Description
A simple and classic homemade cranberry sauce made with fresh cranberries, sugar, and orange zest. A perfect sweet-tart side for Thanksgiving and holiday meals.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- Optional: zest of 1 orange or a cinnamon stick for added flavor
Instructions
- Rinse the cranberries under cool water, discarding any damaged or mushy ones.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the water and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the cranberries to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
- Optional: Stir in orange zest or a cinnamon stick during cooking for extra flavor.
- Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. Sauce will thicken further as it cools.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve. Can be made several days in advance.
Notes
- The sauce thickens as it cools, so don’t overcook.
- Add orange juice in place of water for a citrusy twist.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days.
- This recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
