Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Homemade cranberry sauce is a simple and delicious way to add a fresh, tangy twist to your holiday meals. This recipe combines sweet sugars and bright orange juice to perfectly complement the tartness of cranberries. It’s easy to make and far better than anything store-bought.
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup sugar
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar, tightly packed
- ⅓ cup water
- ⅔ cup orange juice
- 12 oz cranberries, rinsed and picked through
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine sugars, water, and orange juice in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until sugars are dissolved, then bring to a boil.
- Step 2: Add cranberries and return the mixture to a boil.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to a simmer and cook cranberries, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes or until most of the berries have burst and the mixture has slightly reduced. Be careful of splattering during cooking.
- Step 4: Transfer the cranberry sauce to a bowl and let it cool at room temperature for at least 20 minutes.
- Step 5: Cover and refrigerate the sauce for at least 2 hours before serving to allow it to thicken and develop flavor.
Tips & Variations
- For added depth, try stirring in a cinnamon stick or a splash of vanilla extract while simmering.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, pulse cooled sauce briefly in a blender or mash with a fork.
- Substitute orange juice with cranberry or apple juice for a different fruity note.
- Adjust sugar to taste if you like it tarter or sweeter.
Storage
Store cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat gently on the stove or serve cold straight from the fridge. The sauce thickens more as it chills.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make cranberry sauce ahead of time?
Yes, cranberry sauce actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld.
How can I tell when the cranberries are done cooking?
Most cranberries will burst and the sauce will thicken slightly as it reduces. The mixture should have a glossy texture and coat the back of a spoon.
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Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: About 1.5 cups 1x
Description
A simple and delicious homemade cranberry sauce made with fresh cranberries, a mix of sugars, orange juice, and water, simmered to a perfect thick consistency. This easy recipe is perfect for holiday meals or anytime you want a fresh, tangy-sweet sauce to accompany your dishes.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup sugar
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar, tightly packed
- ⅓ cup water
- ⅔ cup orange juice
- 12 oz cranberries, rinsed and picked through to remove bad or bruised berries
Instructions
- Combine sugars and liquids: In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, water, and orange juice. Stir occasionally until the sugars are completely dissolved and the mixture comes to a boil.
- Add cranberries and boil: Add the cleaned cranberries to the boiling sugar mixture. Allow the mixture to return to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Simmer cranberries: Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the cranberries for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Most of the berries should burst during this time, releasing their juices and thickening the sauce. Be careful of splattering as the mixture simmers. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.
- Cool the sauce: Transfer the hot cranberry sauce into a bowl and let it cool at room temperature for at least 20 minutes to set.
- Refrigerate before serving: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the cranberry sauce for at least 2 hours. This chilling step enhances the flavors and allows the sauce to thicken properly before serving.
Notes
- The thickness of the sauce depends on cooking time; longer simmering results in thicker sauce.
- Fresh cranberries are preferred for best flavor and texture.
- Carefully stir and watch for splatter during simmering to avoid burns.
- Orange juice adds a subtle citrus flavor, but it can be substituted with water or other fruit juices if preferred.
- This sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cranberry sauce, homemade cranberry sauce, holiday sauce, fresh cranberry sauce, easy cranberry sauce
