Cranberry sauce recipe is a quintessential part of holiday dinners, especially Thanksgiving. While the canned version has its charm, there’s something magical about making it from scratch. This easy recipe transforms fresh or frozen cranberries into a vibrant, tangy-sweet sauce that’s bursting with flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a show-stopping side dish that complements turkey, ham, or even a vegetarian roast. Once you’ve tasted the homemade version, you’ll never go back to store-bought now let’s prepare our Cranberry Sauce Recipe.
Cranberry sauce is a staple at holiday tables, providing a tangy-sweet complement to roasted meats, especially turkey. Mary Berry, the renowned British cook and television presenter, offers a delightful twist on this classic dish with her fresh cranberry sauce recipe. What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity and the use of raw ingredients, resulting in a vibrant and zesty sauce that requires no cooking. This method preserves the natural flavors and nutrients of the cranberries and orange, making it a fresh and healthy addition to your festive meals.
Ingredients
To make this easy cranberry sauce, you’ll need the following:
- 12 ounces (340g) of fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup (200g) of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) of orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) of water
- 1 teaspoon of orange zest (optional, for extra citrusy flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon (optional, for warmth and depth)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Cranberries
If using fresh cranberries, rinse them thoroughly under cold water and remove any stems or soft berries. If using frozen cranberries, there’s no need to thaw them first. - Combine Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, water, and a pinch of salt. If you’re adding orange zest and cinnamon, toss them in now for added flavor. - Cook the Sauce
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir occasionally to help dissolve the sugar. - Burst the Cranberries
As the cranberries cook, they’ll start to pop. This usually takes about 10 minutes. Stir the sauce occasionally to prevent sticking. - Adjust Consistency
Once the cranberries have burst and the mixture thickens, remove it from the heat. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. If you prefer a smoother sauce, use a hand blender to purée it or pass it through a sieve. - Cool and Serve
Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature before transferring it to a serving dish. You can serve it warm, at room temperature, or chilled, depending on your preference.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cranberries and freshly squeezed orange juice will yield the best flavor.
- Sweeten to Taste: If you like your cranberry sauce less sweet, reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup. For a sweeter version, add an extra 1-2 tablespoons of sugar.
- Make It Ahead: Cranberry sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance. The flavors improve as it sits, making it a perfect make-ahead dish.
- Add Texture: For a fun twist, stir in chopped walnuts or pecans after the sauce has cooled.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Variations
- Apple-Cranberry Sauce: Add one peeled, diced apple to the saucepan along with the cranberries. The apple adds a natural sweetness and pairs beautifully with the tart cranberries.
- Spiced Cranberry Sauce: Incorporate warm spices like cloves, nutmeg, and ginger for a festive twist.
- Maple Sweetened: Replace the sugar with pure maple syrup for a richer, more complex sweetness.
- Cranberry-Cherry Sauce: Substitute half the cranberries with dried or fresh cherries for a unique flavor blend.
- Boozy Cranberry Sauce: Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of Grand Marnier, bourbon, or red wine after cooking for an adult-friendly version.
Nutrition Details
(Per Serving; serves 6)
- Calories: 110
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 20mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 0g
- Vitamin C: 15% of the daily value
FAQ
What is cranberry sauce made of?
Cranberry sauce is a simple and delicious condiment typically made with just a few ingredients. Its main purpose is to balance the flavors of savory dishes, especially during holiday meals like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Why is cranberry sauce so sweet?
Cranberry sauce is sweet because cranberries are naturally very tart and even slightly bitter. The sweetness is added to balance these bold flavors and make the sauce palatable and enjoyable as a side dish.
What takes the bitterness out of cranberry sauce?
Cranberries are naturally tart, and their bitterness can sometimes overpower the desired flavor of cranberry sauce. Here are several tips and techniques to reduce or balance the bitterness
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! This recipe doubles (or even triples) easily to serve a larger crowd. Use a bigger pot to accommodate the increased volume.