Get ready to fall in love with the classic holiday staple that never disappoints: Best Ever Cranberry Sauce! This vibrant, jewel-toned sauce bursts with tart cranberries, a kiss of sunshine from orange juice and zest, and just enough sweetness to balance everything out. Whether you’re loading it onto turkey, swirling it into yogurt, or enjoying a spoonful straight from the fridge, this incredibly easy recipe delivers a fresh zing of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients are the magic behind Best Ever Cranberry Sauce. Every item on the list brings something special—tang, sweetness, aroma, or texture—to create a sauce that’s so much more than the sum of its parts.
- Fresh or Frozen Cranberries (12 oz): The stars of the show, they deliver that bold, tart flavor and gorgeous color.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the tangy cranberries just right without overpowering them.
- Orange Juice (½ cup): Adds citrusy brightness and an extra layer of depth—fresh-squeezed is best if you can!
- Water (½ cup): Helps the cranberries cook evenly and creates a sauce with silky texture.
- Orange Zest (1 teaspoon): Intensifies the citrus aroma, making the sauce smell and taste irresistible.
- Ground Cinnamon (¼ teaspoon): A pinch is all it takes to lend a subtle warmth and coziness.
- Salt (pinch): Just a pinch wakes up all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
How to Make Best Ever Cranberry Sauce
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Start by grabbing a medium saucepan and tossing in your cranberries, sugar, orange juice, water, orange zest, cinnamon, and a good pinch of salt. Give everything a gentle stir so that the sugar begins to dissolve and all those flavors get a chance to introduce themselves.
Step 2: Simmer the Mixture
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Soon you’ll hear the first pop as the cranberries burst—it’s practically a holiday soundtrack! Stir every once in a while, breathing in that wonderful aroma as the sauce thickens.
Step 3: Cook Until Thickened
Keep simmering the sauce for 10 to 15 minutes. As the cranberries burst, the sauce naturally thickens and becomes gorgeously glossy. If you like more texture, try reserving ½ cup of cranberries and stir them in during the last couple of minutes—so you get the best of both worlds: smooth and chunky.
Step 4: Cool to Perfection
Once your sauce is thick and most of the cranberries have burst, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let the Best Ever Cranberry Sauce cool to room temperature right in the pot. You’ll notice it continues to thicken as it cools, turning from a pourable sauce into a lovely, scoopable condiment.
Step 5: Chill or Serve
Transfer your finished sauce into a serving dish or an airtight container. You can serve Best Ever Cranberry Sauce either chilled or at room temperature, depending on your menu and mood—both ways are delightfully good!
How to Serve Best Ever Cranberry Sauce
Garnishes
Cranberry sauce is already beautiful, but a finishing touch can make it downright festive. Try a sprinkle of extra orange zest right before serving, or scatter a few whole berries on top for a pop of color. If you’re a fan of herbs, a small tuft of fresh rosemary or thyme adds rustic charm and a hint of green.
Side Dishes
No holiday table is complete without Best Ever Cranberry Sauce nestled between iconic sides. It pairs perfectly with savory stuffing, creamy mashed potatoes, and roasted Brussels sprouts, offering brightness and a fruity contrast. And, of course, it’s simply made for turkey, chicken, or even roasted pork.
Creative Ways to Present
This sauce isn’t just for the main feast! Swirl it into Greek yogurt for a breakfast upgrade, stack it on leftover sandwiches, dot it on top of cheeseboards, or use as a glaze for baked brie. The possibilities are endless, and you’ll find Best Ever Cranberry Sauce quickly becomes your go-to flavor booster all season long.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers deserve to be savored! Store Best Ever Cranberry Sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh and delicious for up to 10 days, so you can enjoy a little taste of the holidays day after day.
Freezing
If you wind up with extra sauce, you’re in luck: Best Ever Cranberry Sauce freezes beautifully. Simply spoon cooled sauce into a freezer-safe bag or container, label it, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, and it will taste as fresh as when you made it.
Reheating
When you’re ready to serve again, you can enjoy this sauce straight from the fridge or bring it back to room temperature. If you prefer it warm, gently reheat in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently—just don’t let it boil. Add a splash of water if it’s a bit thick from the cold.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly in Best Ever Cranberry Sauce—no need to thaw first, just toss them right in and cook as usual. The flavor and texture are just as bright and lovely.
How can I make this sauce less sweet?
If you’d like a more tart bite, simply reduce the sugar to ¾ cup, or even ½ cup if you’re feeling adventurous. Remember to taste as you go—cranberries can vary in tartness—and adjust the sugar to your liking.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, this recipe easily doubles or even triples for larger gatherings. Just use a bigger saucepan and allow a bit of extra cooking time if you’ve increased the quantity. The results are every bit as delicious!
What extra flavors can I add?
If you love experimenting, try adding a splash of vanilla extract or a dash of nutmeg for extra warmth. A hint of ginger or even a glug of port wine can give your Best Ever Cranberry Sauce a personalized twist.
Is this recipe suitable for vegan and gluten-free guests?
Definitely! Best Ever Cranberry Sauce is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a no-fuss option for all your guests. Everyone at your table will feel welcome and included with this side dish on the menu.
Final Thoughts
This Best Ever Cranberry Sauce is simply a must-make for your holiday or family feast! It’s easy, beautiful, and bursting with real fruit flavor that never fails to delight. Go ahead and surprise your loved ones with homemade goodness—it might just become your new seasonal tradition!
Print
Best Ever Cranberry Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
A tangy and sweet cranberry sauce that’s perfect for your holiday table. This Best Ever Cranberry Sauce recipe is easy to make and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup orange juice
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, water, orange zest, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Cook the Sauce: Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. Transfer to a serving dish or refrigerate until ready to use. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a more textured sauce, reserve ½ cup of cranberries and stir them in during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Add a splash of vanilla extract or a dash of nutmeg for extra warmth.
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