Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Easy Cranberry Sauce is a delightful and simple dish that brings a burst of flavor to any meal, especially during festive gatherings. This homemade sauce enhances roasted meats and is a great addition to holiday feasts. Plus, making this recipe only takes a short time, ensuring you can focus on enjoying your celebrations.
Why Make This Recipe
This cranberry sauce is quick to prepare, healthful, and much better than store-bought options. By making it at home, you can adjust the sweetness to your taste. It’s perfect for the holidays but can also add flavor to everyday meals. Fresh or frozen cranberries, combined with simple ingredients, create a lovely sauce everyone will enjoy.
How to Make Easy Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar (or 3/4 cup honey or maple syrup, plus more to taste)
- 3/4 cup water (preferably filtered)
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
Directions:
- In a large saucepan, combine sugar (or maple syrup or honey) and water. Set over medium heat and stir to dissolve the sugar. Add cranberries and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 12-15 minutes.
- Add more maple syrup, honey, or sugar to taste if needed, then remove from heat and cool sauce to room temperature before serving.
How to Serve Easy Cranberry Sauce
Serve the cranberry sauce alongside turkey, chicken, or pork. It also pairs well with cheese platters or spreads on toast and bagels. The bright color and tart flavor can elevate any meal.
How to Store Easy Cranberry Sauce
Let the sauce cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cranberry sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to six months.
Tips to Make Easy Cranberry Sauce
- Stir the sauce occasionally while it simmers to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust the sweetness according to your taste by adding more sugar, honey, or maple syrup.
- For a twist, consider adding orange zest or chopped nuts for added flavor and texture.
Variation
You can add spices like cinnamon or cloves for a warm, holiday flavor. Another option is to mix in a splash of orange juice for a fruity twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Yes, frozen cranberries work well. There’s no need to thaw them beforehand.
2. How long does it take to make cranberry sauce?
It takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and cook the sauce.
3. Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make cranberry sauce a few days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Easy Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar (or 3/4 cup honey or maple syrup, plus more to taste) Adjust sweetness to taste.
- 3/4 cup water (preferably filtered)
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries Frozen cranberries do not need to be thawed.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large saucepan, combine sugar (or maple syrup or honey) and water. Set over medium heat and stir to dissolve the sugar.
- Add cranberries and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 12-15 minutes.
- Add more maple syrup, honey, or sugar to taste if needed, then remove from heat and cool sauce to room temperature before serving.