Absolute Best Cranberry Sauce
Elevate your holiday table with the "Absolute Best Cranberry Sauce," a perfect balance of tart and sweet that will impress even the pickiest guests. This homemade cranberry sauce combines fresh cranberries with vibrant orange juice, a hint of vanilla, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for a burst of flavor in every spoonful. Ready in just 20 minutes, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion. With its vibrant color, citrusy aroma, and thick, luscious texture, this sauce pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, or even roasted vegetables. Plus, it can be made ahead and stored, making it a stress-free addition to your feast. Say goodbye to canned cranberry sauce—this fresh, flavorful recipe will become a must-have for all your festive meals!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 0.75 cups granulated sugar
- 0.5 cups fresh orange juice
- 0.5 cups water
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 0.25 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 0.125 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 0.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 pinch pinch of salt
Instructions
Rinse the cranberries under cold water and discard any that are soft or damaged.
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, orange juice, water, and orange zest. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Add the cranberries to the saucepan and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cranberries will pop as they cook and the mixture will thicken.
Once most of the cranberries have burst, reduce the heat to low and add the ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to combine.
Simmer the sauce for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired thickness. Keep in mind that the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the cranberry sauce cool completely to room temperature.
Transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving dish or an airtight container. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to one week before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
799 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 1.0 g | 1% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 151 mg | 7% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 205.7 g | 75% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.5 g | 48% | |
| Total Sugars | 175.1 g | ||
| Protein | 2.5 g | 5% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 56 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 1.0 mg | 6% | |
| Potassium | 518 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
