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Close-up of homemade cranberry sauce in a bowl, showcasing vibrant red color and glossy texture.

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

A simple and flavorful homemade cranberry sauce perfect for holiday meals or as a sweet-tart condiment.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 80
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cranberries
  • 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries about 3 cups
  • 1 cup granulated sugar adjust to taste
  • 1 cup water or orange juice
  • zest of 1 orange orange zest optional, for brightness
  • 1 stick cinnamon stick optional, for a warm spice note
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg or allspice optional, for depth
  • pinch salt balances flavor

Method
 

  1. Rinse cranberries thoroughly and set aside.
  2. Combine sugar and water (or orange juice) in a saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves.
  3. Add cranberries to the boiling liquid, reduce heat, and simmer for 10–12 minutes until cranberries pop and sauce thickens.
  4. Stir in orange zest, cinnamon stick, nutmeg, and salt. Let simmer briefly.
  5. Remove from heat, cool to room temperature, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Notes

This cranberry sauce can be made ahead and stored for up to two weeks.