sugar, orange juice, water, and spices like cinnamon.
How long does Homemade Cranberry Sauce last?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, Homemade Cranberry Sauce lasts up to one week.
Can I freeze Homemade Cranberry Sauce?
Yes, you can freeze Homemade Cranberry Sauce for up to three months. Just make sure it’s stored in a suitable container.
How do I make my Homemade Cranberry Sauce thicker?
To thicken your Homemade Cranberry Sauce, allow it to simmer longer until it reaches your desired consistency or add a little pectin.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Cranberry Sauce recipe is not only easy but also flavorful and adaptable. You can customize it with different spices or citrus juices based on your preference. Perfect for holiday gatherings or everyday meals, this sauce is sure to impress!
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Description
Elevate your holiday gatherings with this Homemade Cranberry Sauce that bursts with vibrant flavors and is incredibly easy to make! With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can create a delightful sauce that perfectly balances sweet and tangy notes. The addition of fresh orange juice and a hint of cinnamon enhances the natural tartness of cranberries, making this sauce an exceptional accompaniment to roasted meats or as a topping for desserts. Whether you’re serving it alongside turkey or using it in festive sandwiches, this versatile cranberry sauce is sure to impress your guests. Plus, it’s simple enough to whip up in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 (12 oz) bag cranberries
Instructions
- Combine sugar, orange juice, water, ground cinnamon, cinnamon stick, salt, and cranberries in a medium saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally for about 15-20 minutes until cranberries begin to pop and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Pour the sauce into a serving dish and refrigerate for about 30 minutes until chilled before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup (60g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg