I love making cranberry sauce from scratch every holiday season. It’s a simple recipe that adds a fresh and tangy flavor to any meal. With just a few ingredients, I can create a sauce that perfectly complements turkey or ham.
The process is straightforward, and the result is always satisfying. Let me share my go-to recipe for this classic side dish.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- Zest of one orange (optional)
- Juice of one orange (optional)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cranberries: Rinse the cranberries under cold water and discard any that are soft or damaged.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
- Add Cranberries: Once the sugar has dissolved, add the cranberries to the saucepan. Stir to combine.
- Cook: Reduce the heat to medium and cook the cranberries, stirring occasionally. As the cranberries cook, they will begin to pop. This should take about 10 minutes.
- Optional Additions: If using, add the orange zest, orange juice, and cinnamon to the saucepan. Stir to combine and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Cool: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the cranberry sauce to cool completely. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Serve: Transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving dish. It can be served immediately or refrigerated until ready to use.
Enjoy your homemade cranberry sauce with your favorite dishes!
