Description
This classic homemade cranberry sauce is a perfectly tart and sweet complement to any holiday meal. Made with fresh cranberries, orange juice, and a touch of sugar, it offers a vibrant burst of flavor and a beautiful deep red color. Easy to prepare and ideal for making ahead, this sauce adds a fresh, fruity touch to your Thanksgiving or Christmas table.
Ingredients
Scale
Liquids
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice (or more water)
Sweeteners
- ¾ cup sugar
Main Ingredient
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
Optional
- Zest of 1 orange
Instructions
- Combine and Dissolve Sugar: In a medium saucepan, mix the water, orange juice, and sugar over medium-high heat. Stir continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved, then bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Cook Cranberries: Add the fresh or frozen cranberries to the boiling liquid. Reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally until the cranberries burst and the sauce turns a deep red, while the berries still maintain some shape. The sauce will thicken upon cooling.
- Add Zest and Cool: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the orange zest if using. Allow the cranberry sauce to cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve, ideally chilled and set.
Notes
- This cranberry sauce offers a delicious balance of tartness and sweetness, making it a favorite holiday side dish.
- The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- You can substitute additional water for orange juice if preferred for a milder citrus note.
- Using frozen cranberries works well and makes this recipe accessible year-round.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/2 cup)
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.01 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.04 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 0.2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
