Easy Cranberry Sauce made with just four ingredients and in just 10 minutes! You’ll never buy the canned variety again!
Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching and we’re so excited for all things Turkey and trimmings including Green Bean Casserole, Baked Mac and Cheese and Easy Roasted Turkey Thighs.
In the next couple of weeks I’m going to compile the ultimate guide to Thanksgiving here on the site, so you’ll have every recipe you need at your fingertips including Easy Mashed Potatoes and Easy Apple Sausage Stuffing. Until then lets discuss all the things we can about cranberry sauce.
Why do we eat Cranberry Sauce on Thanksgiving?
Can you imagine a Thanksgiving meal without cranberry sauce? This tart side dish has been accompanying turkey on the holiday table for years right along side Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes and Green Bean Casserole making it a must have Thanksgiving Recipe.
The tart flavors of the cranberry sauce add variety to the heavier and more savory flavors of the gravy, mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes. This helps to keep your palate awake.
Though it’s not known whether the Pilgrims and Native Americans actually ate cranberries at the first Thanksgiving, if they did it was probably a dish called pemmican which is made up of crushed cranberries and dried meat. Throughout the years, cranberry sauce has transformed into the jam-like relish we know today.
Homemade vs Canned Sauce/Jelly
Everyone has seen the canned jellied version of cranberry sauce in the grocery store (it’s everywhere, right?). It’s a no fuss, easy way to get it on your table but trust me when I say that spending just a small amount of time to make it homemade is completely worth it.
The flavor from fresh cranberry cannot even be compared to the can and you’ll impress your guests with something they’ll actually want to add to their plate. The texture alone is more palatable but the flavors of a fresh cranberry versus the muted flavors of the canned variety give your guests more flavor in less volume too.
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How to cook cranberry sauce:
Melt the sugar into the orange juice before adding the cranberries. Then you only want to cook long enough for the cranberries to pop because it’s going to thicken as it cools.
Most sauce recipes include orange juice and I prefer to squeeze my juice fresh. It’s such a small step that really allows the flavor to come through.
Can I make cranberry sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! This Gluten-Free side dish is perfect to make-ahead and not have to worry about when you’re trying to juggle all of the other holiday cooking. Once made, allow it to cool and store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to a week. When ready to serve, you can choose whether to serve it cold, at room temperature or warm it up.
I even sometimes just triple or quadruple the recipe during thanksgiving and freeze the extra in ice cube trays so I can enjoy it all year round without having to source fresh cranberries in the off peak season.
Can you Freeze Homemade Cranberry Sauce?
Yes, cranberry sauce freezes very well. If stored properly in a freezer safe container, it will last up to a couple of months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
How much Cranberry Sauce should I make?
One of the stressors of hosting Thanksgiving or bringing a dish is making sure you have enough for everyone. If you’re like me, having enough for leftovers is almost just as important (Hello, Turkey Moist Maker Sandwich). I like to err on the side of caution and prepare 2 cups of cranberry sauce for every 4 guests attending.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces cranberries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup orange juice
Instructions
- Add the orange juice, sugar and brown sugar to the pot and bring to a boil, stirring well.
- Add in the cranberries and cook for 10-12 minutes until the start popping and barely start to thicken before removing from heat and letting cool completely.
Nutrition
What size bowl do you put this in?
I used a medium sized serving bowl.
Can this be made ahead and canned in jars?
I’m not very knowledgable when it comes to canning, so I’m not comfortable giving a recommendation.
Cranberry sauce is one of my absolute favorites on Thanksgiving! I think I need to try your recipe this year!
My husband loves this EASY cranberry sauce! I make it all the time, not just for Thanksgiving.
Quick and easy is just what the doctor ordered on Thanksgiving day when you have so much going on. This is a great recipe.
Cranberry Sauce is my FAVORITE. This looks so delicious & easy! I can’t wait to try your recipe!
Can this recipe be canned? Would you use a water bath or pressure method? Thanks!
I’ve never canned before so I really don’t have any advice, sorry. If you decide to try, I’d love to know what worked for you.
This recipe is great. Very easy to make. Since I cook very intricate dishes, this was a snap. Never buy ready made. As easy as it was to prepare, it even tastes better than more complex recipes. Everyone loved it and I looked like a genius.
Another winner from Dinner Then Dessert. Looking forward to your holiday recipes.
Thank you so much, Maia! I really appreicate you taking the time to come back and let me know how much you enjoyed it!
It just isn’t a true holiday meal without cranberry sauce! I love how easy this is to make!
Very true!!
Can’t have Thanksgiving dinner without Cranberry Sauce! Thanks!
So true! It’s a must have!!
It always amazes me when people buy cranberry sauce because it’s so easy to make it fresh at home!
It really makes such a big difference with minimal effort.
I’m making Thanksgiving dinner this year and I NEEDED this recipe so it’s perfect! Thank you!
You’re welcome, Jessica! Enjoy!!
Homemade Cranberry Sauce is the best! It’s the only way we eat it!! Such an easy recipe.
So happy you enjoy! I’m the only one in my family that likes fresh. Everyone else only eats the canned!!!??
More for me…
Definitely!