Description
This easy and flavorful cranberry sauce recipe is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, made with fresh cranberries, orange juice, and a touch of warm spice. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s the ideal holiday side dish that complements turkey, ham, and more.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3/4 cup sugar: adds sweetness to balance the tart cranberries
- 1/2 cup orange juice: provides natural citrusy sweetness and acidity
- 1/2 cup water: helps cook down the cranberries
- 12 oz fresh cranberries (rinsed and picked through): the main ingredient, offering tart flavor and vibrant color
- Pinch of salt: enhances overall flavor
- 1 cinnamon stick: adds warm, festive spice
- 1 piece of orange peel: infuses additional citrus aroma
Instructions
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, orange juice, and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the cranberries, a pinch of salt, cinnamon stick, and orange peel to the pan.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Continue cooking for about 10 minutes, or until most of the cranberries have popped. You can leave some whole for texture.
- Remove from heat and let the sauce cool for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Transfer to a container, cover, and refrigerate until ready to use. It can be made up to 3 days in advance.
Notes
- Make ahead for best flavor; it improves after chilling for a day or two.
- Leave some cranberries whole for texture variation.
- Perfect for turkey sandwiches and cheese boards.
- You can freeze cranberry sauce for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 1 minute
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg