To Create the Best Cranberry Sauce You Will Ever Taste

What if I told you there is a cranberry sauce so delicious it would make the turkey jealous? This Homemade Cranberry Sauce is sweet and tangy and full of fresh flavor. So easy to prepare that you’ll marvel at any past moments you spent purchasing canned food. Perhaps it’s perfect holiday or weeknight fare or even a gift—this recipe will change all of that. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Fresh and vibrant: Perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
• Quick and easy: Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
• Versatile: Ideal for holidays, weeknight meals, or as a gift.

Ingredients Overview:

Here’s why you need each ingredient:

• 4-5 cups fresh cranberries: The star of the show! Cranberries add a tangy pleasantness that is balanced by sweet.
• 1 large orange (zest and juice): Brings a bright, citrusy note that offsets the cranberries.
• 1 ½ cups white sugar: To sweeten tart cranberries and make a syrupy sauce.
• 1 ½ cups water: Cooks the cranberries down and creates that perfect saucy consistency.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cranberries:
   
   1. Wash the cranberries in water well and rinse them out.
   2. Reserve 1 cup of the cranberries to fold in later for texture.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   
   • In a medium saucepan, mix 3-4 cups cranberries, orange juice, orange rind, sugar, and water.
   • Gently stir to combine everything.
3. Cook the Sauce:
   
   • Set the saucepan over medium-low heat.
   • Stir constantly to make sure it does not burn.
   • Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
4. Add the Remaining Cranberries:
   
   • Nice with 1 cup of cranberries reserved stir.
   • Cook for another 5 minutes just to soften them a little but still keep some bite.
5. Cool and Serve:
   
   • Take the saucepan off the heat.
   • Cool the sauce to room temperature.
   • Transfer to a serving dish and refrigerate until serving time.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, Tips, and Variations

Serving Suggestions:

• Accompany it with roasted turkey, ham, or chicken.
• Serve as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or yogurt.
• Went with cheese and crackers as a celebratory appetizer.

Storage Tips:

• This will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 weeks.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in refrigerator before serving.

Variations:

• Sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg on for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Substitute white sugar with brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-y sweetness.
• Add a splash of orange liqueur, for an adult twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cranberries?
   

• Yes! Frozen cranberries can be used, too. They don’t even need to thaw — just toss them right into the saucepan.

   2. How do I reduce the tartness of the sauce?

• Add sugar, ¼ cup at a time, until you like the sweetness.

   3. Can I prepare this sauce in advance?

• Absolutely! This sauce is even better the next day, as the flavors meld.

   4. Why do I have to save some cranberries?

• For a chunky texture that keeps it more interesting and flavorful, toss in the cranberries when close to serving.

This Homemade Cranberry Sauce is not just a condiment — it’s a fiesta of bright, fresh flavors sure to take any meal to the next level. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and everything in between, this recipe will be a tradition. Try some today and taste the magic!