A fresh and delicious homemade cranberry sauce recipe made with only 3 simple ingredients! Just as easy as the canned sauce, but with so much more flavor!
Table of Contents
Easy Cranberry Sauce
You can’t have a holiday dinner without cranberry sauce on the menu! It’s one of the classics and tastes amazing served alongside creamy mashed potatoes, cornbread stuffing, easy cheesy potatoes and a homemade dinner roll. It’s always one of the first sides I load up on!
This delicious cranberry sauce only takes 3 simple ingredients to make. It’s almost as easy as opening up the can and tastes SO much better! Promise! The addition of fresh orange juice and orange zest really takes the flavor up a notch. So yummy!
The sauce is so easy to make and can be prepped ahead of time. I love to make it a couple of days in advance or even a few weeks before and store it in the freezer. It’s the perfect Christmas or Thanksgiving side dish and adds just the right amount of fresh flavor to your holiday meal.
3 Ingredients
To make this recipe, you simply just need the 3 ingredients below. All of the ingredients mixed together make a magical sauce that is so fresh and delicious!
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Cranberries: Look for fresh cranberries that are bright red in color and firm to touch.
- Orange: This recipe uses the juice and zest of a fresh orange.
- Sugar: Add granulated sugar to give it the perfect sweetness. For a healthier alternative, you may use pure honey or maple syrup.
How to Make Cranberry Sauce
This easy to make cranberry sauce is always an easy side dish to make but also a traditional sauce that everyone loves! It goes on the side, on top, or just by itself. You will love how simple this cranberry condiment is to make!
- Combine the orange (juice + zest), sugar and water in a medium pan over medium heat and bring to a light boil.
- Stir in the cranberries and a pinch of salt.
- Cook for about 10 minutes, or until most of the cranberries have burst.
- Mash the cranberries if you prefer a smooth sauce.
- Serve warm or cold, whichever you prefer.
Serve Warm or Cold?
I typically serve it cold since I make it a few days in advance and store it in the fridge. If you’re serving it warm, you can easily make it ahead of time and then place it in the slow cooker on the warm setting. It will make your home smell amazing!
Favorite Ways to Use Leftovers
Cranberry sauce is a traditional relish that tastes delicious on top of roasted turkey, roasted chicken or baked ham. There are lots of other yummy ways to use up the leftovers (if you have any). Check out the ideas below.
- Place on top of baked brie or make these delicious brie and cranberry bites
- Make my favorite cranberry meatballs
- Serve over top of yogurt or oatmeal
- Top your waffles or pancakes with a spoonful
- Serve warm over vanilla ice cream or even make this apple crisp with the leftovers
Recipe FAQs
Cranberries contain antioxidants that help boost health and a long life. It is known to protect you from developing cancer.
Back in the 1500s, cranberries were an important food that was abundant during the first Thanksgiving dinner.
Adding in extra flavor, texture, or just changing the recipe may help for some people. For this recipe, you can add in orange juice, pineapple, cinnamon, or pecans. All these extra ingredients will enhance this cranberry sauce for the better!
Sometimes cranberry sauce can be a bit too bitter! Don’t reach for the sugar though, try maple syrup or even honey. These ingredients will help alter that bitter taste.
Storing + Freezing
The great thing about this cranberry recipe is the storing! Make it ahead and freeze or make it ahead and store it in the refrigerator just to bring it out during the holidays. It is an easy dish that is loved by all!
- To store: This sauce will keep in the refrigerator for about 1-2 weeks. It’s the perfect holiday side dish to make ahead of time and stick in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Plus the flavors marinate together wonderfully when stored in the fridge! Just place in an airtight container and stick in the fridge until serving.
- To freeze: It can easily be stored in the freezer a few weeks before serving. Store in an airtight container or freezer bag. To thaw, stick in the fridge overnight. You can serve cold or warm up in a sauce pan or slow cooker, whichever you prefer.
5 star review
“Perfect for the upcoming Holidays…so pretty! Came together perfectly with the layers each setting up well.”
-AC
Looking for more delicious holiday side dishes?! Look no further than this easy crockpot stuffing, classic green bean casserole, or simple sweet potato casserole.
More Recipes with Fresh Cranberries
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Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups fresh cranberries (12 ounce bag)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 orange
- Pinch Kosher salt
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- Gather ingredients. Zest the orange and then cut in half. Juice the orange into a small bowl and remove any seeds.
- Place cranberries, sugar, fresh orange juice, orange zest, salt and water in a medium sauce pan. Bring to a light boil over medium heat.
- Continue to cook until the cranberries have burst and it has thickened (about 10 minutes). Mash the cranberries if you prefer a smoother sauce.
- Remove from heat and put the sauce in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: American, Christmas, Condiments, Dairy-Free, Freezer-Friendly, Sauces, Stovetop, Thanksgiving, Vegan
This is my third year using this recipe. My family and friends enjoy it also. I used brown sugar last year (2021) it worked out well. I wrote it into my cook book so I have it forever. Happy holidays everyone.
Thanks for sharing that variation. Glad this is a keeper! Happy Thanksgiving, Susan!
I’ve been making cranberry sauce like this for years. It’s always a hit! You’ll never buy the canned stuff again.
So glad to hear this has become a family favorite, Jill. I hope this comes in handy this week. Happy Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving dinner is not complete without this cranberry sauce! We’re definitely making it again this year, this is our go-to recipe!