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homemade cranberry sauce 2026 05 25 101852 806x1024 1

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

A delightful addition to any meal, this Homemade Cranberry Sauce is simple to make, packed with flavor, and customizable to your sweetness preference.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Condiment, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 130
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 1 cup granulated sugar Sweet base for the sauce.
  • 12 oz. fresh or frozen cranberries Main ingredient for the sauce.
  • 2 tsp. finely grated orange zest Adds aromatic flavor to the sauce.
  • 1 pinch kosher salt Enhances and balances flavors.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
  2. Add the cranberries to the saucepan and return to a boil.
  3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
  4. Stir in the orange zest and a pinch of salt. Remove from heat and let it cool. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.

Notes

Serve your homemade cranberry sauce at room temperature or chilled. It's great on hot turkey slices, spooned onto ham, or as a topping on cream cheese with crackers. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or freeze for up to a couple of months. For a smoother sauce, blend after cooking. Adjust sweetness by varying sugar. Add spices like cinnamon for extra flavor.