Classic Cranberry Sauce

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Homemade cranberry sauce is one of those side dishes that completes any holiday spread. Tart, sweet, and beautifully ruby-red, it brings a fresh pop of flavor and color to the table. Whether you’re pairing it with turkey, spooning it over brie, or sneaking a bit into your leftover sandwich, there’s something nostalgic and satisfying about a from-scratch cranberry sauce.

The best part? It comes together in just about 15 minutes with a handful of simple ingredients. This classic version balances natural tartness with just enough sweetness and a hint of citrus to brighten it all up. If you grew up with canned sauce, you might be surprised how incredibly easy and flavorful homemade can be.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Cranberry Sauce

This cranberry sauce is bold in flavor but incredibly easy to make. With no artificial ingredients, it keeps the cranberries center stage and brings out their natural character with just a little sugar and orange zest. It’s also a dish you can make ahead of time, letting you focus on other parts of your meal come holiday time. Plus, leftovers are a dream—you’ll find endless uses for them.

What Kind of Cranberries Should I Use?

Fresh cranberries are your best option, especially during fall and winter when they’re in season. Frozen cranberries also work beautifully and can be a lifesaver if you’re preparing this out of season. Just make sure not to thaw them first—they go straight into the pot from frozen, and cook down perfectly.

Ingredients for the Classic Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce keeps it beautifully simple, but each ingredient has a purpose. It’s about finding that perfect balance of tart, sweet, and citrusy.

Fresh cranberries are the heart of this recipe. Their vibrant tartness gives cranberry sauce its signature punch.

Granulated sugar helps balance out the natural sourness of the berries and creates a syrupy consistency as it cooks.

Water is needed to soften the cranberries and help dissolve the sugar, forming the base of the sauce.

Orange zest brings a fragrant brightness and layers of citrus that make the flavor more complex and lively.

Orange juice adds sweetness and depth, creating a luscious texture and marrying well with the cranberries’ tang.

How To Make the Classic Cranberry Sauce

Step 1: Combine the Base

In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and water. Stir everything together and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 2: Let It Simmer

Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer gently. You’ll hear the cranberries start to pop as they cook down. Stir occasionally and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the mixture thickens.

Step 3: Add the Zest

Once the cranberries have softened and the sauce has thickened, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the orange zest. This keeps the citrus flavor fresh and bright.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Allow the sauce to cool at room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it sits. You can serve it right away or refrigerate it for up to a week.

Serving and Storing Your Classic Cranberry Sauce

This recipe serves about 6 people, making it perfect for small gatherings or as part of a larger spread. Serve it chilled or at room temperature depending on your preference. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to 7 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

What to Serve With Classic Cranberry Sauce?

Roast Turkey

It’s a must-have companion for Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey, cutting through the richness with its tartness.

Baked Brie

Spoon some warm cranberry sauce over a round of baked brie for an easy yet elegant appetizer.

Roasted Vegetables

Drizzle a bit over roasted Brussels sprouts or carrots for a sweet-tangy contrast.

Turkey Sandwiches

Add a generous smear to your leftover turkey sandwiches for an instant flavor upgrade.

Mashed Potatoes

A spoonful next to creamy mashed potatoes gives your plate an extra pop.

Grilled Chicken

It works surprisingly well with grilled chicken or pork, especially when warmed.

Cheese Board

Add it to a cheese board with sharp cheddar or creamy goat cheese for a vibrant touch.

Want More Side Dish Ideas?

If you love this classic cranberry sauce, you’ll definitely want to try these other flavorful companions:

• Cajun Potato Soup for a creamy, spicy kick.
• Mom’s Signature Macaroni Salad that’s nostalgic and picnic-perfect.
• Honey Butter Skillet Corn for sweet and savory corn lovers.
• Creamy Corn Dip that’s perfect for game day.
• Oven Fried Potatoes and Onions for a crispy and hearty side.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can always have it on hand for the holidays or whenever a cranberry craving hits.

And don’t forget to share in the comments how it turned out. Did you add cinnamon or swap in maple syrup? I love hearing how you make these recipes your own.

Explore more cozy, seasonal favorites on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and find your next obsession!

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