Description
This Easy Classic Cranberry Sauce recipe delivers a perfectly tart and sweet complement to your holiday meals. Made with fresh or frozen cranberries, granulated sugar, orange juice, and water, this sauce is quickly cooked on the stovetop and thickens as it cools, making it a simple yet flavorful addition to any festive table.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, orange juice, and water. Stir well to mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Heat Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, keeping an eye on it to prevent boiling over.
- Simmer and Thicken: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally as the cranberries pop and the sauce begins to thicken.
- Cool the Sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the cranberry sauce to cool. It will continue to thicken upon cooling, reaching the perfect consistency.
- Serve and Store: Serve the cranberry sauce chilled or at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days or freeze for up to 2 months for later use.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries based on availability; frozen works just as well.
- For a zestier flavor, add a teaspoon of grated orange zest during cooking.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend it slightly once cooled.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less sugar according to taste.
- This sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen to save time on busy days.
