Description
Easy Classic Christmas Cranberry Sauce for Your Holiday Meal
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces (3 cups) fresh or frozen cranberries (no need to thaw frozen)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water (or orange juice for an extra citrusy kick)
- Zest of 1 orange (optional, but highly recommended)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Rinse and sort cranberries, discarding any shriveled berries, tiny stems, or leaves. Zest the orange (if using), avoiding the white pith. Measure out sugar, water (or orange juice), and salt.
- In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, water (or orange juice), orange zest (if using), and salt. Stir well to combine. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve sugar.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most cranberries have burst and the sauce has visibly thickened and coats the back of a spoon. It will thicken further as it cools.
- Remove the saucepan from heat. Pour the hot sauce into a heatproof bowl or container and let it cool completely to room temperature. Cover tightly and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, for the best consistency and flavor.
- Serve chilled with roasted meats (like turkey, beef, or chicken) or get creative by stirring into yogurt, spreading on sandwiches, or topping desserts. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10-14 days, or freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Notes
- This sauce can be made ahead of time.
- Adjust sugar to taste if you prefer a less sweet sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg