Description
This classic Cranberry Sauce recipe is a simple and delicious condiment perfect for holiday meals or anytime you want a tangy-sweet burst of flavor. Made with fresh or frozen cranberries, orange juice, and a touch of cinnamon, this sauce is easy to prepare and complements turkey, chicken, or any roasted meats.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- Zest of 1 orange (optional, for extra citrus flavor)
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, orange juice, orange zest (if using), cinnamon stick (if using), and a pinch of salt to create the base for your sauce.
- Cook the Cranberries: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the sauce and add more sugar if you prefer it sweeter. Continue to simmer for a few more minutes until any additional sugar is fully dissolved.
- Cool the Sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat and discard the cinnamon stick. Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature; it will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Serve: Transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving dish. Serve it warm or chilled, and feel free to refrigerate leftovers as it keeps well for several days.
Notes
- You can use fresh or frozen cranberries interchangeably; no need to thaw frozen cranberries before cooking.
- Adjust sugar amount based on preferred sweetness or to balance the tartness of cranberries.
- Adding orange zest and cinnamon introduces extra layers of flavor but can be omitted if desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for larger gatherings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 0.2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
