Fresh Cranberry Sauce
Brighten up your holiday table with this fresh cranberry sauce, a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors with a hint of warm spice. Made with vibrant, juicy cranberries, freshly squeezed orange juice, fragrant orange zest, and a touch of cinnamon, this quick and easy recipe comes together in just 20 minutes! As the cranberries gently simmer, they release their natural tartness which pairs beautifully with the citrusy sweetness, creating a sauce that’s not only luscious but also visually stunning. Whether served warm, chilled, or at room temperature, this homemade cranberry sauce is a versatile side dish that complements everything from roasted turkey to creamy mashed potatoes. Plus, leftovers can easily be stored in the refrigerator, making it an ideal make-ahead option for your festive meals. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion, this is a must-have recipe that will elevate your dinner spread.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 0.75 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup water
- 0.5 cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 pinch pinch of salt
Instructions
Rinse the fresh cranberries under cold water and pick out any soft or shriveled ones.
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, orange juice, and granulated sugar. Stir well and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Once the sugar has dissolved, add the fresh cranberries, orange zest, cinnamon stick, and a pinch of salt to the saucepan.
Stir the mixture and let it simmer gently. The cranberries will start to burst as they cook, which is normal.
Cook the sauce for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency. For a thicker sauce, simmer a bit longer.
Remove the cinnamon stick and take the saucepan off the heat. Allow the sauce to cool for a few minutes. It will thicken as it cools.
Transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving dish or an airtight container. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled, depending on your preference.
Store any leftover cranberry sauce in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
797 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 0.9 g | 1% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 151 mg | 7% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 206.9 g | 75% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.5 g | 52% | |
| Total Sugars | 174.8 g | ||
| Protein | 2.5 g | 5% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 75 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 1.2 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 521 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.
