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Easy Thanksgiving Cranberry Sauce

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This easy cranberry sauce is a classic holiday side made with just five ingredients. It’s quick, customizable, and delivers the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and citrusy flavors for Thanksgiving or any festive meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (about 3 cups) fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • Zest from 1 medium orange (about 1 tablespoon, optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Measure out cranberries, sugar, and water. Rinse cranberries well and discard any mushy or shriveled berries. Zest your orange if using.
  2. Add cranberries, sugar, and water to a medium saucepan. Stir gently to mix. If using orange zest and cinnamon, add them now. Set the pan over medium heat.
  3. Bring the mixture to a simmer. As it heats, the sugar will dissolve and the cranberries will start to pop (about 5 minutes).
  4. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and most cranberries have burst. Add a splash of water if too dry, or simmer longer if too runny.
  5. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed by adding 1-2 tablespoons more sugar. For chunkier sauce, gently mash some berries with a potato masher.
  6. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. Sauce will thicken as it cools. Transfer to a serving bowl or airtight container. Chill for at least 1 hour for best flavor.
  7. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 7 days. Stir before serving; add a splash of water and reheat gently if needed.

Notes

For a refined sugar-free version, substitute honey or maple syrup and reduce the liquid slightly. You can swap water for orange juice for extra citrus flavor, add chopped apples or pears for texture, or blend for a smooth sauce. Make ahead for deeper flavor and easier holiday prep. Sauce thickens as it cools; adjust consistency with water if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry sauce, Thanksgiving, holiday side, easy cranberry sauce, homemade, vegan, gluten-free, citrus, orange zest, Christmas

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/easy-thanksgiving-cranberry-sauce-recipe-5-ingredients-for-perfect-holiday-sides/