Description
This Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe is sweet, tart, and bursting with fresh cranberry flavor! Made with just 3 simple ingredients in 25 minutes, it’s an easy, old-fashioned Thanksgiving side dish that’s perfect alongside roast turkey, holiday dinners, and Christmas gatherings.
Ingredients
Units
- 12 ounces (1 bag) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- Optional - 1/2 teaspoon orange zest or a cinnamon stick for flavor
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, and water. Add the orange zest or cinnamon stick if using.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to burst and the sauce thickens.
- For a smoother sauce, mash the cranberries with a spoon or briefly blend with an immersion blender.
- Remove from the heat and allow the cranberry sauce to cool completely. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. Remove the cinnamon stick if used.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and serve, or refrigerate until ready to use.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: American
