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Festive homemade Cranberry Sauce is the perfect addition to any holiday meal.

Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce

This easy homemade cranberry sauce recipe delivers a tart and sweet condiment perfect for the holidays or any meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's customizable and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a vibrant alternative to canned sauce.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 cup water
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest optional
  • 1/4 cup orange juice optional
  • 1 cinnamon stick optional

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Airtight container

Method
 

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, water, sugar, orange zest (if using), orange juice (if using), and cinnamon stick (if using).
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
  3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the cranberry sauce cool completely. Remove the cinnamon stick before serving.
  5. Chill before serving for best flavor and consistency.

Notes

Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less sugar. For a spiced cranberry sauce, add a pinch of ground cloves, nutmeg, or ginger. Store leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days or freeze for up to 2-3 months.