Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Add Preferred SourceCranberry sauce is one of those essentials that just belongs on the holiday table. It’s got a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors that bring out the best in savory dishes, and it’s a breeze to make with just a few simple ingredients. Fresh cranberries, orange zest, and a hint of vanilla all come together to give this sauce a cozy, homemade vibe without much effort.
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I love this cranberry sauce because it’s so quick to make—15 minutes and it’s done! It’s one of those dishes everyone looks forward to, whether they’re piling it next to Thanksgiving turkey or using it to jazz up leftover sandwiches the next day. It’s the kind of recipe that makes holiday meals feel complete, bringing color, tradition, and a little extra warmth to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Cranberry Sauce with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
Making this cranberry sauce is easy if you follow my simple instructions.
Start with the Base
In a pan over high heat, bring the water, orange juice, and sugar to a rolling boil. This combo gives your sauce a bright and slightly tangy kick right from the start.
Add in the Flavor
Toss in your cranberries, orange zest, and a pinch of salt. Let the mix come back to a boil, then turn down the heat to a gentle simmer.
In about 10 minutes, you’ll see the cranberries start to burst, releasing their tart goodness and thickening up the sauce.
Stir in the Vanilla
Remove the pan from the heat, stir in a little vanilla extract, and watch the flavor get even richer.
If you like a smoother sauce, mash those cranberries with the back of a fork until it’s just how you like it.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve this cranberry sauce slightly warm or at room temperature—perfect for making ahead or enjoying fresh.
Ingredients
For the Cranberry Sauce
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 12 ounces cranberries fresh or frozen
- orange zest of one orange
- 1 pinch salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a pan over high heat, bring water, orange juice, and sugar to a boil. Add cranberries, orange zest, and salt, bringing it back to a boil. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cooking until the cranberries have burst, approximately 10 minutes.½ cup water, 2 tablespoons sugar, 12 ounces cranberries, orange zest, 1 pinch salt
- Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla extract, and mix well. For a smoother sauce, mash the cranberries with a fork until you reach your desired texture. Serve warm or at room temperature.½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Notes
- Fresh Orange Juice Wins: Squeezing your own orange juice really makes a difference in flavor. Go for fresh when possible.
- Watch for Bursting Berries: When the cranberries start bursting, keep an eye on them—they can go from perfect to too thick quickly.
- Orange Zest Shortcut: Zest the orange first, then juice it. It’s much easier this way!
- Adjust to Your Thickness: If you like a thicker sauce, give it an extra 5 minutes on low heat. For a thinner sauce, add a splash of water until it’s just right.
- Sweetness Your Way: Start with the sugar in the recipe, but if you like it sweeter, add a little more to taste.
- Mash for Texture: If you want a smoother, almost jam-like sauce, give those cranberries a good mash with a fork.
- Serve Fresh, but Prep Ahead: Cranberry sauce is great fresh, but it also keeps well, making it a perfect make-ahead side.
Nutrition
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
I’ve put together these tips to help make your cranberry sauce absolutely delicious.
- Fresh Orange Juice Wins: Squeezing your own orange juice really makes a difference in flavor. Go for fresh when possible.
- Watch for Bursting Berries: When the cranberries start bursting, keep an eye on them—they can go from perfect to too thick quickly.
- Orange Zest Shortcut: Zest the orange first, then juice it. It’s much easier this way!
- Adjust to Your Thickness: If you like a thicker sauce, give it an extra 5 minutes on low heat. For a thinner sauce, add a splash of water until it’s just right.
- Sweetness Your Way: Start with the sugar in the recipe, but if you like it sweeter, add a little more to taste.
- Mash for Texture: If you want a smoother, almost jam-like sauce, give those cranberries a good mash with a fork.
- Serve Fresh, but Prep Ahead: Cranberry sauce is great fresh, but it also keeps well, making it a perfect make-ahead side.
My Top 3 Money-Saving Tips for This Recipe
Here’s how to save a little on your cranberry sauce without sacrificing flavor.
- Stock Up on Cranberries: Cranberries freeze well, so grab a bag when they’re on sale, and save extras for later.
- Double-Duty Orange: Use the zest and juice for this recipe, and freeze any leftover juice for other recipes.
- Sweeten to Taste: Start with the sugar listed, and add more only if needed. You’ll save on ingredients without losing flavor.
How to Store Leftover Cranberry Sauce
If you find yourself with extra cranberry sauce, it stores easily for future use. In the fridge, keep it in an airtight container for up to one week—it’ll hold onto its flavor and texture perfectly.
For longer storage, cranberry sauce is also freezer-friendly. Place it in a freezer-safe container, leaving a bit of space at the top to account for any expansion as it freezes.
Stored this way, it’ll last up to three months, ready to thaw in the fridge whenever you’re ready for another taste of holiday flavor.
What to Serve with Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is a holiday staple, but it’s more versatile than you might think!
Traditionally, it pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, bringing a sweet-tart contrast that complements the savory flavors of the meat. It’s equally delicious alongside roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or even a juicy ham.
Cranberry sauce also shines next to savory sides like stuffing, mashed potatoes, and roasted vegetables.
Try spreading a spoonful on leftover turkey or ham sandwiches for a burst of flavor, or mix it into yogurt or oatmeal for a seasonal twist on breakfast.
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