How do I make homemade cranberry sauce from scratch?

Making homemade cranberry sauce is simple and takes about 20 minutes. Rinse 12 ounces of fresh cranberries and pick out any soft ones. In a saucepan, combine the cranberries, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup orange juice (or water for less sweetness), and the zest of one orange. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the cranberries pop and the sauce thickens—most berries should burst open. Remove from heat, stir in 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or a splash of vanilla for extra flavor, and let cool. It will thicken more as it chills. This yields about 2 cups, perfect for Thanksgiving. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. (87 words)

What are the basic ingredients for homemade cranberry sauce?

The core ingredients for homemade cranberry sauce are straightforward: 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries (fresh taste best), 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to 3/4 cup for tartness), and 1 cup liquid like orange juice, water, or apple cider. Add zest from one orange or lemon for brightness. Optional add-ins include 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ginger, or a pinch of salt to balance flavors. Avoid artificial sweeteners initially—they can make it too thin. This basic recipe serves 8-10 and costs under $5. Use white sugar for clarity or brown sugar for deeper molasses notes. Always start with room-temperature ingredients for even cooking. (102 words)

How long does homemade cranberry sauce last in the fridge?

Homemade cranberry sauce lasts 2-3 weeks in the fridge when stored properly in an airtight container or mason jar. Its high sugar content and acidity act as natural preservatives, but always check for mold or off smells before eating. For longer storage, freeze it in portions—up to 3 months—thawing overnight in the fridge. Label bags with dates. If you added alcohol like bourbon, it may extend fridge life slightly to 4 weeks due to preservation properties. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water if needed. Consume within 3-5 days after opening a thawed batch. (98 words)

Can I make cranberry sauce without sugar?

Yes, you can make sugar-free homemade cranberry sauce using natural sweeteners. Rinse 12 ounces cranberries, then simmer with 1 cup orange juice, zest, and 1/4-1/2 cup honey, maple syrup, or erythritol (for keto). Add a cinnamon stick or fresh grated ginger for depth without calories. Cook 10-12 minutes until thickened—natural pectin from cranberries helps. Taste and adjust sweetness; it intensifies as it cools. This version has about 50 calories per serving versus 100+ with sugar. It's vegan, diabetic-friendly, and great for low-carb diets. Chill for 2 hours for best texture. Pairs well with turkey or yogurt. (96 words)

What's the best way to thicken homemade cranberry sauce?

Homemade cranberry sauce thickens naturally from cranberry pectin as it cooks and cools—no cornstarch needed. Simmer 12 ounces cranberries in 1 cup liquid and sugar for 15 minutes until 75% have popped, creating a jam-like consistency. For extra thickness, crush remaining berries with a potato masher or add 1 tablespoon chia seeds after cooking (they gel in 10 minutes). Chill overnight for peak texture. If too thin, cook 2-3 minutes longer next time or reduce liquid to 3/4 cup. Avoid overcooking to prevent bitterness. This method yields a spreadable sauce ideal for cheesecakes or charcuterie boards. (92 words)

Homemade Cranberry Sauce: Easy Thanksgiving Recipe

Name: Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Prep time: 2 h 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 ounces fresh cranberries Provides tart flavor and natural pectin for thickening the sauce; 1 cup granulated sugar Balances the cranberries’ tartness; 1 cup orange juice Adds citrus brightness and moisture; Zest of 1 orange Infuses fresh, aromatic citrus notes that elevate the overall flavor profile; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon Optional warm spice that adds cozy depth; Pinch of salt Enhances all flavors subtly without overpowering the fruit

Description

🦃 Create vibrant homemade cranberry sauce that brings the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors to your Thanksgiving table, far superior to store-bought versions
Master this easy-to-make sauce that cooks in just 15 minutes, allowing you to prepare it ahead of time and focus on other holiday dishes while impressing your guests with fresh, homemade taste

Ingredients

Scale

12 ounces fresh cranberries Provides tart flavor and natural pectin for thickening the sauce

1 cup granulated sugar Balances the cranberries’ tartness

1 cup orange juice Adds citrus brightness and moisture

Zest of 1 orange Infuses fresh, aromatic citrus notes that elevate the overall flavor profile

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon Optional warm spice that adds cozy depth

Pinch of salt Enhances all flavors subtly without overpowering the fruit

Instructions

1-First Step: Preparation and Mise en Place Rinse 12 ounces of fresh cranberries under cool water. Pick out any soft or bruised ones to avoid off flavors. This takes 2 minutes and ensures clean, vibrant berries. Zest one orange finely, avoiding the bitter white pith. Measure 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup orange juice, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Having everything ready prevents rushed mistakes, especially for busy parents.

2-Second Step: Combine Ingredients in Saucepan Add cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and zest to a medium saucepan. Stir gently to mix. Use room-temperature juice for even dissolving of sugar. This base sets up the flavors. Place over medium-high heat. No oil or butter needed, keeping it simple.

3-Third Step: Bring to a Boil Heat until boiling, stirring occasionally, about 3-5 minutes. Bubbles form as sugar dissolves. Watch closely to prevent overflow. The kitchen fills with citrusy aroma, building excitement for the holiday meal. This step activates the cranberries’ pectin.

4-Fourth Step: Simmer and Pop the Berries Reduce heat to low. Simmer 10-15 minutes, stirring now and then. Cranberries soften and pop open, releasing juices. Most should burst for thick texture; gentle pops sound satisfying. If too tart midway, add 1-2 tablespoons sugar. Aim for jam-like consistency.

5-Tips for Perfect Simmer Lower heat prevents scorching. Use a wooden spoon for stirring. Taste at 10 minutes; flavors meld beautifully.

6-Fifth Step: Add Finishing Touches Remove from heat. Stir in cinnamon and a splash of vanilla if desired. Let cool 10 minutes in pan. Sauce thickens more upon chilling. Mash any whole berries for smoother texture, or leave for rustic appeal.

7-Final Step: Cool, Store, and Serve Transfer to a bowl or jar. Refrigerate 2 hours for best set. Serve chilled or room temp with Thanksgiving turkey. Garnish with orange slices. Pairs with roasted meats or cheese boards. Leftovers top oatmeal or pancakes.

Notes

🍊 Use fresh cranberries for the best texture – frozen cranberries work too but may need 1-2 minutes extra cooking time
⏰ Make this sauce 1-2 days ahead – the flavors develop and intensify overnight, making it even more delicious
🥄 Don’t skip the orange zest – it adds brightness and complexity that balances the tartness perfectly

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooling time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 cup
Calories: 110
Sugar: 24g
Sodium: 15mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg

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