Easy Cranberry Sauce: A Simple Recipe for Festive Flavor

The holidays are a time for gathering with loved ones, sharing laughter, and indulging in delicious food. And what holiday feast is complete without a vibrant, tangy, and sweet cranberry sauce? This Easy Cranberry Sauce recipe is your secret weapon for effortless holiday cooking. Forget the hours of simmering and complicated techniques; this recipe delivers exceptional flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this easy cranberry sauce will impress your guests and become your go-to recipe year after year. Imagine the delightful contrast of tart cranberries against the sweetness of sugar, all brightened by the zest and juice of a fresh orange. It’s the perfect accompaniment to your Thanksgiving turkey, Christmas ham, or even enjoyed on its own with a dollop of whipped cream. Get ready to elevate your holiday spread with this simple yet stunning cranberry sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe

This Easy Cranberry Sauce recipe is a game-changer for anyone who wants a delicious, homemade cranberry sauce without the fuss. Let’s explore the reasons why you’ll absolutely adore this recipe:

• Simplicity: The recipe is incredibly easy to follow, even for beginner cooks. With just a few simple steps and readily available ingredients, you’ll have a delicious cranberry sauce in minutes.
• Freshness: Using fresh or frozen cranberries gives you a vibrant, intense flavor that canned sauce simply can’t match. The fresh orange zest and juice add a bright citrusy note that elevates the whole experience.
• Versatility: This Easy Cranberry Sauce is incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for traditional holiday meals, but it also pairs beautifully with cheese and crackers, yogurt, ice cream, or even as a glaze for roasted meats. Check out our Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad for a delicious way to use this cranberry sauce outside of the holidays!
• Speed: From start to finish, this recipe takes less than 30 minutes. This means you can spend more time enjoying the company of your loved ones rather than slaving away in the kitchen.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: The best part? This cranberry sauce tastes even better the next day! Make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. That’s perfect for a busy holiday season!
• Customizable: While this recipe is perfect as is, you can easily customize it to your taste. Add a pinch of spice, a splash of liqueur, or experiment with different citrus fruits for a unique twist.

Why You Should Try This Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Beyond its ease and deliciousness, this Easy Cranberry Sauce recipe offers several compelling reasons to give it a try:

• Healthier Option: Compared to store-bought cranberry sauces laden with added sugars and preservatives, this homemade version allows you to control the ingredients. You can reduce the sugar if needed, and you know exactly what’s going into your food.
• Cost-Effective: Making your own cranberry sauce is often more affordable than buying it pre-made, especially during the holiday season when prices tend to spike. It’s a budget-friendly way to add a touch of elegance to your holiday table.
• Impress Your Guests: Homemade cranberry sauce is always a crowd-pleaser. It shows your guests that you put thought and effort into your meal, creating a more memorable and enjoyable dining experience. It’s a simple way to elevate your culinary reputation without the high-level effort.
• Perfect for Gifting: This Easy Cranberry Sauce also makes a wonderful homemade gift for friends and family during the holidays. It’s a thoughtful and delicious present that everyone will appreciate. Consider pairing it with some of our other holiday treats like our Marzipan Cookies for a truly memorable gift!
• Avoid Artificial Ingredients: You’ll avoid the artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives often found in commercially produced cranberry sauces. This makes it a healthier and more wholesome option for you and your family.
• Master a Classic: Learning to make this Easy Cranberry Sauce empowers you to take control of your holiday traditions. It’s a fundamental holiday recipe that will become a staple in your culinary repertoire for years to come.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils for Easy Cranberry Sauce

This recipe utilizes simple, readily available ingredients to create a complex and delicious flavor profile. Let’s delve into the specifics:

Detailed List of Ingredients:

• 1 (12-ounce) bag fresh or frozen cranberries: The star of the show! Fresh cranberries offer the brightest flavor, but frozen cranberries work perfectly well and are readily available year-round. Choose high-quality cranberries for the best results. This is a key ingredient for our *Easy Cranberry Sauce*.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: This provides the sweetness needed to balance the tartness of the cranberries. You can adjust the amount depending on your preference for sweetness. Remember, you can always add more sugar later, but it’s harder to remove it.
• 1/2 cup water: Helps the cranberries to break down and create a smooth sauce. Do not substitute with other liquids as this will alter the flavor and consistency of your *Easy Cranberry Sauce*.
• 1 orange, zested and juiced (about 1/4 cup juice): The zest adds a bright citrusy aroma and flavor, while the juice adds a touch of acidity and enhances the overall taste. Try using different citrus fruits like lemons or limes for a unique flavor twist. Using organic citrus fruits will give you a much purer flavor for your *Easy Cranberry Sauce*.

Recommended Tools and Utensils:

• Medium saucepan: Choose a saucepan with a heavy bottom to prevent scorching and ensure even cooking. A non-stick saucepan is also helpful for easy cleaning.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring the cranberry mixture and preventing sticking. Avoid using metal utensils, as they may scratch your saucepan.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the desired consistency and flavor. Use a set of reliable measuring tools for the best results.
• Zester: To get the most flavor out of your orange, a zester will allow you to finely grate the zest without getting any of the bitter white pith. If you don’t have a zester, you can use a vegetable peeler to remove thin strips of zest and then finely chop them.
• Juicer (optional): A citrus juicer will make extracting the juice from the orange easier and more efficient. However, you can also manually juice the orange by rolling it firmly on the counter to soften it before cutting it in half.
• Airtight container: For storing your finished *Easy Cranberry Sauce* in the refrigerator. An airtight container will keep the sauce fresh for up to a week.

Detailed Recipe Steps for Easy Cranberry Sauce

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps for a perfect batch of Easy Cranberry Sauce:

1. Combine Ingredients: In your medium saucepan, combine the fresh or frozen cranberries, granulated sugar, water, and orange zest. Make sure everything is well incorporated, with the sugar evenly distributed. **This is a crucial step to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.**
2. Bring to a Boil: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally as the mixture heats up. **Keep a close eye on it – cranberries can easily scorch if you leave them unattended.** You want to bring it to a rolling boil.
3. Simmer and Stir: Once the mixture reaches a boil, immediately reduce the heat to low. **This is critical to prevent the sauce from burning.** Continue to simmer the cranberry mixture for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently. The cranberries will begin to burst, and the sauce will thicken. **Consistent stirring is essential to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan.**
4. Add Orange Juice: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the freshly squeezed orange juice. The heat from the sauce will warm the juice and incorporate it smoothly. **Avoid adding the orange juice while the sauce is still on the stove as it may cause excessive bubbling and splatter.**
5. Cool and Thicken: Allow the Easy Cranberry Sauce to cool completely. This is important because the sauce will thicken significantly as it cools. **Cover the saucepan or transfer the sauce to an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing odors from the refrigerator.**
6. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, your Easy Cranberry Sauce is ready to serve! It’s delicious alongside roasted turkey, ham, or other holiday favorites. It can also be enjoyed on its own, or as a topping for yogurt, ice cream or even pancakes! Consider pairing this Easy Cranberry Sauce with our One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup for a truly unique flavour experience.

Tips and Variations for Easy Cranberry Sauce

Here are some helpful tips and exciting variations to customize your Easy Cranberry Sauce:

• Sugar Adjustment: Adjust the amount of sugar to your preference. If you prefer a tarter sauce, use less sugar. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, use more sugar. Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust accordingly.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon, cloves, or allspice for a warm, spiced cranberry sauce. A small pinch of ginger can add a delightful kick.
• Citrus Variations: Experiment with other citrus fruits like lemon or lime. A combination of orange and lemon zest can add complexity to the flavor profile.
• Liqueur Infusion: Add a tablespoon or two of orange liqueur (like Grand Marnier or Cointreau) for an extra layer of flavor and sophistication. This is a great option for adult gatherings.
• Cranberry Sauce Consistency: For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender or regular blender to blend a portion of the cooked cranberries once they have burst. For a chunkier texture, simply reduce the simmering time.
• Avoid Burning: Always stir frequently to prevent the sauce from sticking and burning on the bottom of the pan. Low and slow is the key to success!
• Fresh vs. Frozen: Fresh cranberries will yield a brighter, more vibrant color, however frozen cranberries work just as well and are a convenient alternative.

Nutritional Values and Benefits of Easy Cranberry Sauce

This Easy Cranberry Sauce is not only delicious but also offers some nutritional benefits:

(Note: Nutritional information is an approximation and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. This information is for guidance only and is not a substitute for professional nutritional advice.)

A typical serving (about 1/4 cup) of Easy Cranberry Sauce may contain approximately:

• Calories: 100-150
• Protein: 0-1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25-35g
• Sugar: 15-25g (depending on sugar added)

Benefits of Cranberries: Cranberries are rich in antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage. They are also a good source of vitamin C, which supports your immune system. Furthermore, cranberries are known for their potential to help prevent urinary tract infections.

Benefits of Oranges: Oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C, which is an antioxidant and crucial for immune function. They also provide fiber, which aids in digestion. The zest provides essential oils that add fragrance and flavor, enhancing the overall sensory experience of this *Easy Cranberry Sauce*.

FAQs

This Easy Cranberry Sauce is a recipe that deserves a place in your holiday cookbook. It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for impressing your family and friends. Try it out and let me know what you think in the comments below! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your loved ones, and pin it to your Pinterest board for easy access later! Check out more delicious recipes on my Pinterest Board! For more delicious and easy recipes like this one, check out our collection of comforting soups, like our Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup or our Creamy Pumpkin Ravioli.

Easy Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest and Cinnamon

A simple and delicious cranberry sauce recipe, perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday. This recipe uses fresh or frozen cranberries and is ready in under 30 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 12 ounces Fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 cup Granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup Water
• 1 Orange zested and juiced
• 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon Orange liqueur (optional) Grand Marnier or Cointreau
• 1/4 teaspoon Pinch of salt

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Method

 

Instructions

1. Combine cranberries, sugar, water, orange zest, cinnamon, and salt in a medium saucepan.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the orange juice and optional orange liqueur.
5. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. Add more sugar if desired.
6. Let the sauce cool completely before serving. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.
7. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Notes

For a smoother sauce, you can blend a portion of the cooled sauce with an immersion blender before serving. This recipe is easily doubled or tripled for larger gatherings.