Description
Sweet, tangy and tart — the perfect side to complement richer, more fatty dishes in your holiday menu. But this cranberry sauce isn’t just for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It’s perfect year-round as a side dish and as an ingredient in other recipes. Be sure to read this whole post for all the great tips and ideas.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 24 oz. cranberries, fresh or frozen (two 12 oz. bags)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large orange, zest and juice
- water to bring juice level to 1 1/2 cups
- optional, pinch of salt
Instructions
- Juice and zest the orange. Add water to the juice to bring the level to 1 1/2 cups.
- Combine all the ingredients in a medium saucepan. (I use a literal pinch of salt — the actual amount I can pinch between my thumb and forefinger. It’s much less than even 1/8th teaspoon. You don’t need to use the salt. It does enhance the flavor and makes the berries even “more berry” and fresh tasting. You won’t taste any salt, just a little deeper flavor. It’s a matter of preference.)
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to a point where you maintain a low bubbling.
- The cranberry skins will begin bursting, and you’ll actually hear the popping. That’s normal. Keep the mixture bubbling for around 10 minutes so the sugar is completely dissolved, the cranberries are softened and the syrup that is forming starts to thicken slightly. It will still be more the consistency of syrup while it’s hot, but will thicken as the cranberry sauce cools. There will be completely broken down berries and some that look more whole.
- Remove from the heat. Allow to cool completely. Use in your favorite recipes or chill for at least of 2 hours and serve as a scrumptious side dish.
- Homemade cranberry sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
Notes
Will keep in the fridge up to one week if stored in an airtight container.
Can be frozen for up to three months in an airtight container.
See recipe post for tips, serving suggestions and possible recipe variations.
- Prep Time: 2 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: American