Description
Homemade Cranberry Sauce is a classic holiday side dish made with just three simple ingredients. Sweet, tangy, and beautifully vibrant, this easy recipe pairs perfectly with Thanksgiving turkey, roasted chicken, and other festive meals. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a delicious addition to any holiday table.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar, or ¾ cup honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar, plus more to taste
- ¾ cup water, preferably filtered
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
Instructions
- Rinse the cranberries in a bowl of water and discard any that are shriveled, mushy, discolored, or damaged. Drain well.
- Combine the sugar and water in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add the cranberries and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
- Taste the sauce and add extra sugar, honey, or maple syrup if desired.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the cranberry sauce to cool to room temperature. It will thicken further as it cools.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Serving: Serve cranberry sauce alongside roasted turkey, chicken, ham, or your favorite holiday dishes.
- Sandwiches: Spread it on leftover turkey sandwiches for a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Cheese boards: Pair it with brie, goat cheese, crackers, and toasted bread.
- Make ahead: Prepare the sauce 2–3 days before your holiday meal to save time.
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10–14 days, provided it has been handled and refrigerated safely.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months for best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat if you prefer to serve it warm.
- Adjusting thickness: If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a tablespoon of water at a time. If it is too thin, simmer it for a few additional minutes.
- Sweetness: Taste after cooking and cooling slightly before adding more sweetener, since the flavors become more balanced as the sauce rests.