Description
This easy homemade cranberry sauce is a perfect balance of tart and sweet, bursting with fresh cranberries and accented by bright orange zest. It’s a classic holiday side that’s simple to prepare and makes a great make-ahead addition to your festive table.
Ingredients
Scale
Liquid Base
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice (or more water)
Sweetener
- ¾ cup sugar
Main Ingredient
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
Flavoring (Optional)
- Zest of 1 orange
Instructions
- Combine Liquids and Sugar: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, mix together the water, orange juice, and sugar. Stir continuously until the sugar has fully dissolved and the mixture comes to a boil.
- Simmer Cranberries: Add the cranberries to the boiling liquid, then reduce the heat to medium. Let the mixture simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the cranberries burst but mostly hold their shape, and the sauce turns a deep red. Keep in mind the sauce will thicken as it cools.
- Add Orange Zest and Cool: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the orange zest if using. Let the sauce cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
- This cranberry sauce is deliciously tart and not overly sweet, making it a fresh addition to any holiday meal.
- The sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week, perfect for preparing ahead of time.
- Using fresh orange juice and zest adds a bright citrus flavor that complements the cranberries beautifully.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can gently mash some cranberries while cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 2 tablespoons)
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.01 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.04 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 0.2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
