Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Cranberry sauce is a quintessential part of many holiday meals, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. This easy cranberry sauce recipe is a simple and quick way to make a fresh, vibrant sauce that perfectly complements roasted meats, stuffing, and other festive dishes. With just three ingredients, this recipe provides a delightful, tangy contrast to rich, savory foods. The best part? It only takes 15 minutes from start to finish, making it the perfect last-minute addition to your holiday table.

Cranberries, sugar, and water come together in a saucepan to create a smooth, sweet-tart sauce that can be enjoyed warm or cold. Whether you prefer it with a chunky texture or a smooth consistency, this cranberry sauce can be easily customized. Plus, it can be made in advance and stored for days, making it not only a delicious side dish but also a convenient one. In this article, we’ll show you how to make the perfect cranberry sauce, provide tips for variations, and answer common questions to ensure your cranberry sauce is a hit at your next celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy to Make

This cranberry sauce comes together in just 15 minutes with minimal ingredients. It’s perfect for when you’re in a time crunch or need a quick side dish.

Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart

The combination of sugar and cranberries results in a sauce that strikes the ideal balance between sweetness and tartness, complementing any holiday meal.

Customizable Texture

You can easily adjust the texture of your cranberry sauce. Whether you prefer it chunky or smooth, this recipe accommodates your preference.

Great for Make-Ahead

Since cranberry sauce keeps well in the fridge, it’s an excellent option to prepare in advance, saving you time on the big day.

Versatile Use

This easy cranberry sauce isn’t just for Thanksgiving. You can use it year-round on meats, sandwiches, salads, or even as a topping for desserts.

Ingredients

• Fresh cranberries
• Sugar
• Water

Variations

• Orange Cranberry Sauce: Add a tablespoon of orange zest and a splash of fresh orange juice for a citrus twist.
• Spiced Cranberry Sauce: Include a cinnamon stick, a few cloves, or a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Sugar-Free Cranberry Sauce: Replace the sugar with a sugar substitute or use honey for a natural sweetener.
• Cranberry-Apple Sauce: Add a chopped apple to the saucepan for a fruity variation that brings extra texture and sweetness.
• Cranberry-Maple Sauce: Substitute maple syrup for some or all of the sugar for a richer, more complex flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

In a saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, sugar, and water. Stir the mixture to evenly distribute the sugar and cranberries.

Step 2: Bring to a Boil

Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir occasionally to prevent the cranberries from sticking to the bottom.

Step 3: Simmer

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes. The cranberries will pop and release their juices, thickening the sauce.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the cranberry sauce cool for a few minutes. You can serve it warm or chill it in the fridge before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Stir occasionally while simmering to ensure the sugar dissolves evenly.
• Don’t overcook the sauce; it will continue to thicken as it cools.
• For a smoother texture, use a potato masher or immersion blender to break up the cranberries.
• If the sauce is too tart, add a little more sugar or honey to taste.
• For a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a few extra minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.

How to Serve

Serve this cranberry sauce alongside roasted turkey, chicken, or pork. It’s also a great topping for stuffing, mashed potatoes, or even yogurt and granola. Don’t forget to try it as a spread on sandwiches or as a topping for desserts like cheesecake or ice cream.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After serving, store any leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to one week.

Freezing

You can freeze cranberry sauce for up to 3 months. Simply place the cooled sauce in a freezer-safe container, and store it in the freezer. To thaw, transfer it to the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating

To reheat cranberry sauce, place it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warm. If it has thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of water to loosen it up.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen cranberries will work just as well as fresh. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using.

2. Can I make this cranberry sauce in advance?

Absolutely! This cranberry sauce can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the fridge.

3. Can I use a sugar substitute?

Yes, you can replace the sugar with a sugar substitute like Stevia or honey, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

4. How do I make a smoother cranberry sauce?

To make a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender or a potato masher to break up the cranberries after cooking.

5. Can I add alcohol to the cranberry sauce?

Yes, adding a splash of red wine, bourbon, or brandy can deepen the flavor of your cranberry sauce.

6. How can I make this recipe more tangy?

Add a tablespoon of lemon juice or a pinch of citric acid to enhance the tartness of the sauce.

7. Is it possible to make this cranberry sauce spicy?

Yes, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few slices of fresh ginger for a spicy kick.

8. Can I use this cranberry sauce for baking?

Yes, this cranberry sauce can be used as a filling for pies, tarts, or even in muffins.

9. Why does my cranberry sauce taste too bitter?

If your sauce is too bitter, it might need more sugar. Taste and adjust to your preference as you cook.

10. Can I make this recipe with less sugar?

Yes, you can reduce the amount of sugar or substitute it with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey.

Conclusion

This easy cranberry sauce recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add a simple yet flavorful dish to their holiday table. It’s quick, easy, and highly customizable, allowing you to make it your own. Whether you’re serving it with turkey, pork, or as a topping for desserts, this fresh cranberry sauce is sure to be a hit. Plus, with tips for storing leftovers and easy variations, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

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