This easy 3-ingredient cranberry sauce is made with fresh cranberries, sugar, and orange for the perfect balance of tart and sweet. This homemade version tastes so much better than canned!

Cranberry sauce with 3 ingredients served in a glass bowl with a spoon.

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3 Ingredient Cranberry Sauce Recipe

No holiday dinner is complete without cranberry sauce! It’s a must-have side that tastes amazing with roasted turkey, creamy mashed potatoes and homemade dinner rolls!

This easy 3-ingredient cranberry sauce comes together in minutes and tastes so much better than canned. The fresh orange juice and zest add a bright, tangy flavor that makes it unforgettable.

Ingredient Notes

Cranberry sauce ingredients including fresh cranberry, an orange and sugar.

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 with 3-Ingredients

Showing how to make cranberry sauce in a pot.
  1. Combine the orange (juice + zest), sugar and water in a medium pan over medium heat and bring to a light boil.
  2. Stir in the cranberries and a pinch of salt.
  3. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until most of the cranberries have burst.
  4. Mash the cranberries if you prefer a smooth sauce. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Close up of a spoonful of 3-ingredient cranberry sauce in a pot.

Serving Suggestions

Cranberry sauce is a classic holiday relish that pairs perfectly with roasted turkey, but it’s also delicious in so many other ways! Try it:

Cranberry sauce recipe made with 3 ingredients in a glass bowl.

More holiday side dishes include cheesy potatoes, Paula Deen’s green bean casserole, or this sweet potato casserole with pecan topping.

More Cranberry Recipes

Cranberry sauce made with only 3 ingredients in a glass bowl with spoon.

3-Ingredient Cranberry Sauce

5 from 22 votes
Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 12
An easy 3-ingredient cranberry sauce recipe made with fresh cranberries, sugar and an orange. It's simple to make from scratch and tastes better than the canned version.
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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. 
  • On the stovetop, place 1 1/2 cups cranberries, 1 cup sugar, fresh orange juice, orange zest, salt and water in a medium saucepan. 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. 

Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.

Notes

This is a sweet cranberry sauce. If you’d like more of a bitter taste, cut the sugar in half. If you’d like to use a natural sweetener, you can use pure honey or 100% pure maple syrup. 

Nutrition

Calories: 75kcal, Carbohydrates: 19g, Potassium: 30mg, Sugar: 18g, Vitamin A: 30IU, Vitamin C: 7.5mg, Calcium: 5mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Recipe FAQs

What else can I add to cranberry sauce for extra flavor?

Add in orange juice, pineapple, a dash of cinnamon, or even diced apples or pears. All these extra ingredients will enhance this cranberry sauce with even more delicious flavor.

How do you get the bitterness out of cranberry sauce?

Sometimes cranberry sauce can be a bit too tangy! Instead of reach for more sugar, though, try maple syrup or even honey. These ingredients will help alter that bitter taste.

Should I serve this three ingredient cranberry sauce 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!

How to store leftover sauce?

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.

Can I freeze it?

Yes, cranberry sauce 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, at room temperature or warm up in a saucepan on the stove.