Classic Cranberry Sauce

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No Thanksgiving or holiday spread feels complete without a bowl of classic cranberry sauce. Its ruby-red hue and sweet-tart zing brighten up any plate, offering the perfect contrast to rich roasts and creamy sides. Whether you love it chunky, smooth, warm, or chilled, this homemade version is here to impress.

Forget the canned stuff—this cranberry sauce is bursting with fresh flavor and made with just a handful of ingredients. It comes together in under 20 minutes and can be made days in advance, giving you one less thing to worry about when you’re cooking for a crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Cranberry Sauce

This recipe hits that sweet spot between simplicity and flavor. With only a few fresh ingredients, you get a vibrant sauce that balances tart and sweet beautifully. It’s naturally gluten-free, customizable, and free from preservatives. Plus, the aroma of simmering cranberries, orange zest, and cinnamon fills your kitchen with cozy holiday vibes.

What Kind of Cranberries Should I Use?

Fresh cranberries are the gold standard here. They hold up well to cooking and give the sauce that satisfying pop. If fresh cranberries aren’t available, frozen ones will work too. Just make sure to rinse them and don’t thaw before cooking to maintain their texture.

Ingredients for the Classic Cranberry Sauce

This cranberry sauce recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together quickly. The beauty of this dish is its flexibility—you can adjust sweetness, add spices, or even a splash of wine if you’re feeling festive.

• Fresh cranberries: These are the heart of the sauce. Their natural tartness mellows as they cook and burst open.
• Granulated sugar: Balances out the tart cranberries and gives the sauce its syrupy consistency.
• Orange juice: Adds citrusy brightness and a hint of natural sweetness.
• Orange zest: Enhances the flavor with a more intense citrus aroma.
• Cinnamon stick: Infuses warm spice that feels just right for the holidays.
• Water: Helps dissolve the sugar and soften the cranberries.

How To Make the Classic Cranberry Sauce

Step 1: Start the Base

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, and orange juice over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely.

Step 2: Add Flavor

Toss in the orange zest and cinnamon stick. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors infuse into the liquid.

Step 3: Add the Cranberries

Add the cranberries and bring the mixture to a low boil. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the cranberries have popped and the sauce thickens.

Step 4: Cool and Set

Remove the cinnamon stick and let the sauce cool. It will continue to thicken as it cools. Store in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Serving and Storing Your Cranberry Sauce

This recipe yields about 2 cups, enough to serve 6 to 8 people as a holiday side. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 10 days and can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before using.

Cranberry sauce is delicious chilled or at room temperature. You can even reheat it slightly if you prefer it warm with your main dish.

What to Serve With Classic Cranberry Sauce?

Roasted Turkey

A Thanksgiving favorite, cranberry sauce is made for turkey. The sweet-tart notes balance out the savory richness of the bird.

Baked Ham

Its salty and smoky profile pairs perfectly with the fruity brightness of the cranberries.

Pork Tenderloin

A juicy pork tenderloin benefits from the citrus and berry contrast of this sauce.

Brie or Goat Cheese

Serve cranberry sauce alongside a baked brie wheel or a goat cheese log for a stunning holiday appetizer.

Mashed Potatoes

Add a little spoonful over creamy mashed potatoes for a surprising yet delightful flavor twist.

Stuffing

It’s a great condiment to moisten and flavor leftover stuffing or dressing.

Roast Chicken

Any Sunday dinner with roasted chicken feels special with a spoonful of cranberry sauce.

Want More Holiday Side Ideas?

If you loved this classic cranberry sauce, don’t miss these other festive dishes:

• Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers for a sweet-savory bite.
• Loaded Scalloped Potatoes when you’re craving something cheesy and comforting.
• Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey to complete your holiday spread.
• Best Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Wings if you’re hosting a casual holiday game day.
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for a cozy post-holiday dinner.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday board so you can come back to it any time.

And if you try it, let me know how it turned out. Did you keep it classic or add your own twist with spices or liqueur? I love seeing how you make these recipes your own.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks, comforting meals, and more on Mia Recipes on Pinterest. It’s your new go-to spot for kitchen inspiration.

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