Description
This easiest cranberry sauce recipe delivers gourmet flavor with just 6 ingredients and 15 minutes of cook time. Fresh cranberries, citrus, and a hint of spice create the perfect holiday condiment that’s simple, quick, and far superior to store-bought versions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz fresh cranberries, rinsed and picked over
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves.
- Add cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, cinnamon stick (if using), and salt. Stir to combine.
- Bring mixture to a rolling boil until cranberries begin to pop.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most cranberries have burst.
- Remove from heat, discard cinnamon stick, and let cool completely. Sauce will thicken as it cools.
Notes
Make ahead for stress-free holidays: prepare up to one week in advance and refrigerate. Cooling is essential for proper thickening.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Holiday Recipes, Sauces
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0.1g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0.2g
Keywords: cranberry sauce, easiest cranberry sauce, homemade cranberry sauce, Thanksgiving sides, holiday sauce