Holiday Cranberry Sauce

The smell of simmering cranberries, cinnamon, and oranges always takes me right back to my grandma’s kitchen in Waco. She made the best cranberry sauce, and her secret ingredient was a little bit of Texas sunshine (okay, maybe it was orange zest!). This holiday cranberry sauce recipe is my take on her classic, tweaked for busy families like mine. I’ve made this version at least a dozen times in my own kitchen, and let me tell you, even my picky eaters gobble it up. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfectly tart-sweet – the perfect complement to turkey or ham. You’ll get a homemade cranberry sauce that tastes like it took hours, but only requires about 30 minutes of your time.

Why This Recipe Works

Let’s be honest, during the holidays, we’re all short on time. That’s why I love this cranberry sauce recipe. It’s:

• Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Easy: Only a handful of ingredients and simple steps.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be made days in advance.

I’ve tested this recipe to ensure it’s foolproof, even for the most harried holiday cook. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and you’ll be surprised how much better homemade is compared to the canned stuff!

Ingredients

• 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Ingredient Notes

Cranberries: Fresh or frozen cranberries work equally well in this recipe. If using frozen, no need to thaw them first. The tartness of the cranberries is key, so don’t skip them!

Sugar: I prefer granulated sugar, but you can also use brown sugar for a slightly richer, more molasses-y flavor. Just be aware that brown sugar will darken the color of the sauce.

Orange Juice & Zest: The orange adds a bright, citrusy note that complements the tart cranberries perfectly. Freshly squeezed juice is always best, and don’t skip the zest! That’s where most of the orange flavor is concentrated.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Combine Ingredients. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, and salt. Give everything a good stir to make sure the sugar is evenly distributed.

Step 2: Bring to a Boil. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. You’ll start to hear the cranberries popping as they heat up, which is exactly what you want.

Step 3: Simmer. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Cool and Thicken. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the cranberry sauce cool completely. As it cools, it will thicken further. Don’t worry if it seems a little thin at first – patience is key! After testing this several times, I learned that the cooling process is crucial for achieving the perfect consistency.

Step 5: Chill (Optional). For an even thicker consistency and enhanced flavor, cover the cranberry sauce and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This step allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Expert Tips from My Kitchen

• Adjust the Sweetness: Taste the cranberry sauce after it has cooled and adjust the sweetness to your liking. If it’s too tart, add a tablespoon or two of sugar.
• Prevent Sticking: Stir the cranberry sauce occasionally while it simmers to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.
• Texture Tip: For a smoother cranberry sauce, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend it after it has cooked. But honestly, I like the texture of the whole cranberries.
• Kid-Friendly Twist: Add a splash of apple juice or a small handful of dried cranberries for a sweeter, more kid-friendly flavor.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This cranberry sauce can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
• Spice it Up: For a little extra warmth, add a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg along with the cinnamon.

Storage & Meal Prep

Storage: Store leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 5 days.

Freezing: Cranberry sauce can also be frozen for longer storage. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Meal Prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping! Make a batch ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to use it. It’s one less thing to worry about on Thanksgiving Day!

Substitutions & Variations

Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free.

Less Sugar: Reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup for a tangier sauce. You can also use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, but I haven’t personally tested this.

Cranberry Orange Walnut: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts to the cranberry sauce after it has cooled for a nutty crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh cranberries in this recipe. There’s no need to thaw them before using.

How do I know when the cranberry sauce is done?

The cranberry sauce is done when the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened slightly. It will continue to thicken as it cools.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend making it a day or two in advance. The flavors will meld together beautifully, and it will be one less thing to worry about on Thanksgiving Day.

My cranberry sauce is too tart. What can I do?

If your cranberry sauce is too tart, simply add a tablespoon or two of sugar, stir well, and taste again. Repeat until you reach your desired level of sweetness.

Can I freeze cranberry sauce?

Yes, you can freeze cranberry sauce for up to 2 months. Be sure to store it in a freezer-safe container.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

My kids love this cranberry sauce! The orange juice adds a touch of sweetness that makes it appealing to even picky eaters. You can also add a splash of apple juice for an extra kid-friendly flavor.

Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Yes, you can substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar. It will give the cranberry sauce a slightly richer, more molasses-y flavor. Just be aware that brown sugar will darken the color of the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This holiday cranberry sauce is the perfect accompaniment to roasted turkey, baked ham, or even grilled chicken. It’s also delicious served with brie cheese and crackers as an appetizer. For a festive presentation, garnish with a sprig of rosemary or a few orange slices.

Portion-wise, a small spoonful is usually plenty to complement the other dishes on your plate. A little bit goes a long way!

This easy cranberry sauce is a game changer for your holiday meal. I hope you’ll give it a try this year and experience the joy of homemade! Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you. And if you’re looking for more family-friendly recipes, be sure to check out FamiliesRecipes.com and sign up for our newsletter. Happy cooking, y’all!

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