Best Ever Cranberry Sauce Recipe

I love how this recipe transforms a handful of simple ingredients into a tangy, refreshing cranberry sauce complete with orange zing and cinnamon warmth. The burst of fresh cranberries paired with the sweet and savory flavor profile makes it a game-changer for my holiday meals, creating a twist on tradition.

I love making this Best Ever Cranberry Sauce, and I think its mix of flavors makes it the perfect Thanksgiving food side. In my kitchen I’ve tried everything from canned cranberry sauce to this fresh cranberry sauce recipe and every time I’m amazed how easy it is to make.

I mix 12 oz fresh cranberries with 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, add the zest of one orange and a pinch of salt for balance. The real star is a cinnamon stick that gives it a warm, cozy taste that reminds me of classic Natasha’s Kitchen recipes.

I also like comparing it with those sauce enchilada types of twists, but nothing beats this best cranberry sauce in my opinion. Its nutritional value is pretty good too since it’s made with real, whole ingredients.

Best part is that it takes only about 15 minutes to whip up!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe because it’s super easy to whip up – it only takes about 15 minutes from start to finish and doesn’t require a bunch of fancy ingredients. I also dig how the mix of tart cranberries, sweet orange juice, and a little spice from the cinnamon stick creates such a cool pop of flavor in every bite. Plus, the process of gently simmering and letting the sauce thicken makes me feel like I accomplished something special, even on busy days. And honestly, I love that it’s a dish that ties my holiday meals together, adding that extra special touch that makes the whole dinner feel complete.

Ingredients

• Fresh cranberries are tangy, full of antioxidants and fiber and add a natural burst of flavor.
• Granulated sugar brings rich sweetness and perfectly balances the cranberries naturally tart bite.
• Freshly squeezed orange juice adds vitamin C and a zesty tang that lifts the sauce vibe.
• Orange zest intensifies the citrus flavor and releases aromatic oils for a bright, lively punch.
• Cinnamon stick offers warm spice notes that subtly round out the sauce festive flavor profile.
• A pinch of salt enhances all the tastes and makes every spoonful just that much better.

Ingredient Quantities

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• Zest of one orange
• 1 cinnamon stick
• A pinch of salt

How to Make this

1. Rinse your cranberries and set them aside while you gather the rest of your ingredients.

2. In a medium saucepan, mix the freshly squeezed orange juice with the granulated sugar, orange zest, the cinnamon stick, and a pinch of salt.

3. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sugar dissolves completely.

4. Once the liquid starts to simmer, add your cranberries into the pan.

5. Let the mixture cook on a gentle boil for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cranberries will start to pop and the sauce will thicken slightly.

6. Keep an eye on it and when most of the cranberries have burst, take the pan off the heat.

7. Carefully remove the cinnamon stick so you don’t keep its bitter taste.

8. Allow the sauce to cool down to room temperature, during which it will continue to thicken up.

9. Once cooled, transfer the cranberry sauce to a bowl or container and pop it into the fridge to chill for at least an hour.

10. Enjoy your Best Ever Cranberry Sauce with your holiday meals, adding that gorgeous pop of flavor to every bite!

Equipment Needed

1. A colander to rinse the cranberries
2. A medium saucepan for heating the orange juice mixture
3. A measuring cup for the sugar and orange juice
4. A stirring spoon for mixing the sauce
5. A citrus juicer to squeeze the fresh orange juice (or a knife if you dont have one)
6. An orange zester for the zest
7. A bowl or container to chill the sauce in the fridge
8. A stove to cook the cranberry sauce over medium heat

FAQ

• Q: How long does it take to cook the sauce?
  A: It takes around 10-15 minutes of simmering. Keep an eye on it so it doesnt boil over or stick to the bottom.
• Q: Can I prepare this sauce ahead of time?
  A: Yep, you can make it ahead. Just let it cool and then stash it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
• Q: Can I swap the granulated sugar with another sweetener?
  A: Sure thing, you can use honey or maple syrup but it might change the taste a bit, so just adjust accordingly.
• Q: Do I need to remove the cinnamon stick after cooking?
  A: It’s best to take it out once the sauce is done so you dont get any chunky bits in every bite.
• Q: Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
  A: Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients and adjust the cooking time if needed.

Best Ever Cranberry Sauce Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Granulated Sugar: You can substitute with honey or maple syrup. Just remember these are liquids so you might want to cut back a little on the orange juice.
• Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice: If you don’t have this on hand, try using pineapple juice or even apple cider for that tangy kick.
• Orange Zest: You could swap out one orange zest for a lemon zest if you’re short on oranges.
• Cinnamon Stick: No cinnamon stick? Use 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon instead.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure to stir the mixture a lot while heating so the sugar doesnt stick to the pan and burn. If it does, it can affect the flavor of your sauce.
2. When you add the cranberries, keep stirring every now and then, because if they stick or cook unevenly, parts of the sauce might turn out too tart.
3. Remove the cinnamon stick right away after the simmering stops. Leaving it in any longer might give your sauce a bitter kick that overpowers the other flavors.
4. Let the sauce cool completely before tossing it in the fridge. It thickens up as it cools, so a little extra waiting time can really boost its taste.