Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe for the Holidays

The holidays are a time for delicious feasts, and no holiday table is complete without a vibrant, tangy side dish—cranberry sauce! If you’re looking for an easy, homemade cranberry sauce recipe that will impress your guests without the hassle, you’ve come to the right place. This simple recipe is quick, flavorful, and made with just a few ingredients. Let's get started!

Ingredients:

• 1 bag (12 oz) fresh cranberries

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup water

• 1/2 cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)

• 1 cinnamon stick (optional)

• Zest of 1 orange (optional for extra flavor)

• pinch of salt

  
  

Instructions:

1. Rinse the Cranberries: Start by rinsing your fresh cranberries under cold water. Discard any that are soft or damaged.

2. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, and orange juice. Stir well to dissolve the sugar and mix the ingredients together.

3. Cook the Cranberries: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. As the cranberries heat up, they will begin to pop. This is a good sign—don’t worry! Continue to simmer for about 10 minutes until most of the cranberries have burst open and the sauce begins to thicken.

4. Add Spice and Zest: If you’re using a cinnamon stick, add it to the saucepan while the cranberries cook. For a bright, citrusy kick, add the orange zest at this point as well.

5. Simmer and Thicken: Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reaches your desired thickness. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can mash it lightly with a spoon or use an immersion blender.

6. Cool and Serve: Remove the saucepan from the heat and discard the cinnamon stick if you used one. Allow the cranberry sauce to cool to room temperature. The sauce will thicken even more as it cools. Transfer it to a serving dish and refrigerate until ready to serve. It can be made a day or two in advance for added convenience.

   
   

Tips and Variations:

• Add Some Spice: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of ground ginger or a dash of nutmeg along with the cinnamon.

• Sweeten to Taste: If you like your cranberry sauce sweeter, feel free to add more sugar to taste.

• Cranberry-Orange Relish: For a chunkier, fresher version, skip the cooking step and mix the fresh cranberries with orange zest, orange juice, and sugar for a no-cook cranberry relish.

• Add Nuts or Dried Fruit: Chopped pecans or dried cherries can be added for texture and flavor.

  
  

Why This Cranberry Sauce is Perfect for the Holidays:

This homemade cranberry sauce is an essential addition to your holiday spread, whether you're serving it alongside turkey, ham, or as a refreshing contrast to rich side dishes. Its balance of sweet and tart flavors, paired with a hint of citrus and spice, makes it a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with all of your festive favorites.

Whether it's your first time making cranberry sauce or you're a seasoned pro, this easy recipe guarantees a delicious outcome every time. Serve it fresh, chilled, or even warmed up—it’s the perfect touch for your holiday table!

Enjoy and happy holidays!