This homemade cranberry sauce is a bright, tart-sweet condiment perfect for holiday meals and easy to make in about 20 minutes.
Servings 6servings
Course Condiment, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
12ozFresh cranberriesTart, full of natural pectin to help the sauce gel
1/2cupOrange juiceBright citrus flavor and natural sweetness
1cupSugarBalances tartness and helps preserve the sauce
1/2cupWaterAdjusts consistency and helps dissolve the sugar
1/2tspCinnamon (optional)Adds warm spice and depth of flavor
Method
Cooking
In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, sugar, and water.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Be attentive so the mixture does not boil over.
Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 10–15 minutes, or until most cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened to your liking. Stir occasionally.
Stir in cinnamon if desired, tasting and adjusting a pinch at a time so the spice doesn’t overpower the cranberries.
Allow the sauce to cool at room temperature before transferring to a jar or airtight container and refrigerating.
This cranberry sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months. Adjust sugar and acidity to taste for a customized flavor. The sauce often tastes better after a day in the fridge.