This Best Cranberry Sauce Recipe is a holiday classic that perfectly balances sweetness and tartness. Whether served with turkey, ham, or as a topping for desserts, this homemade cranberry sauce is a must-have addition to your festive table. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll create a delicious sauce everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- Fresh or frozen cranberries: 2 cups (about 8 ounces)
- Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup (adjust to taste)
- Orange juice: 1/2 cup (freshly squeezed is best)
- Water: 1/4 cup
- Orange zest: 1 teaspoon
- Cinnamon stick: 1 (optional)
- Vanilla extract: 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the ingredients:
- Rinse the cranberries thoroughly and discard any that are soft or damaged.
- Zest and juice the orange, ensuring you reserve enough juice for the recipe.
- Combine the base ingredients:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, water, and orange zest. Add the cinnamon stick if using.
- Cook the cranberries:
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer until thickened:
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes. The cranberries will begin to burst, releasing their natural pectin, which thickens the sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add finishing touches:
- If using vanilla extract, stir it in after removing the sauce from the heat. Discard the cinnamon stick if used.
- Cool and serve:
- Let the cranberry sauce cool to room temperature. It will thicken as it cools. Serve immediately or refrigerate until needed.
Tips for the Best Cranberry Sauce:
- Adjust sweetness: For a sweeter sauce, add more sugar or a drizzle of honey. For a tangier version, reduce the sugar slightly.
- Add texture: Mix in chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or diced apples for added texture and flavor.
- Make ahead: Cranberry sauce can be made up to a week in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Serving Suggestions:
This Best Cranberry Sauce Recipe is versatile and pairs well with:
- Roast turkey or chicken
- Glazed ham
- Sandwiches or wraps
- Pancakes or waffles
- Cheesecake or ice cream
With its vibrant color and rich, tangy flavor, this cranberry sauce will undoubtedly become a family favorite. Whether for holidays or everyday meals, it’s the perfect way to elevate your dishes!
