Description
This Easy Classic Cranberry Sauce is a sweet-tart holiday staple made with fresh cranberries, orange zest, and sugar. A quick one-pot side dish perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas, and naturally vegan and gluten-free.
Ingredients
12 ounces cranberries
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 teaspoon orange zest
1 pinch cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
1. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, water, orange zest, and optional cinnamon.
2. Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat.
3. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Once the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat.
5. Let cool to room temperature; it will continue to thicken as it cools.
6. Transfer to a bowl or airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.
Notes
Use fresh or frozen cranberries—no need to thaw.
Make it ahead! Flavors deepen after chilling overnight.
Add-ins like maple syrup, star anise, or a splash of bourbon are delicious twists.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg