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Nothing says cozy holiday vibes quite like a tangy, bright cranberry sauce to brighten up your plate. This Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe is a total game-changer: it’s fast, fuss-free, and perfectly balances tart cranberries with just the right touch of sweetness and citrus. Whether you’re a cranberry sauce pro or a first-timer, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for any festive meal or comforting dinner all year round.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that luscious, glossy sauce that’s bursting with flavor and beautiful color.
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries: The star of the show, providing the signature tartness and vibrant red hue that makes the sauce irresistible.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Balances the natural tartness of the cranberries with just the right amount of sweetness for a harmonious flavor.
- 1 cup water: Helps the cranberries cook down smoothly and forms the luscious sauce base.
- 1/2 tsp orange zest (optional): Adds a delicate citrus aroma that brightens the entire dish without overpowering.
- 1 tbsp fresh orange juice (optional): Enhances the sauce with a fresh, tangy zing, giving it a delightful complexity.
How to Make Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Combine Cranberries, Sugar, and Water
Start by placing the cranberries, sugar, and water into a medium saucepan. This simple trio is the foundation, and as the sugar dissolves, it begins turning the tart cranberries into a sweet, tangy treat you’ll love.
Step 2: Bring to a Boil
Heat the mixture over medium heat and bring it to a rolling boil. This step helps the cranberries begin to soften and release their juices, starting the transformation into a sauce.
Step 3: Simmer Until Thickened
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir it occasionally, watching as the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens to that perfect consistency—if you love that slightly chunky texture, this is the moment to pause.
Step 4: Add Orange Zest and Juice (Optional)
For an extra burst of citrus brightness, stir in the orange zest and fresh juice. These add a subtle lift in aroma and flavor that make the sauce truly pop without taking the spotlight away from the cranberries.
Step 5: Cool and Thicken
Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the sauce to cool to room temperature. As it cools, it will naturally thicken up, creating that classic, irresistible cranberry sauce texture everyone loves.
Step 6: Refrigerate Until Serving
Transfer your sauce into a serving dish and chill it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to enjoy. Chilling helps the flavors meld beautifully and lets you serve it perfectly chilled or at room temperature—your choice!
How to Serve Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Consider topping your cranberry sauce with a few fresh orange slices or a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh rosemary for an elegant touch that also adds delightful fragrance and color contrast.
Side Dishes
This sauce pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, baked ham, or even simple grilled chicken. It also shines alongside mashed potatoes and stuffing, turning an everyday meal into a festive feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe in a small rustic bowl surrounded by sprigs of fresh herbs or cranberries for a charming presentation. You can even swirl it into yogurt or oatmeal as a tangy breakfast topper, opening up new delicious possibilities.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh and flavorful for up to a week, making it perfect for those who love to plan ahead during busy holiday seasons.
Freezing
You can freeze the sauce in a sealed container for up to three months. Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving, and give it a quick stir to bring back that beautiful texture.
Reheating
If you prefer warm cranberry sauce, gently reheat it over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to overheat to preserve the sauce’s vibrant flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones and make this Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe even more convenient, especially when cranberries are out of season.
Is it possible to make the sauce less sweet?
Definitely. You can reduce the sugar amount slightly or add a splash of fresh lemon juice to balance the sweetness with a little extra tang.
Can I make this sauce vegan?
This recipe is naturally vegan, as it contains only cranberries, sugar, water, and optional citrus zest and juice—perfect for plant-based diets.
How long does cranberry sauce last in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, your cranberry sauce will stay delicious for up to one week, making it great for meal prep and leftovers.
What if I want a smoother sauce?
If you prefer a smooth sauce, simply blend it with an immersion blender or regular blender after it has cooled slightly. This way, you can customize the texture exactly to your liking.
Final Thoughts
There is something so satisfying about whisking together a few simple ingredients and ending up with a sauce that bursts with flavor and warmth. This Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe is an absolute must-try whether it’s your first time making cranberry sauce or you’re looking to simplify your holiday cooking routine. Give it a whirl and watch it become a beloved staple on your table!
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Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups (about 2 servings)
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This easy cranberry sauce recipe is a simple and quick way to create a classic holiday condiment. Made with fresh or frozen cranberries, sugar, and water, it simmers to a perfect balance of tart and sweet, with an optional touch of fresh orange zest and juice to add brightness. Ready in just 20 minutes, this sauce is perfect for serving alongside turkey, chicken, or as a flavorful addition to sandwiches and desserts.
Ingredients
Cranberry Sauce Ingredients
- 1 bag (12 oz) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 tsp orange zest (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh orange juice (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, and water to prepare the base of the sauce.
- Bring to Boil: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, which will start softening the cranberries.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens to the desired consistency.
- Add Orange Flavor: Stir in the optional fresh orange zest and orange juice to add a citrusy note that enhances the sauce’s brightness.
- Cool the Sauce: Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the cranberry sauce to cool to room temperature. The sauce will thicken further as it cools down.
- Refrigerate Before Serving: Transfer the cooled sauce to a serving dish and refrigerate until ready to serve. This helps to set the texture and flavors.
Notes
- For a smoother sauce, you can mash the cranberries slightly while cooking or blend the sauce once cooled.
- Adjust the sugar amount based on your preferred sweetness—start with less if using very sweet cranberries.
- Orange zest and juice are optional but add a nice fresh, citrusy flavor.
- Store cranberry sauce refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian.
