Posted Nov 04, 2023, Updated Nov 11, 2024 I know it’s a bold claim, but this truly is the best cranberry sauce recipe. I have been making it for almost 20 years and usually make a triple batch on Thanksgiving (check out our Thanksgiving recipes) because everyone in my family loves it so much. This year, I implore you to ditch the gelatinous canned sauce that masquerades as cranberry sauce, and make your own homemade cranberry sauce. And there’s no need to be intimidated, because this cranberry sauce recipe is easy to make with 5 ingredients in under 30 minutes.
Cranberry Sauce Recipe Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh cranberries. This cranberry sauce recipe tastes best when it’s made with fresh cranberries. I have used frozen cranberries and while it still tastes great, it is a little “seedy” meaning the seeds don’t break down as well during cooking. If using frozen, I would recommend blending the sauce in a high-powered blende.r Orange Juice. choose a pulp-free variety for the best texture. Brown Sugar. Both light and dark brown sugar work well in this recipe. Dark brown sugar will impart a slight molasses taste. Granulated Sugar. white sugar or organic cane sugar are good choices. (or try this healthy cranberry sauce). Cinnamon. Ground cinnamon really takes this cranberry sauce from good to phenomenally great. I don’t recommend omitting it, but it can be left out with delicious results. Water. you can substitute water with more orange juice, or apple cider.
I have tried playing with the ratio of orange juice and water, decreasing the amount of sugar, etc. and have landed on this recipe every. single. time. I do have a healthy cranberry sauce recipe (with a video) here that uses no refined sugar.
How to make Cranberry Sauce
Let’s walk through how to make cranberry sauce together, and be sure to watch the video for additional help. The first step in this cranberry sauce recipe is to whisk the water, orange juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar and cinnamon together in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Once the mixture is boiling, add the cranberries and stir to combine. Turn the heat down to simmer and simmer the mixture uncovered for 10 – 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries begin to pop. (You will hear popping noises and the berries will burst open). One of my favorite parts of making this Homemade Cranberry Sauce is that the cranberries “talk” to you as they cook. As they warm up they start popping and snapping. Keep cooking until most of the berries have burst.
Mash or Blend Sauce
Next, you can make a chunky or smooth sauce in one of these two ways: Mash the cranberries until you reach your desired consistency. This cranberry sauce recipe thickens as it cools. So Let it cool to room temperature in a pan, then transfer it to an airtight storage container to chill completely in the refrigerator.
Make-Ahead
I suggest making this homemade cranberry sauce at least one day in advance so it can chill overnight. I make this recipe a day or two before Thanksgiving and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. You might even argue that it tastes better after siting for a couple days because the flavors become richer as they have time to blend.
Store/Freeze
Store cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freezer for up to 2 months.
Serve
Serve this homemade cranberry sauce chilled with your favorite holiday recipes (try all of our delicious Thanksgiving Recipes). Here are my top suggestions:
Oven Roast Turkey Recipe Best Mashed Potatoes or cream cheese mashed potatoes Roasted Green Beans or Roasted Brussels Sprouts Slather it on the best dinner rolls. Sweet potato casserole or candied yams. Use leftovers to make cranberry cream cheese dip or turkey cranberry sandwiches.
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