Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Homemade cranberry sauce is a simple and delicious way to add a fresh, tangy touch to your holiday meals or everyday dishes. This easy recipe combines fresh cranberries with orange and cinnamon for a perfectly balanced sauce.
Ingredients
- 300 grams fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- Zest and juice of 2 oranges
- 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Step 1: In a saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, brown sugar, orange zest and juice, and cinnamon stick. Stir gently over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved.
- Step 2: Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
- Step 3: Remove the saucepan from heat, take out the cinnamon stick, and let the sauce cool for about 15 minutes.
- Step 4: Transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving dish. Cover the surface with plastic cling wrap, pressing it down so it directly touches the sauce to prevent a skin from forming. Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
- Step 5: Serve chilled and enjoy as a flavorful side dish or condiment.
Tips & Variations
- For a smoother sauce, use a blender or food processor to pulse the sauce after cooking.
- Add a splash of bourbon or brandy during simmering for a boozy twist.
- Substitute brown sugar with maple syrup or honey for a different sweetness profile.
- Stir in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture.
Storage
Store cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze it for up to two months—thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave if you prefer to serve it warm.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cranberries work well in this recipe. Simply add them directly to the saucepan without thawing, and cook until they break down and the sauce thickens.
How long does cranberry sauce keep in the fridge?
Properly stored in an airtight container, cranberry sauce will last about one week in the refrigerator.
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Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 2 cups 1x
Description
This homemade cranberry sauce is a simple and delicious addition to your meals, featuring fresh cranberries simmered with brown sugar, zesty oranges, and a warm cinnamon stick. Perfectly thickened and chilled to bring out the vibrant flavors, this sauce pairs wonderfully with holiday dishes or as a tangy topping for various meals.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 300 gram Fresh Cranberries
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
- 2 Oranges (zest and juice)
- 1 Cinnamon Stick
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, add 300 grams of fresh cranberries, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, the zest and juice of 2 oranges, and 1 cinnamon stick. Gently stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar has fully dissolved.
- Boil and Simmer: Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Cool the Sauce: Turn off the heat, remove the cinnamon stick carefully, and allow the sauce to cool for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Chill the Sauce: Transfer the sauce into a serving dish or cup. Cover the surface directly with plastic cling wrap to prevent a skin from forming and refrigerate for at least one hour to chill thoroughly.
- Serve: After chilling, your homemade cranberry sauce is ready to be served and enjoyed as a perfect accompaniment to your dishes.
Notes
- The cinnamon stick adds a warm spice note; you can adjust the quantity to taste or omit if preferred.
- For a smoother texture, you can mash the cranberries slightly after cooking.
- Make sure to press the cling wrap directly onto the surface of the sauce to avoid a thick skin forming.
- The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Using fresh cranberries yields the best flavor and texture, but frozen cranberries can be used if fresh are unavailable.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: homemade cranberry sauce, fresh cranberries, holiday sauce, orange cranberry sauce, cinnamon cranberry sauce
