Easiest Cranberry Sauce Ever Recipe
Introduction
This cranberry sauce is the easiest you’ll ever make, blending fresh cranberries with bright orange flavors for a perfect holiday side. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a fresh, homemade sauce that beats any store-bought version.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries, rinsed and picked over
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine the sugar and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved, forming a simple syrup.
- Step 2: Add the cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, cinnamon stick (if using), and a pinch of salt to the saucepan.
- Step 3: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Cook until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and discard the cinnamon stick. Let the sauce cool completely; it will continue to thicken as it cools.
Tips & Variations
- For a smoother texture, gently mash some of the cranberries with a potato masher while cooking.
- Adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste, adding more if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
- Omit the cinnamon stick for a simpler flavor, or add a pinch of ground cloves for extra warmth.
Storage
Store the cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge. If the sauce thickens too much after refrigeration, stir in a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cranberries can be used straight from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to allow them to thaw and burst.
How do I make the sauce less tart?
Increase the sugar slightly to balance the tartness, or add a little more orange juice for natural sweetness and citrus flavor.
PrintEasiest Cranberry Sauce Ever Recipe
This is a simple and quick recipe for the easiest cranberry sauce ever. Using fresh cranberries, sugar, water, and a hint of orange zest and juice, this sauce is perfectly tart and sweet, ideal for holiday meals or as a tangy side accompaniment. The addition of a cinnamon stick adds a subtle warm spice, making this homemade cranberry sauce a delicious and fresh alternative to canned varieties.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries, rinsed and picked over
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare Simple Syrup: Combine the sugar and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar has completely dissolved, creating a clear simple syrup base for the sauce.
- Add Ingredients: To the saucepan, add the rinsed cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, the cinnamon stick if using, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook Sauce: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Cook until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning on the bottom.
- Final Touch: Remove the saucepan from the heat and discard the cinnamon stick. Allow the cranberry sauce to cool completely; it will continue to thicken as it cools down.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, gently mash some cranberries with a potato masher during cooking.
- Adjust sweetness according to your preference by adding more sugar if needed.
- This cranberry sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- When thawing frozen sauce, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- If the sauce becomes too thick after refrigeration, stir in water one tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency.
Keywords: cranberry sauce, easiest cranberry sauce, holiday cranberry sauce, fresh cranberry sauce, homemade cranberry sauce
