Description
This classic cranberry sauce recipe is the perfect holiday side dish made with fresh cranberries, orange juice, and warm spices. Easy to make in under 20 minutes, it’s a must-have for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners. Gluten-free, naturally sweetened, and bursting with flavor, this cranberry sauce pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, and more.
Ingredients
2 cups fresh cranberries
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon orange zest
1 cinnamon stick
Instructions
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, orange juice, and water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
2. Add the orange zest and cinnamon stick. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes to infuse the flavors.
3. Add the cranberries and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
4. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most cranberries have burst and the sauce thickens.
5. Remove from heat, discard the cinnamon stick, and let the sauce cool to room temperature.
6. Transfer to a container and refrigerate until ready to serve. The sauce will thicken more as it chills.
Notes
This sauce can be made up to 10 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
You can use frozen cranberries if fresh are unavailable—no need to thaw.
Add a splash of port or red wine for a festive twist.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg