Homemade cranberry sauce is one of the easiest—and most rewarding—holiday dishes you can make from scratch. With its vibrant red color, sweet-tart flavor, and warm seasonal aroma, this classic recipe adds the perfect festive touch to any Christmas dinner table. Whether you're serving turkey, ham, or a full spread of Christmas appetizers, this simple sauce brings brightness and balance to every bite. Even better, it takes less than 15 minutes and can be made well in advance, making your holiday prep a breeze.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Yield: About 2 cups
Ingredients
- 1 (12-ounce) bag fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar (reduce to ¾ cup for a less sweet sauce)
- 1 cup water or orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional but recommended)
- 1 small pinch of salt
- Optional add-ins:
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
Directions
- Rinse the cranberries: Place cranberries in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse well. Discard any very soft or shriveled berries.
- Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, stir together the cranberries, sugar, and water (or orange juice). If using, add a pinch of salt and a cinnamon stick.
- Cook the sauce: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10–12 minutes. The cranberries will burst and the mixture will begin to thicken.
- Add flavorings: Remove from heat. Stir in orange zest, vanilla, or other add-ins if desired.
- Cool and thicken: Let the sauce cool completely at room temperature. As it cools, it will continue to thicken into a rich, spoonable consistency.
- Serve or store: Transfer to a serving dish or airtight container. Refrigerate up to 10–14 days, or freeze up to 2 months.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook: Once most berries have burst, remove from heat—overcooking can make the sauce too thick or jam-like.
- For a smoother sauce: Blend with an immersion blender while still warm.
- Prefer it chunkier? Remove from heat a minute or two earlier.
- Make it festive: Replace the water with orange juice for a holiday-bright citrus flavor.
- Serving idea: Spoon it over turkey, ham, baked brie, or even cheesecake for a Christmas dessert twist.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated Values
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 3 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Dietary Fiber: 2 g
- Total Sugars: 27 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Vitamin C: 12% DV
- Iron: 1% DV
Conclusion
This Homemade Cranberry Sauce brings the perfect blend of bright, tangy, and sweet flavors to your Christmas celebrations. Ready in minutes and easy to customize, it’s a must-make holiday staple that tastes far better than anything from a can. Make it ahead, adjust the sweetness to your liking, and enjoy a festive, flavorful side that elevates every Christmas meal. If you're looking for a simple recipe that delivers a big holiday payoff, this cranberry sauce is it.
