Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe

No holiday table feels complete without a bowl of tart, ruby-red cranberry sauce. This homemade cranberry sauce recipe is fresh, vibrant, and so simple that once you make it yourself, you’ll never go back to the canned version. It’s a classic holiday side dish cranberry that brings color and brightness to a rich holiday meal.

I still remember the first time I tried making easy cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving. I was surprised at how quickly the berries burst open in the pot, releasing their tangy flavor and filling the kitchen with that signature sweet-tart aroma. Just a few ingredients, cranberries, sugar, and citrus, transform into something truly special.

The best part is how versatile it is. You can keep it simple or dress it up with cinnamon, orange zest, or even a splash of wine. Whether you serve it warm or chilled, this fresh cranberry sauce pairs beautifully with roast turkey, ham, or even on sandwiches the next day. It’s one of those recipes that proves holiday classics don’t need to be complicated.

If you’re looking for the perfect Thanksgiving cranberry recipe, this one delivers every time. Quick to prepare, beautiful on the table, and bursting with flavor, it’s a side dish you’ll want to make year after

What You’ll Need To Make Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce

1. Fresh Cranberries

• The star of the recipe tart, juicy, and full of holiday flavor.
• Fresh cranberries pop beautifully while cooking, creating a natural sauce texture.
• You can also use frozen cranberries if fresh aren’t available.

2. Granulated Sugar

• Balances the tartness of the cranberries.
• Helps create that sweet-and-tangy classic holiday taste.
• You can adjust the amount to suit your preference.

3. Orange Juice

• Adds brightness and a citrus kick that pairs perfectly with cranberries.
• Freshly squeezed juice works best for natural sweetness.
• Also helps the sauce thicken as it cooks.

4. Orange Zest

• Enhances the citrus flavor without extra liquid.
• Adds fragrance and depth to the sauce.
• A little goes a long way, so don’t skip it.

5. Cinnamon Stick (or Ground Cinnamon)

• Infuses warm holiday spice into the sauce.
• Cinnamon balances the tartness and creates a festive aroma.
• You can swap with nutmeg or allspice for variation.

6. Ground Cloves (Optional)

• Adds a deeper, more complex spiced flavor.
• Best used sparingly to avoid overpowering the sauce.

7. Vanilla Extract (Optional)

• Brings a smooth, subtle sweetness.
• Rounds out the flavors for a gourmet touch.

Quick Tips for the Best Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe

• Don’t overcook! Once the cranberries burst and thicken, remove from heat to avoid bitterness.
• Adjust sweetness to taste – cranberries are tart, so add sugar or honey depending on your preference.
• Make ahead – this sauce tastes even better after a night in the fridge.
• Add texture – nuts or dried fruits bring variety.
• Use fresh cranberries if possible – frozen works, but fresh gives the brightest flavor.

Equipment For Making Cranberry Sauce Recipe

• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Citrus zester or microplane
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Airtight container for storage

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe

• Quick and simple – Ready in just 15 minutes, with only one pot required.
• So much fresher than canned – Bright, tangy, and vibrant, unlike overly sweet pre-made versions.
• Perfect balance of flavors – Sweet, tart, citrusy, and spiced, all in one bite.
• Customizable – Make it more spiced, add nuts for texture, or splash in liqueur for adults.
• Holiday essential – It’s not just for Thanksgiving, this is a festive holiday relish recipe that fits Christmas, New Year’s, or any winter gathering.
• Cranberries are rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C
• Supports urinary tract health
• Low in fat and cholesterol-free
• Provides dietary fiber

Conclusion

Cranberry sauce is one of those recipes that proves the simplest dishes often shine the brightest. With just a handful of ingredients and less than 20 minutes, you can make a side dish that brightens your table, balances rich holiday meats, and looks stunning in a festive spread. This easy cranberry sauce isn’t just a recipe, it’s a tradition worth carrying forward.

✅ Quick Tips: Read through the full recipe before diving in; it’s the best way to get a feel for the flow, prep time, and tools you’ll need. Think of it like scanning a map before a road trip: you’ll cook more confidently and avoid any surprises halfway through.

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Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe

This easy homemade cranberry sauce recipe is a bright and festive holiday side dish made with fresh cranberries, orange juice, and warm spices. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a quick and simple way to elevate Thanksgiving sides or add a vibrant, sweet-tart touch to Christmas dinner cranberry recipes. Whether served with turkey, ham, or spooned over cheesecake, it’s the perfect holiday sauce idea to complete your table.

Delicious

Author: Lia Agbor Cooking Method: Simmering Cuisine: American, French Courses: Dinner, Lunch, Side Dish Recipe Keys: Dairy Free Gluten Free Halal Low Cholesterol Low Sodium Quick Meals Vegan

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Prep Time 5 mins Cook Time 12 mins Total Time 17 mins Difficulty: Beginner Cooking Temp: 95  C Servings: 8 Calories: 90

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3 cups, rinsed and drained)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 cinnamon stick (or ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon)
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves (optional, for warmth)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for depth)
• Pinch of salt

Optional add-ins for variation:

• ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
• ¼ cup dried fruit like raisins, currants, or chopped dried apricots
• 1 tablespoon brandy or Grand Marnier for a boozy twist

Instructions

1. Prepare the cranberries

   • Rinse the cranberries in cold water, discarding any that are soft or wrinkled.
   
   Mark as complete

1. Combine liquids and sugar

   • In a medium saucepan, add orange juice, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
   • Stir over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved.
   Mark as complete

1. Add cranberries and spices

   • Stir in the cranberries, orange zest, cinnamon stick, and cloves.
   
   Mark as complete

1. Simmer until they burst

   • Cook on medium heat for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
   • The cranberries will pop and the mixture will thicken.
   Mark as complete

1. Adjust flavors

   • Taste and adjust sweetness if needed (add more sugar or honey).
   • Stir in vanilla extract (if using).
   
   Mark as complete

1. Cool and set

   • Remove from heat. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.
   Mark as complete

1. Chill before serving

   • Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 3 days, before serving for best flavor.

   
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

Serving Size About ¼ cup per person

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 90kcal

% Daily Value *

Sodium 2mg1%

Potassium 30mg1%

Total Carbohydrate 23g8%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 18g

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Vitamin A 10 IU

Vitamin C 8 mg

Calcium 5 mg

Iron 0.1 mg

Vitamin E 0.5 IU

Vitamin K 2 mcg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

• Cranberries pop quickly - don’t step away while cooking.
• Sauce thickens as it cools - don’t panic if it looks runny at first.
• Fresh orange zest brightens flavor -don’t skip it.
• Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.