Love a good cranberry sauce? I know I do, especially when it adds a bright, festive touch to any meal. Today, I’m excited to share two easy cranberry sauce recipes that you can make at home, perfect for your next gathering or just to enjoy with your favorite dishes.
Forget the can! Making your own cranberry sauce is incredibly simple and tastes so much better. Whether you like a classic taste or something with a citrusy kick, I’ve got you covered with these homemade options.
Jump to Recipe:
Bright Cranberry Orange Sauce
This vibrant sauce brings a lovely citrus note to the classic cranberry flavor. It’s simple to make and tastes wonderful with turkey, chicken, or even on toast.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Cranberry Orange Sauce
- Fresh Cranberries: Always use fresh cranberries for the best texture and bright taste.
- Orange Zest & Juice: These add a bright, aromatic lift that makes this sauce really special. Don’t skip them!
What You Need for Cranberry Orange Sauce
- 1 (12-ounce) bag fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
🍽️ Yields: 2 cups
How to Make Cranberry Orange Sauce
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, water, and fresh orange juice. Stir everything together gently to mix.
Step 2: Cook the Sauce
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Once it starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low and continue to cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until most of the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened a little.
Step 3: Finish and Cool
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the orange zest. Let the sauce cool completely before serving. It will thicken more as it cools.
📝 Final Note
You can make this cranberry orange sauce up to 3-4 days ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in your refrigerator.
Classic Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Get back to basics with this simple, pure cranberry sauce. It’s the perfect sweet and tart addition to any roast or holiday meal, and so easy to make.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Classic Cranberry Sauce
- Quality Cranberries: Just like with the orange sauce, fresh, firm cranberries are the star here.
- Sweetness Balance: You can adjust the sugar amount slightly to get your perfect sweet and tart mix. Taste it as you go!
What You Need for Classic Cranberry Sauce
- 1 (12-ounce) bag fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
🍽️ Yields: 1.5 cups
How to Make Classic Cranberry Sauce
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Pour the fresh cranberries into a medium saucepan. Add the granulated sugar and water to the pan.
Step 2: Simmer and Burst
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the cranberries have softened and burst.
Step 3: Cool Completely
Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool completely. It will thicken considerably as it cools. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
📝 Final Note
This classic cranberry sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It’s even better made a day ahead!