Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe (2024)

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Cranberry Sauce is so easy to make with just 3 ingredients. It is tangy, sweet and perfect for your holiday meal. Try it today for an easy side dish.

This is a must try and super easy. Cranberry sauce is one of those dishes that is a must for Thanksgiving or anytime you have turkey and stuffing. They just go hand in hand to me.

If you love this recipe, check out Easy Crockpot Cranberry Sauce Recipe, Fresh Cranberry Relish Recipe or Cranberry Jello Salad.

Why You Will Love this Recipe:

This cranberry sauce is a classic recipe that is full of flavor. We love to serve with our holiday dinner and great with leftover turkey sandwiches.

You will love the tartness from the cranberries and how easy this recipe is to make.

Ingredients:

• Fresh Cranberries:
• White Sugar
• Orange Juice
• Water

For the full list of ingredients and recipe, scroll to the bottom of the post to see recipe card.

Variation Ideas:

• If you do not like fresh orange juice: Substitute pomegranate juice instead. It will provide a similar taste to the recipe without using citrus.
• Add orange Zest: Add a little bit of orange zest from an orange peel before you cook it to bump up the citrus flavor.
• Maple Syrup: Cut the sugar in half and then add in pure maple syrup to a slightly different flavor. You can also substitute with honey instead of maple syrup.
• Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: We have made this recipe with fresh or frozen and it works great.
• Spices – Feel free to add in additional spices for added flavor. We have added in allspice, pinch of salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon.

Step by Step Instructions:

• Step 1 – First, add cranberries and the other ingredients in a sauce pan. Stir everything to combine it really well.

• Step 2 – Next, heat the saucepan over medium heat. Continue heating it until the cranberry mixture is simmering.

• Step 3 – Finally, let this continue to simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes stirring occasionally. You want most of the cranberries to have popped and the everything starts to thicken. Do not cook on high heat or to boil. If you are not careful, it could burn.
• Step 4 – last step is to take the pan off the heat and let it cool completely for 30 to 45 minutes. You want to allow it to come to room temperature.
• Step 5 – Then put in the fridge covered until you are ready to serve.

Recipe Tips:

• Keep the full sugar: I don’t recommend reducing the amount of sugar. The ½ cup sugar helps the sauce to thicken so you really need to use all of it.
• Cinnamon Stick: You may like the flavor of a cinnamon stick in your cranberry sauce. Stir with a cinnamon stick while the sauce is cooking.
• Cooking the Sauce – Be careful not to overcook this. It continues to thicken as it cools.

Serving ideas:

Cranberry sauce is traditionally served around Thanksgiving or Christmas.

• Roast TurkeyandCrockpot Stuffing pair perfectly with this easy homemade cranberry sauce recipe.
• Stuffing Muffins – We love making stuffing muffins. They are the perfect size for kids.
• Slow Cooker Whole Chicken – Even if you make this cranberry sauce with a whole chicken, it still is delicious.

How to Use Leftover Cranberry Sauce:

• Appetizer or snack idea: Get a block of cream cheese and pour cranberry sauce over it. If you like nuts, sprinkle a handful of walnuts or pecans on top. This is so good served with crackers. This turns out similar to a cranberry relish.
• Sandwiches- Try Turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce. We also like to make sliders for the kids.
• Yogurt: Yes, top your favorite yogurt with leftover sauce and some granola. It is a delicious combination.
• Breakfast: Top your pancakes and waffles with leftover cranberry sauce. It is a great substitution for maple syrup or combined with maple syrup.
• Top Oatmeal – Homemade cranberry sauce is also delicious stirred into a hot bowl of oatmeal.
• More Leftover Ideas – Top it on an English muffin or a toast. Skip the jelly and try leftover cranberry sauce instead. See Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions:

More Holiday Side Dish Recipes:

• Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole
• Cranberry Chutney Recipe
• Crockpot Corn Casserole Recipe

Try These Cranberry Recipes

• Easy Crockpot Cranberry Sauce Recipe
• Cranberry Chutney Recipe
• Fresh Cranberry Relish Recipe
• Cranberry Pineapple Jello Salad Recipe

If you make this Cranberry Sauce, make sure to leave us a comment. We love hearing from you.