Description
This 4-ingredient homemade cranberry sauce is fresh, tangy, and easy to make. Perfect for holiday meals, sandwiches, and more!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries (about 3 cups)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup water or orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)
Instructions
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Prepare the Ingredients:
- Rinse the cranberries and remove any soft or discolored ones.
- If using fresh oranges, zest them before juicing.
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Cook the Cranberries:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, sugar, and water (or orange juice).
- Stir occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
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Simmer Until Thickened:
- Once the mixture reaches a gentle boil, reduce the heat to low.
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
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Add Orange Zest & Cool:
- Stir in orange zest, mix well, and remove from heat.
- Let the sauce cool before transferring it to a serving dish.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by adding more sugar if the sauce is too tart.
- For a smoother sauce, blend with an immersion blender after cooking.
- For a chunkier texture, leave some whole cranberries unmashed.
- Add cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 10 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 5minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes