If you’re looking to add a burst of tart-sweet flavor to your meal, this Super Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe is a game changer. It’s the perfect balance of tangy cranberries and warming cinnamon, coming together in a silky, vibrant sauce that’s incredibly simple to whip up. Whether it’s a holiday dinner or a weeknight treat, this sauce adds a delightful pop of color and taste that everyone will love, without making you spend hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect sauce. From the fresh cranberries that bring that signature tartness to the brown sugar that adds just the right hint of sweetness, every item contributes to the amazing texture and flavor.
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries: The star of the show, offering a natural tartness and beautiful color.
- 1/2 cup water or orange juice: Using orange juice adds a subtle fruity brightness, while water keeps it classic and simple.
- 3/4 cup (packed) brown sugar: Provides a rich sweetness that balances the cranberries’ tang perfectly.
- 1 cinnamon stick: Adds a warm, cozy spice note that elevates the sauce without overpowering it.
How to Make Super Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Pick the perfect cranberries
First things first, go through your cranberries and remove any that look wrinkled or soft. This ensures your sauce has the freshest, brightest taste and a nice, firm texture to start.
Step 2: Combine ingredients in a saucepan
Next, toss the cranberries, water or orange juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon stick into a medium saucepan. Give everything a good stir to mix the sugar evenly with the fruit and liquid before heating.
Step 3: Simmer and watch the magic happen
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the cranberries start to pop. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once bursting, reduce the heat and continue simmering for around 10 to 12 minutes until the sauce thickens to your perfect consistency.
Step 4: Cool and store your sauce
Remove the cinnamon stick and let your cranberry sauce cool completely. Don’t worry if it seems a bit runny at first — it will thicken further as it cools. Store your homemade sauce in an airtight container in the fridge, ready to brighten up any dish.
How to Serve Super Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few fresh cranberries or some finely chopped orange zest on top to give your sauce an extra fresh look and pop of flavor. Toasted pecans or slivered almonds add a wonderful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smoothness of the sauce.
Side Dishes
This sauce pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or chicken, providing a zesty contrast that brings out the savoriness of the meat. It’s also fantastic alongside mashed potatoes or spread over warm biscuits for a comforting twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Try swirling a spoonful of this bright cranberry sauce into your yogurt or oatmeal for a refreshing breakfast boost. You can also dollop it on top of cream cheese as a festive appetizer spread or drizzle it over vanilla ice cream for a surprisingly delicious dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will stay fresh for up to two weeks. The flavors often deepen over time, making leftovers even tastier!
Freezing
You can freeze this sauce if you want to prepare way ahead. Place it in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your cranberry sauce again, warm it gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts. Stir occasionally until heated through to bring back that freshly-made magic.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well and can be added directly to the saucepan without thawing. Just give them a little extra simmer time to fully cook down.
What if I like my cranberry sauce less sweet?
Feel free to reduce the amount of brown sugar to suit your taste. You can always add a bit more later if needed, but starting with less keeps the tartness shining through.
Can I make this sauce without a cinnamon stick?
Yes, the sauce will still taste delicious without it. The cinnamon adds warmth and complexity, but simply leaving it out results in a classic, bright cranberry flavor.
How long does homemade cranberry sauce last in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, your cranberry sauce will stay good for about two weeks, but always check for any off smells or mold just to be safe.
Can I add other flavors, like orange or ginger?
Definitely! Orange zest or fresh ginger bring lovely complementary notes to cranberry sauce. Start small, adding these extras in small amounts to find your perfect flavor blend.
Final Thoughts
This Super Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe is one of those rare classics that you can always count on to impress with minimal effort. It’s bright, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, I promise it will quickly become one of your favorite staples in the kitchen. Give it a try and bring that perfect pop of color and cheer to your table!
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Super Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and quick homemade cranberry sauce recipe perfect for holiday meals or as a tangy condiment. Made with fresh cranberries, sweet brown sugar, and a hint of cinnamon, this sauce is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup water or orange juice
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Prepare Cranberries: Pick out any cranberries that are soft, shriveled, or past their prime and discard them to ensure the best quality sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cranberries, water or orange juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon stick into a medium-sized saucepan. Stir the mixture well to combine.
- Simmer Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to pop and the sauce starts to thicken.
- Thicken Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to simmer for an additional 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
- Cool and Store: Remove the cinnamon stick, transfer the cranberry sauce to a container, and let it cool. The sauce will thicken further as it cools. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Notes
- Use orange juice instead of water for a fruitier, more complex flavor.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar according to your preferred sweetness.
- The sauce can be made up to a week in advance and refrigerated.
- For a smoother sauce, pulse in a blender after cooking.
- Remove the cinnamon stick before serving to avoid a strong cinnamon bite.
