Best Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Cranberry sauce is a quintessential side dish for holiday meals, particularly Thanksgiving and Christmas. This homemade cranberry sauce is incredibly easy to make and far superior to any store-bought version. It strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tart, making it a delightful accompaniment to your festive meals.
Homemade cranberry sauce adds a burst of vibrant color and fresh flavor to your holiday table. This recipe uses fresh cranberries, which provide a delightful tartness, balanced with the sweetness of sugar and the subtle hint of orange. The aroma of simmering cranberries and spices will fill your kitchen with a festive, inviting scent.
Tools to Use
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Zester or fine grater
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- Zest of one orange
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients:
- Rinse the cranberries under cold water and pick out any stems or damaged berries.
- Zest the orange and squeeze the juice.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Cook the Sauce:
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer.
- Simmer Until Thickened:
- Continue to simmer the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cool the Sauce:
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the cranberry sauce cool to room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Serve or Store:
- Once cooled, transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving dish. If not serving immediately, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
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Best Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Zester or fine grater
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries about 3 cups
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- Zest of one orange
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients:
- Rinse the cranberries under cold water and pick out any stems or damaged berries.
- Zest the orange and squeeze the juice.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Cook the Sauce:
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer.
- Simmer Until Thickened:
- Continue to simmer the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cool the Sauce:
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the cranberry sauce cool to room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Serve or Store:
- Once cooled, transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving dish. If not serving immediately, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips for Cooking
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add an additional 1/4 cup of sugar. For a tarter sauce, reduce the sugar slightly.
- Add Texture: For added texture, you can stir in some whole cranberries at the end of cooking.
- Make Ahead: Cranberry sauce can be made several days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, saving you time on the day of your meal.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Homemade cranberry sauce is a simple yet impressive addition to your holiday feast. It’s made with fresh, wholesome ingredients and can be customized to suit your taste. The vibrant color and fresh flavor elevate any meal, and it’s incredibly easy to make. Ditch the canned sauce and enjoy the superior taste of homemade cranberry sauce.
Bring a touch of homemade goodness to your holiday table with this easy and delicious cranberry sauce recipe. With its perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite tradition in your family. Enjoy the burst of freshness and the festive aroma that will fill your kitchen. Happy holidays!
