This cranberry sauce is a must-have for the holidays. It complements any holiday roast, but its bright, tangy flavor also goes well on sandwiches and even enhances desserts like Cheesecake or ice cream.
Everything tastes even better with this cranberry sauce. For more cranberry-inspired recipes, check out our Cranberry Relish, Cranberry Chutney, Pineapple Cranberry Sauce, and Cranberry Apple Sauce.
How to Make Cranberry Sauce
Note: The full instructions are provided on the recipe card below.
- Combine cranberries and other ingredients in a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Continue boiling until the sauce has reduced slightly and thickened.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely.
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- Crispy Roasted Potatoes
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Honey and Cinnamon
📖 Recipe
Easy Cranberry Sauce
This cranberry sauce is a must-have for the holidays. It complements any holiday roast, but its bright, tangy flavor also goes well on sandwiches and even enhances desserts like Cheesecake or ice cream. Everything tastes even better with this cranberry sauce. For more cranberry-inspired recipes, check out our Cranberry Relish, Cranberry Chutney, Pineapple Cranberry Sauce, and Cranberry Apple Sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 (12 ounces each) fresh or frozen Cranberries washed and dried
- 2 cups brown or light brown sugar , depending on the level of sweetness you desire
- ¼ cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 pieces star anise
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg , freshly grated
- 1-½ cups freshly squeezed orange juice or storebought bottle
- zest from 2 oranges
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Combine cranberries, light brown sugar, salt, allspice, nutmeg, star anise, cinnamon stick, orange juice, and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking to break up the cranberries.
- Boil until sauce has reduced slightly and thickened, about 15 to 20 minutes. Adjust sweetness with more sugar if needed. Remove from heat and let cool completely. The sauce is ready to be used or served, or it may be covered and stored in the refrigerator for later use.
Notes
How to Store & Re-Heat
To store cranberry sauce, let it cool, transfer it to an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. To reheat, use the microwave or stovetop, add a bit of liquid if needed, and adjust seasonings before serving.
Make-Ahead & Freeze
Homemade cranberry sauce can be made up to 2 weeks in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually meld and develop better over time, so it's even better to make it a few days ahead of when you plan to serve it. Cranberry sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months.
To thaw cranberry sauce, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight or defrost it in the microwave. Once thawed, the sauce may be slightly grainy, but this is normal. Simply stir the sauce until it is smooth.
Nutrition Facts
Easy Cranberry Sauce
Amount per Serving
Calories
142
% Daily Value*
Fat
0.1
g
0
%
Saturated Fat
0.03
g
0
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.01
g
Monounsaturated Fat
0.02
g
Sodium
30
mg
1
%
Potassium
55
mg
2
%
Carbohydrates
37
g
12
%
Fiber
0.5
g
2
%
Sugar
35
g
39
%
Protein
0.2
g
0
%
Vitamin A
31
IU
1
%
Vitamin C
8
mg
10
%
Calcium
25
mg
3
%
Iron
0.3
mg
2
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.
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