Description
Add a burst of color and flavor to your holiday meals with this Classic Cranberry Sauce—a quick and easy recipe perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even weeknight dinners. This naturally vegan and gluten-free sauce delivers a tangy-sweet balance using fresh cranberries, citrus, and warm spices. Whether you need an easy dinner side dish, a healthy snack addition, or creative food ideas for leftovers, this homemade cranberry sauce has your back. A staple among breakfast ideas and dinner ideas alike, it’s the kind of easy recipe that elevates every meal with bold, bright flavor.
Ingredients
12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup orange juice
1 tsp orange zest
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Pinch salt
1/4 tsp ground cloves (optional)
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)
Splash red wine or port (optional)
Instructions
1. Rinse the cranberries under cold water and discard any mushy or shriveled ones.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine orange juice, water, and sugar. Heat on medium, stirring until sugar dissolves.
3. Add the cranberries and bring to a gentle boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let berries burst naturally.
5. Stir in orange zest, cinnamon, salt, and any optional spices or add-ins. Taste and adjust.
6. Remove from heat and allow sauce to cool at room temperature. It will thicken as it sets.
7. Transfer to a container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
8. Serve chilled or at room temperature with your favorite mains or snacks.
Notes
Make this recipe a day ahead—the flavor improves over time.
Don’t overcook the sauce; it thickens as it cools.
Add citrus peel or wine for a more festive twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: classic cranberry sauce, holiday side, easy recipe, thanksgiving, vegan, gluten-free