Once you learn how easy it is to make Homemade Cranberry Sauce, you'll never go back to the canned stuff.
This Thanksgiving staple only takes a few minutes to prepare and can be made ahead of time.
Tart and sweet, but not too sweet, this cranberry sauce is simple perfection!
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There are certain things that I just have to have on Thanksgiving.
Turkey, sure. That's all fine but I actually don't care much about the turkey as I do the Thanksgiving sides and Thanksgiving desserts.
Some of my favorites are Thanksgiving Stuffing and Green Bean Casserole.
And of course, cranberry sauce!
Don't forget to save some leftovers for your Leftover Turkey Sliders.
🥘Ingredients
Measurements and specifics can be found in the recipe card down below.
- Cranberries - fresh
- Orange juice
- Water
- Cinnamon
- Sugar - both white granulated and light brown
- Orange zest
🔪Cooking Instructions
Add all ingredients to a saucepan.
Bring just to a boil for one minute.
Simmer 10-15 minutes. You'll hear the cranberries popping during this time. That's normal.
That's it.
Just let it cool, store in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve it.
A quick note: the cranberry sauce will thicken the more it cooks but also as it cools.
If you don't have a zester, grab yourself one, they're pretty cheap.
The one I have been using for over 10 years is this one by OXO 
but for just a few dollars more you can get a microplane
style, which is what I want eventually when I lose the one I have.
A lot of recipes call for boiling your liquid first and then adding your cranberries. I don't bother, I throw everything in the pan and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring every now and then, and then let it sit to cool.
❓FAQ
Yes! I make my cranberry sauce 2 days in advance. It will keep in the refrigerator for about 5 days.
Printable Recipe Card
How To Make Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- ½ Cup orange juice
- ½ Cup water
- ½ Cup sugar granulated
- ½ Cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 Tablespoon orange zest optional but recommended
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil. Allow to boil at high for 1 minute, turn heat down to medium-low and continue to cook, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes. Allow to cool. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Nutrition
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Christine @ One TIPsy Chick says
I LOVE cranberry sauce! My mouth is watering!
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
I've always been really lazy and store bought my cranberry sauce. You definitely have inspired me to make my own instead now - looks delicious!
foodyschmoody says
Definitely give it a try Thalia. It is so easy and it really is so much better than that canned stuff!
Janette@culinaryginger says
Homemade cranberry sauce is the best and this looks so good.
Diane says
I have to honestly say I have never tried eating or making it. Yours sure looks tempting. 🙂
foodyschmoody says
I put off eating it for so long Diane. Once I made this one, I became I devout cranberry sauce eater,lol!
Healing Tomato says
I have found my Cranberry Sauce recipe for Thanksgiving Dinner! This is a simple, yet, very elegant cranberry sauce recipe.
foodyschmoody says
Great Rini, Yes, super simple is how I like things.
lizzy wermuth says
It's so easy to make your own cranberry sauce, there really is no excuse! I love that you use orange zest, yum!
linda spiker says
Homemade cranberry sauce is one of my favorite things to make! So quick and easy and there is no comparison to the stuff in the can!
The Food Hunter says
This is the only item I always let someone else make on Thanksgiving. not sure why but I've never made it.
foodyschmoody says
That is so funny, it's so easy, you've got to give it a try one of these days!
Kellie @ The Suburban Soapbox says
Is it weird that cranberry sauce is my favorite part of Thanksgiving? I love it homemade, your recipe looks fantastic!
Stephanie says
LOVE orange in my cranberry sauce. Looks wonderful!
Alyssa | EverydayMaven says
My Mom loves cranberry sauce and is always in charge of making it. Her recipe is really similar to yours - it's soooo good!
Lauren Kelly Nutrition says
Homemade cranberry sauce is always the best! This looks yummy!
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says
I love how Thanksgiving is all about the food too! This looks so yummy.
Kirsten/ComfortablyDomestic says
Your poor little guy! That's quite a week. Thanksgiving seems to get glossed over between Halloween and Christmas, but I am all about it! I put cinnamon in my cranberry sauce, too!
Isabelle @ Crumb says
Call me a weirdo, but I make cranberry sauce all the time... I mean, why should something so delicious be reserved for just two holidays a year? 🙂 Love the addition of orange juice and zest to give it a little extra brightness!
foodyschmoody says
not weird at all. I feel the same way about stuffing. I make stuffing year 'round because it's just too good not to!