Description
This cranberry sauce recipe is sweet, tangy, and full of holiday flavor. Whether you make it stovetop or slow-cooked, it’s the perfect side dish that doubles as a delicious topping for both savory and sweet recipes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup water or orange juice
- 1 strip orange peel or zest
- Optional: 1 cinnamon stick
- Optional: 1 apple, diced
- Optional: 1/2 tsp ground ginger or nutmeg
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and water (or juice).
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most berries have burst and sauce has thickened.
- For extra flavor, stir in orange peel, diced apple, or spices like cinnamon and ginger.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely. The sauce will thicken more as it cools.
- For slow cooker version, cook all ingredients on low for 3–4 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Transfer to jars or airtight containers once cooled.
- Refrigerate up to 10 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
Start with less sugar and adjust to taste after cooking. For added depth, use apple cider or pomegranate juice instead of water. Always allow sauce to cool before judging final thickness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop or Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg