Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Homemade Cranberry Sauce with cinnamon and fresh orange is a bright and flavorful addition to any holiday table. It comes together quickly on the stove and transforms fresh cranberries into a glossy sauce with the perfect balance of sweet and tart. This recipe is incredibly simple and adds a beautiful pop of color and freshness to rich seasonal dishes.
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
In this recipe, the cranberries cook down with sugar, water, orange zest, orange juice, and a touch of cinnamon. As the cranberries burst, they naturally thicken into a rich sauce without any extra steps. The flavor is warm, citrusy, and slightly spiced, which makes it a perfect companion to turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and other comforting side dishes. Once you make this version from scratch, you will never reach for canned cranberry sauce again.
Ingredients Needed to Make Homemade Cranberry Sauce
- 1 12-oz package of fresh Cranberries
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 cup Water
- Zest and Juice of 1 Orange
- 1/4 tsp Cinnamon
Notes for Success~
✔️ Use fresh cranberries for the brightest flavor and best texture.
✔️ The sauce thickens as it cools, so remove it from the heat while it is still slightly loose.
✔️ Adjust sweetness by adding a little extra sugar if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
✔️ Add more orange zest for a brighter citrus flavor if desired.
✔️ Make this recipe ahead since it stores well in the refrigerator for several days.
🍽️ How to Serve
• As a Classic Side for Holiday Dinners: Serve alongside roast chicken or turkey, brown butter potatoes, and green bean casserole.
• As a Spread: Add a spoonful to biscuits, warm rolls, or soft milk bread buns.
• With Leftovers: Use it in turkey sandwiches, sliders, or wraps for a bright and sweet contrast.
• As a Topping: Spoon over yogurt, oatmeal, or pancakes for a festive breakfast.
• For Cheese Boards: Pair with brie, goat cheese, or sharp cheddar to add sweetness and color.
If you make this Homemade Cranberry Sauce, let us know how you liked it in the comments below!
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
- 1- 12 ounce package of fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 Zest and juice of one orange
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Rinse the cranberries and pick out any that look soft or bruised.
- Add the cranberries, sugar, water, orange zest, orange juice, and cinnamon to a medium pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.1- 12 ounce package of fresh cranberries, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup water, 1 Zest and juice of one orange, 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly and let the cranberries simmer. Stir often as the cranberries burst and the sauce begins to thicken. Continue cooking for about ten to twelve minutes or until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
- Remove from the heat and let the cranberry sauce cool. It will continue to thicken as it rests. Transfer to a dish and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
✔️ The sauce thickens as it cools, so remove it from the heat while it is still slightly loose.
✔️ Adjust sweetness by adding a little extra sugar if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
✔️ Add more orange zest for a brighter citrus flavor if desired.
✔️ Make this recipe ahead since it stores well in the refrigerator for several days.
