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Cranberry Sauce Recipe

This homemade cranberry sauce is glossy, vibrant, and bursting with fresh flavor. Made with orange juice, cinnamon, and a touch of maple syrup, it’s the perfect balance of tart and sweet, the ultimate holiday side dish that’s easy, fresh, and foolproof.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
optional 30 minutes
Total Time 47 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 130
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 12-ounce bag fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice from about 2 oranges
  • ¼ cup water
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional mix-ins: 2 tablespoons maple syrup or ¼ cup chopped pecans
  • Instructions:

Method
 

  1. Rinse the cranberries and discard any soft or spoiled ones.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, water, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  4. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until most of the cranberries have burst and the sauce thickens.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in orange zest and optional maple syrup or pecans if desired.
  6. Let the sauce cool for at least 30 minutes; it will continue to thicken as it cools.
  7. Serve at room temperature or chilled, and enjoy with turkey, ham, or your favorite holiday dishes.