Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and if you’re like me, you’re already piecing together your holiday menu. One dish I know I’ll never skip is this homemade Cranberry Sauce. It’s not only simple but also a real favorite, bringing a bright, fresh flavor to any Thanksgiving spread.
If you’re in search of a great potluck dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas, I have just the thing. This chilled cranberry sauce has been a family favorite for as long as I can remember. Once you try this recipe, I doubt you’ll ever want to go back to the canned version. My mom has always made it this way, and it’s stayed a cherished tradition in our family.
For anyone who hasn’t made Cranberry Sauce from scratch, you’re truly in for a treat. This classic side is so straightforward to prepare, and you won’t need any special ingredients. After making it yourself, you might find that the canned stuff just doesn’t compare!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Cranberry Sauce recipe has been a holiday staple in my family, and I think you’ll see why once you try it. It only takes 10 minutes to make with just three ingredients, making it the ideal quick recipe for busy Thanksgiving or Christmas preparations. I love that it allows me to have one less thing to worry about on the big day.
The fresh cranberries are what make this sauce so special. They bring a natural, vibrant flavor that is both sweet and tangy, giving each bite a brightness you just can’t get from the canned version. This recipe not only tastes better, but it’s also more budget friendly since fresh cranberries and a little sugar go a long way.
One of the best parts is that this Cranberry Sauce can be made well in advance. I usually make it a week ahead, and it keeps beautifully in the refrigerator, which gives me more time to focus on the other holiday dishes. It’s also surprisingly versatile. I use it not only for turkey but also to add a festive touch to everything from sandwiches to baked treats.
If you’re looking for a straightforward, delicious, and memorable holiday side, this Cranberry Sauce may just become a new family tradition for you too!
How to Make Cranberry Sauce
Making cranberry sauce from scratch is one of the simplest holiday dishes, and I’m here to guide you through it.
First, I start by bringing sugar and water to a boil in a medium saucepan. This creates a syrup that sweetens the cranberries perfectly. Once it’s bubbling, I add in the whole cranberries and give everything a good stir.
Then, I let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes. You’ll see the cranberries start to burst, releasing their flavor and thickening the sauce. For a touch of warmth, I like to add a splash of vanilla and a pinch of salt right at the end.
After removing the sauce from heat, I let it cool for 15 minutes before transferring it to the refrigerator. This cooling time helps it set into the perfect consistency. By the time you’re ready to serve, your homemade cranberry sauce will be thick, vibrant, and ready to impress.
Leftover Cranberry Sauce Ideas
In New Orleans, many po-boy restaurants serve their Thanksgiving sandwiches with a bit of cranberry sauce on the side. I’m definitely one of those people who likes to blend all the Thanksgiving fixings together with a little cranberry sauce. I often save some stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy, turkey, and mashed potatoes for the perfect final bite. This tradition is so popular down here that many Southern restaurants include cranberry sauce in their holiday-inspired sandwiches.
If you’re looking for ways to use up your leftover cranberry sauce, here are a few of my favorites:
- Meats: Pair it with turkey, duck, chicken, steak, or even meatballs.
- Sandwiches: Try it on a turkey melt, panini, wrap, or sub for a festive touch.
- Desserts: Use it as a topping for cakes, cupcakes, pastries, or even mix it into frosting.
With a little creativity, cranberry sauce can add a sweet, tangy twist to a variety of dishes well after Thanksgiving.
Cranberry Sauce Ingredients
- Cranberries: Fresh cranberries work best for this recipe, bringing a bright, natural flavor. Before cooking, make sure to discard any berries that don’t look fresh. I like to use Ocean Spray cranberries, but any quality brand will do. If fresh cranberries aren’t available, frozen cranberries can be a great substitute and will give you similar results.
- Water: A little water in the base loosens the sauce, giving it just the right consistency. It helps the cranberries break down and blend into a sauce as they cook.
- Sugar: Cranberries are naturally very tart, so granulated sugar is essential to balance the flavor. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, feel free to reduce the amount of sugar or consider trying a cranberry relish recipe, which usually requires less sugar.
- Vanilla: I find that a splash of vanilla really enhances the flavor of this sauce, adding a warm and subtle aroma that rounds out the tartness of the cranberries. Simply stir in a bit of vanilla toward the end for the best results.
Make It Your Own: Cranberry Sauce Variations
One of the best things about homemade cranberry sauce is that it’s easy to customize. If you want to add extra flavor, consider mixing in ingredients like ground cinnamon, honey, brown sugar, or even a splash of bourbon. For a citrusy twist, try adding orange juice or zest, lemon juice, or chopped apples. These additions bring a new depth of flavor to the classic sauce.
The beauty of making cranberry sauce from scratch is that you can adjust the texture and thickness to suit your preferences. Sometimes, I like a thick sauce with whole cranberries for a bold flavor and texture. Other times, I’ll thin it out with a little extra water, making it perfect for spreading on sandwiches. Whatever your taste, you can easily adapt this recipe to make it your own!
How to Serve Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is a holiday classic that complements so many dishes on the table, but it doesn’t have to stop there! Here are some delicious ways to serve it:
- With the Main Course: Traditionally, cranberry sauce is served alongside roasted turkey, but it pairs beautifully with other meats too, like roasted chicken, duck, or even pork. The tangy sweetness balances out rich, savory flavors.
- On Sandwiches: Use cranberry sauce as a spread for Thanksgiving leftover sandwiches. It adds a burst of flavor to turkey melts, paninis, wraps, and subs. For a festive twist, try it on a grilled cheese with brie or cheddar.
- As a Side or Condiment: Serve it in a small dish to complement sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and roasted vegetables. The pop of color and flavor brightens up any holiday spread.
- In Desserts: Add cranberry sauce as a topping for cakes, cupcakes, cheesecakes, or pastries. You can even swirl it into frosting or mix it with whipped cream for a festive dessert filling.
- With Cheese and Charcuterie: Cranberry sauce pairs perfectly with cheese boards, especially with creamy cheeses like brie or camembert. Its sweet-tart flavor balances the richness of cheeses and complements cured meats.
Cranberry Sauce FAQ
Can I make cranberry sauce ahead of time?
Yes, cranberry sauce can be made well in advance, making it a great option for stress-free holiday prep. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to a month. You can also freeze it for up to 8-10 months.
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely. Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh in this recipe. You can use them straight from the freezer without needing to thaw first.
How do I make my cranberry sauce thicker or thinner?
For a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce more liquid. If you prefer a thinner sauce, simply add a little extra water until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
Yes, you can adjust the sugar to your taste. Cranberries are naturally tart, so reducing the sugar will give the sauce a more tangy flavor. You could also try honey or a sugar substitute if you’re watching your sugar intake.
Can I add other flavors to the cranberry sauce?
Definitely. Common additions include orange zest or juice, cinnamon, honey, or even a splash of bourbon for a unique twist. Feel free to experiment to create a flavor profile you love.
Does cranberry sauce need to be served cold?
Not necessarily. Cranberry sauce can be served cold, at room temperature, or warm, depending on your preference. If you want to serve it warm, heat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Other Swanky Thanksgiving Recipes
- Slow Cooker Turkey
- Best Ever Oven-Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Vintage Cranberry Fluff Salad
- Classic Southern Cornbread Dressing
- Quick Cranberry Relish
- Honey Cornbread
- Oven-Roasted Ranch Carrots
- Honey Baked Spiral Ham
- How to Brine a Turkey
- Creamed Spinach
Easy Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh or frozen unsweetened cranberries
- ½ cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract, optional to taste
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, boil 1 cup sugar and ½ cup water; about 2 minutes.
- Lower heat to a simmer. Stir in cranberries.
- Simmer until berries are soft and most have burst about 10 minutes.
- Stir in salt and vanilla.
- Remove from heat and stir in ¼ cup water.
- Allow mixture to cool for 15 minutes.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Cranberry sauce will thicken as it cools.
- Additional stir-ins can include a pinch of cinnamon, orange zest, lemon juice, bourbon, or honey.
- This recipe can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month or stored in the freezer for 8-10 months.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate and it’s accuracy is not guaranteed to be exact.
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