Hey y’all! Ready to take your Thanksgiving feast to the next level? This Homemade Cranberry Sauce For Thanksgiving is sweet, tangy, and bursting with fresh flavor—so much better than the canned stuff! It’s ridiculously easy, needs just a handful of ingredients, and is a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for your holiday table or any occasion where you crave a pop of color and flavor. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Cranberry Sauce For Thanksgiving
- Ready in just 20 minutes for effortless holiday prep.
- Uses simple, wholesome ingredients for amazing homemade taste.
- The perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors to wake up any dish.
- Can be made ahead and stored—hello, stress-free entertaining!
- So much fresher and customizable compared to store-bought versions.
Homemade Cranberry Sauce For Thanksgiving: Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) orange juice (about 2 juicy oranges)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) water
- 1 tsp orange zest
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick
How To Make Homemade Cranberry Sauce For Thanksgiving
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Rinse the cranberries and zest one orange. If using frozen cranberries, there’s no need to thaw.
Step 2: Simmer the Sauce
In a medium saucepan, combine orange juice, water, and sugar. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Step 3: Add Cranberries
Add cranberries, orange zest, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes. The cranberries will pop and the sauce will thicken.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
Remove from heat. Cool to room temperature—the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes
Notes for Homemade Cranberry Sauce For Thanksgiving
- Taste as you go—add more sugar or orange juice if you prefer it sweeter or tangier (Food Network’s guide).
- Let the sauce thicken at room temp before chilling; it sets up beautifully in the fridge.
- Substitute part of the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a deeper flavor (Healthline’s benefits of cranberry sauce).
Homemade Cranberry Sauce For Thanksgiving: Variations
- Apple-Cranberry: Add 1 peeled, diced apple to the pot for extra sweetness and texture.
- Spiced Cranberry: Stir in a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for a holiday twist.
- Boozy Orange: Add 2 tablespoons of Grand Marnier or bourbon after simmering.
Required Equipment For Homemade Cranberry Sauce
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Microplane or zester
- Measuring cups and spoons
How To Store Homemade Cranberry Sauce For Thanksgiving
Cool sauce completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7-10 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Suggested Pairings: How To Serve Homemade Cranberry Sauce For Thanksgiving
- Classic with roast turkey, chicken, or ham
- Spoon onto sandwiches, wraps, or burgers for a tangy twist
- Serve over creamy brie or goat cheese with crackers as an appetizer
- Swirl into yogurt or oatmeal for a vibrant breakfast
Pro Tips For Best Homemade Cranberry Sauce For Thanksgiving
- For extra texture, reserve a handful of cranberries and stir them in after simmering (Simply Recipes guide).
- Don’t over-cook—remove from heat as soon as the cranberries pop and the sauce is jammy.
- Let the flavors meld—make your cranberry sauce at least one day ahead if possible.
FAQ About Homemade Cranberry Sauce For Thanksgiving
- Can I use frozen cranberries?
- Absolutely! No need to thaw first—just add them straight to the pot.
- Can I make homemade cranberry sauce ahead of time?
- Yes. It can be made up to a week ahead and stored in the fridge.
- How do I fix cranberry sauce if it’s too thick?
- Stir in a tablespoon or two of water or orange juice until you reach your desired consistency.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh cranberries
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) orange juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp orange zest
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
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1Rinse the fresh cranberries under cold water and pick out any stems or damaged berries.
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2In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and water.
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3Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, orange zest, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.
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4Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened.
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5Remove from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
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6Transfer to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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