If you’ve never tried making your own tangy and sweet berry condiment, this Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need to add a burst of fresh flavor to your table. It’s an absolute joy to whip up, blending tart cranberries with juicy apples, zesty orange, and cozy spices, creating a sauce that’s vibrant, beautifully textured, and perfectly balanced. Whether you’re gearing up for a feast or just want a delightful twist on your usual sides, this cranberry sauce will soon become your secret weapon in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe lies in its simplicity and thoughtful ingredient choices. Each one plays a crucial role in bringing out that classic blend of sweet, tart, and aromatic flavors that dance on your palate.
- 16 ounces fresh cranberries: The star ingredient that adds a bright, tart punch and beautiful color to the sauce.
- 1 cup water: Essential for cooking the cranberries until they burst, creating the base.
- 1 orange: Peeled and diced for subtle citrus sweetness and zingy freshness.
- 2½ cups sugar: Balances the tartness perfectly and helps thicken the sauce.
- 2 cups peeled diced apples: Adds natural sweetness and a lovely texture contrast.
- ½ cup raisins (optional): For a touch of chewy sweetness, if you want extra depth.
- ½ cup chopped pecans: Introduces a satisfying crunch and nutty richness to the sauce.
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon: A hint of warmth that complements the fruit beautifully.
- ¼ teaspoon ginger: Adds a subtle spicy kick with a cozy undertone.
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves: Brings aromatic complexity that elevates the overall profile.
- ¼ cup orange juice: Enhances citrus flavor and adds moisture for perfect consistency.
How to Make Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Cranberries
Start by combining the fresh cranberries and water in a large saucepan. Bring it to a lively boil, then cover and reduce the heat to let it simmer gently. This cooking process, about 6 to 8 minutes, allows the cranberries to burst open, softening and releasing their tart juices, which sets the stage for the rest of the delicious sauce.
Step 2: Add Orange and Other Ingredients
While the cranberries are simmering, peel, seed, and dice your orange. Once the cranberries have softened, add the orange pieces along with the apples, raisins if you’re using them, pecans, and all the warm spices—cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Pour in the fresh orange juice to bring everything together with a lovely citrus brightness.
Step 3: Simmer Until Thickened
Keep the pan on medium heat and stir often as the mixture cooks for about 30 minutes. This slow simmer thickens the sauce beautifully while melding all those flavors into a rich, harmonious blend. The apples and orange pieces soften perfectly without losing their character, making each bite an exciting texture and flavor experience.
Step 4: Cool and Chill
Once your sauce has reached that wonderful thick consistency, remove it from heat and let it cool. Transfer to a container and pop it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. Cooling helps the flavors meld even more, making every spoonful taste spectacularly vibrant.
How to Serve Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your cranberry sauce by garnishing with a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme. You can also sprinkle a few extra chopped pecans on top to retain that wonderful crunch. A zest of orange peel or a few whole cranberries add visual appeal and a hint of festive charm.
Side Dishes
This Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe is a perfect companion to roasted turkey or chicken, cutting through the savory richness with its tart freshness. It also shines alongside mashed potatoes, stuffing, or even dolloped on a creamy brie cheese platter for a lovely contrast of flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a delightful twist, serve the cranberry sauce over vanilla ice cream or baked brie for dessert. You can also mix it into yogurt for a bright morning treat or even swirl some through your pancake batter to surprise your taste buds. The possibilities are endless, and each variation brings a little festive magic!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cranberry sauce keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This gives you flexibility to prepare it well in advance for your holiday meals or simply enjoy it as a flavorful addition to your weeknight dinners.
Freezing
If you want to keep this sauce longer, it freezes wonderfully. Spoon it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion, and it will keep for several months. When thawed, the texture might be a touch softer, but the flavor remains just as delightful.
Reheating
To warm up your cranberry sauce, gently heat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between. Keep in mind that this sauce is often just as delicious served cold or at room temperature, so reheat only if you prefer it warm.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well and can be a convenient option outside of cranberry season. You may need to slightly increase the cooking time to allow the sauce to thicken properly.
Is the sugar amount adjustable?
Yes, you can reduce or increase the sugar depending on your taste preference or the natural sweetness of the fruit. Just remember that sugar also helps with the sauce’s texture and preservation.
Can I omit the nuts and raisins?
Definitely! Those ingredients add texture and sweetness, but the sauce will still be delicious and classic without them. You can also experiment with different nuts or dried fruits to suit your taste.
How long does this cranberry sauce last once opened?
Stored in the refrigerator, your homemade cranberry sauce stays fresh and tasty for up to two weeks. Always use a clean spoon to serve to avoid contamination.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
This recipe is naturally vegan as long as you use plant-based sugar and omit any animal-derived add-ins. It’s a vibrant, plant-powered sauce perfect for all diets.
Final Thoughts
Making this Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe is like inviting a burst of festive joy straight into your kitchen. It’s straightforward, flavorful, and utterly versatile, so don’t hesitate to try it for your next meal or holiday gathering. Once you taste how fresh and lively homemade cranberry sauce can be, it just might replace any store-bought jar on your shelf forever!
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Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This homemade cranberry sauce recipe combines fresh cranberries, citrus, apples, and warm spices to create a sweet and tangy condiment perfect for holiday meals or year-round enjoyment. The sauce simmers gently on the stovetop until thick and luscious, enhanced by the optional addition of raisins and crunchy pecans for texture and depth.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (16-oz) fresh cranberries
- 1 cup water
- 1 orange
- 2½ cups sugar
- 2 cups peeled diced apples
- ½ cup raisins (optional)
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ginger
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ cup orange juice
Instructions
- Cook Cranberries: Combine water and fresh cranberries in a large saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pot, reduce the heat, and let it simmer gently for 6 to 8 minutes until the cranberry skins pop, signaling they are cooked through.
- Prepare Orange and Add Ingredients: While the cranberries are cooking, peel, seed, and dice the orange. Add the diced orange along with the sugar, peeled diced apples, raisins (if using), chopped pecans, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and orange juice to the saucepan with the cranberries.
- Simmer and Thicken: Continue cooking the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, for about 30 minutes or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Cool and Refrigerate: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the cranberry sauce to cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve, allowing flavors to meld.
Notes
- You can adjust the sugar amount according to your taste preference or to balance the tartness of the cranberries.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans.
- Adding raisins is optional but adds extra texture and sweetness to the sauce.
- This sauce can be made several days ahead and kept refrigerated.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, pulse it lightly in a blender after cooking.
