why make this recipe
Cranberry sauce is a must-have for many festive meals, especially during Thanksgiving. This Easy Classic Cranberry Sauce recipe brings bright flavor and color to your table. It balances sweet and tart, making it a perfect complement to turkey or pork. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make, so you can enjoy it without spending hours in the kitchen.
how to make Easy Classic Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients:
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- Zest of 1 orange (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
- 1 star anise (optional)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- Splash of orange juice (optional)
Directions:
- Rinse the cranberries thoroughly, discarding any soft or discolored ones.
- In a medium saucepan, bring water and sugar to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves completely.
- Add the cranberries and stir to coat them in the syrup. Include optional orange zest or spices if desired.
- Let simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens.
- Taste and adjust — add more sugar, citrus, or spice to balance tartness.
- Remove from heat, discard any whole spices, and let cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a container.
- Chill in the refrigerator before serving; sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
how to serve Easy Classic Cranberry Sauce
This cranberry sauce is great served chilled or at room temperature. It pairs well with turkey, ham, or on a cheese platter. You can also spoon it over pancakes or yogurt for a delicious breakfast treat.
how to store Easy Classic Cranberry Sauce
Store any leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to two weeks. To save it for longer, you can freeze the sauce in small batches. Just let it cool completely before freezing.
tips to make Easy Classic Cranberry Sauce
- Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor. If you use frozen ones, there’s no need to thaw them before cooking.
- Feel free to adjust the sugar to suit your taste. If you like a tart flavor, use less sugar.
- Try adding different spices or citrus zest for unique flavors.
variation
For a twist, you can add chopped apples or pears during the cooking process, or substitute the water with orange juice for added sweetness.
FAQs
1. Can I make cranberry sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can make it a few days in advance. Just store it in the fridge and let it chill before serving.
2. Can I can cranberry sauce?
Yes, you can! Follow proper canning methods to ensure it’s safe for long-term storage.
3. What can I do with leftover cranberry sauce?
You can use it in sandwiches, add it to smoothies, or even use it as a topping for desserts like cheesecake.