Description
This Classic Cranberry Sauce is sweet, tangy, and citrusy with a subtle hint of spice—perfect for your holiday table or everyday side dishes. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s far better than anything from a can and can be made ahead for ease!
Ingredients
12 oz cranberries (fresh or frozen)
¾ cup sugar
½ cup orange juice
½ cup water
1 tsp orange zest
1 cinnamon stick (optional)
Instructions
1. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, water, and orange zest. Add the cinnamon stick if using.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. The cranberries will begin to pop.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens and most cranberries burst.
4. Remove from heat. Taste and adjust sweetness. Add a splash of water if the sauce is too thick.
5. Let it cool completely. The sauce will thicken further as it cools. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
The sauce thickens significantly as it cools—don’t worry if it looks a little runny right off the stove.
Want it smoother? Blend the cooled sauce for a silky finish.
For a flavor twist, add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of ground cloves.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sauce/Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg