Best Ever Cranberry Sauce Recipe

This lively Cranberry Sauce is an irresistible balance of tart and sweet, featuring fresh cranberries, zesty orange, fragrant cinnamon, and a touch of salt. The combination of natural citrus brightness and warming spice transforms simple ingredients into a festive pop of flavor. Perfect for truly brightening up any holiday meal.

I made this Best Ever Cranberry Sauce recipe recently and its quickly become one of my must-have holiday sides. It only takes 15 minutes and uses whole, real ingredients like 12 oz of fresh cranberries, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice, the zest of one orange, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt if you like.

The cranberries are chock full of antioxidants and vitamin C which makes this not only delicious but also a bit nutritious compared to say canned cranberry sauce. I even compared it with recipes like Natasha’s Kitchen Cranberry Sauce and other easy cranberry sauce recipes that are popular for Thanksgiving food sides.

The natural tang of the cranberries mixed with the sweetness of orange really stands out and gives it a nice boost without any artificial additives Its really something special for the holiday table.

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I love that the recipe combines tart cranberries and fresh orange zest with a hint of cinnamon, making every bite burst with flavor.
2. I really appreciate how simple and quick it is to make, especially when I’m in a rush.
3. I enjoy the fact that I can use natural, whole ingredients to create something that tastes both authentic and refreshing.
4. I like that it reminds me of cozy holiday memories, thanks to its warm spices and bright citrus notes.
5. I’m a fan of how the sauce can be customized, letting me mash the cranberries a bit smoother if I feel like it.

Learn how to make one of the best ever cranberry sauces. Its a super easy recipe that only needs about 15 minutes to make using real ingredients like fresh cranberries, orange juice, and a touch of cinnamon. I love that its spiced just right with orange zest and cinnamon and sweetened naturally. The whole process is foolproof and really enjoyable even if youre not a pro in the kitchen. This sauce adds a gorgeous pop of flavor to your holiday meals and brings a bit of homey comfort to every bite.

Ingredients

• Cranberries: They are tart, full of vitamin C and fiber, healthy, and add color.
• Sugar: A carbohydrate that sweetens the mix, though too high amounts are not healthy.
• Orange Juice: Offers vitamin C with tangy, bright flavor that lifts the sauce nicely.
• Orange Zest: Leaves a zesty kick and aromatic oils, adding depth and brightness.
• Cinnamon: A warming spice that enriches the sauce with a subtly sweet, spicy nuance.
• Salt: A pinch enhances flavors without overwhelming, balancing the tart and sweet well.

Ingredient Quantities

• 12 oz fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• Zest of one orange
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• A pinch of salt (optional)

How to Make this

1. Rinse the cranberries and get all your ingredients ready like the sugar, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.

2. Put the cranberries in a medium saucepan then add the sugar, orange juice, and orange zest.

3. Sprinkle the cinnamon and salt into the saucepan and stir everything together.

4. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it comes to a boil, stirring every now and then so nothing burns.

5. Once it boils, lower the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes. The cranberries will start to pop and break down.

6. Stir the sauce occasionally. If you want it a bit smoother, you can mash the berry bits with the back of a spoon.

7. Remove the pan from the heat and let the sauce cool. It’s best served at room temperature or chilled for that extra refreshing touch.

Equipment Needed

1. Medium saucepan for cooking the cranberries and spices
2. Measuring cups for the sugar and orange juice
3. Measuring spoons for the cinnamon and salt
4. Citrus zester for the orange zest
5. Wooden spoon for stirring and mashing the berry bits
6. Colander for rinsing the cranberries
7. Stove to heat the saucepan

FAQ

Best Ever Cranberry Sauce Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Fresh cranberries: if you cant find them fresh, you can use frozen cranberries. Just make sure you thaw and drain them so the sauce doesn’t get too watery
• Sugar: you might try swapping granulated sugar with brown sugar. It gives a richer flavor, but use the same amount
• Orange juice: if you’re short on fresh squeezed juice, bottled orange juice works fine though it may not be as bright in flavor
• Orange zest: you could also try using lime zest for a different citrus twist if you want to mix things up
• Cinnamon: if you dont have cinnamon, a tiny pinch of nutmeg can be a good alternative since its a bit stronger, so use less

Pro Tips

1. Try adding a little splash of lemon juice or even a teeny bit of ginger near the end of cooking to give it a unique kick, it can really brighten up the flavor without overwhelming the other tastes.
2. You can always play around with the sugar – if you find it a bit too tart, add a little extra sugar, but if you like that tang, maybe cut back just a smidge. Don’t be afraid to taste as you go.
3. For a smoother version, let the sauce cool down a bit then give it a quick blitz with an immersion blender. It’ll give you that velvety texture without losing the homemade charm.
4. If you end up with extra sauce, store it in a tightly sealed jar in the fridge. It can last up to a week and sometimes tastes even better after the flavors have had a bit of time to meld together.