Description
This Best Ever Cranberry Sauce recipe is a classic and easy-to-make holiday side dish that combines fresh cranberries with the bright flavors of orange juice and cinnamon. The sauce is sweetened with sugar and cooked until the cranberries burst, creating a perfect balance of tart and sweet. Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive meal, it can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for convenience.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup orange juice
- ½ cup water
- 12 oz fresh cranberries (rinsed and picked through)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 piece of orange peel (use a potato peel or paring knife)
Instructions
- Prepare the base mixture: Combine sugar, orange juice, and water in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir well to dissolve the sugar and create an evenly mixed base.
- Add cranberries and flavorings: Add the rinsed cranberries, pinch of salt, cinnamon stick, and orange peel to the saucepan.
- Simmer the sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Cook until cranberries burst: Continue cooking for about 10 minutes, or until most of the cranberries have popped. Leaving a handful whole adds texture and visual appeal to the sauce.
- Cool and refrigerate: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool for at least 30 minutes. Cover and refrigerate the cranberry sauce until ready to serve.
- Make ahead tip: This sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance to allow flavors to meld and for convenience during holiday meal prep.
Notes
- For a zestier flavor, use fresh orange juice rather than store-bought.
- If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the sugar amount slightly.
- Removing the cinnamon stick and orange peel before serving avoids any unpleasant textures.
- This sauce pairs wonderfully with turkey and other roasted meats or as a topping for desserts.
- Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.