Description
This Easy Classic Cranberry Sauce recipe is a simple and delicious way to prepare a traditional holiday condiment using fresh or frozen cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and water. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for complementing turkey or adding a tangy touch to desserts and breakfasts.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, orange juice, and water. Stir all the ingredients well to mix evenly.
- Bring to a boil: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, allowing the sugar to dissolve and the cranberries to heat up.
- Simmer the sauce: Once boiling, reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the cranberries will burst, releasing their juices, and the mixture will begin to thicken.
- Cool the sauce: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the cranberry sauce cool. As it cools, the sauce will continue to thicken to a perfect consistency.
- Serve and store: Serve the sauce chilled or at room temperature alongside your meal. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days, or freeze for up to 2 months for later use.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries interchangeably depending on availability.
- Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent burning at the bottom.
- Orange juice adds natural sweetness and a subtle citrus flavor that brightens the sauce.
- The sauce thickens as it cools, so don’t worry if it looks a bit runny while hot.
- Store leftovers properly to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
