Homemade Cranberry Sauce

A traditional homemade cranberry sauce made from scratch with just 5 ingredients. Takes only 15 minutes (plus chill time for best results).

Cranberry sauce is a timeless side dish and a must-have for most holiday dinners (ours included!). This simple recipe combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of brown sugar and a hint of citrus from fresh orange juice.

The result is a delicious, homemade cranberry sauce that will complement your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast perfectly.

Ingredients for Cranberry Sauce

Here are the five ingredients you’ll need for this delicious sauce and our detailed recommendations to help you get the best results.

12 ounces cranberries – fresh cranberries, you can find packages in 8, 12, or 32 ounces typically. 12 ounces is about 4 cups.

1/2 cup of water – room temperature water.

1/2 cup of orange juice – we love freshly squeezed, but you can use orange juice in a bottle or jug. Two small oranges will give you 1/2 cup of juice.

1 cup of brown sugar – light or dark brown sugar.

A pinch of salt – kosher or regular table salt.

Substitutions: you can use all water instead of orange juice if needed. You can also swap the brown sugar for granulated sugar. But we like the added flavor from the brown sugar.

Supplies

• Colander
• Medium saucepan – we love our Caraway pans.
• Whisk and spoon
• Measuring cups
• Storage container
• Serving bowl and spoon

How to Make Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Follow these simple steps to make cranberry sauce from scratch.

Step 1 | Prepare Ingredients and supplies

Gather all your ingredients and supplies, including a medium-sized saucepan. Clean the cranberries by adding them to a colander and rinsing them.

Step 2 | Combine water, juice, brown sugar, and salt

In the saucepan, add the water, fresh orange juice, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until combined. The orange juice will infuse a delightful citrusy note into the sauce and help cut the bitterness of the cranberries.

Step 3 | Bring to a boil

Turn the heat on high and stir the mixture gently as it comes to a gentle boil. This creates the syrup that will help to sweeten the cranberries.

Step 4 | Add the cranberries

Once the mixture is boiling, carefully add the fresh cranberries. Stir them into the sweet syrup.

Step 5 | cook on medium-high heat

Reduce heat to medium-high and cook until most of the berries have burst, about 8 to 10 minutes. (You should see the sauce start to thicken as well.) Continue to stir occasionally as they cook.

Step 6 | Remove from heat and cool

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. The cranberry sauce will thicken as it cools.

Step 7 | Chill in the fridge

For the best results, transfer the sauce to a container and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours. If possible, chill overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.

Note: Cranberries are naturally tart, so this is an important step in reducing the sauce’s bitterness, giving the sugar time to balance it out. Read more on how to make cranberry sauce less bitter.

Step 8 | Serve and enjoy

Your homemade cranberry sauce is ready to grace your holiday table. Spoon it into a serving dish and enjoy it alongside your turkey, ham, or other holiday dishes. The perfect balance of sweet, tart, and citrusy notes will add delicious flavor to your meal.

More About This Recipe

• Sweet and flavorful: This recipe combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sweetness of brown sugar and a zesty citrus twist from fresh orange juice, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
• Quick and easy: With a short preparation and cooking time, this cranberry sauce is a hassle-free addition to your holiday meal, allowing you to focus on other dishes.
• Make-ahead: Chilling the sauce in the refrigerator, preferably overnight, not only enhances the flavors (and lessens the bitterness) but also offers the convenience of preparing it in advance, saving you time on the day of your feast.
• Versatile: This homemade cranberry sauce pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, ham, or other holiday dishes. Whether you prefer a chunky or smooth texture, you can tailor it to your liking (see recipe tips).

Additional Tips

• You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar to suit your taste.
• If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can cook the cranberries for a shorter time. For a smoother sauce, cook them a bit longer.
• Freshly grated orange zest can be sprinkled on top for a citrus aroma.
• If you enjoy a hint of warm spice in your cranberry sauce, consider adding a cinnamon stick or a teaspoon of ground cinnamon during the cooking process.

Print

Final Thoughts

Incorporate this homemade cranberry sauce into your holiday traditions, and savor the delightful flavors it brings to your festive table. It’s a simple yet satisfying addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas meals. Enjoy!

More Thanksgiving Recipes

• Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
• Cranberry Cinnamon Cornbread
• Bread Machine Buns
• Homemade Lefse
• Honey Garlic Butter Carrots

More Fall Recipes

• Cinnamon Roasted Almonds
• Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
• 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Bread
• Pumpkin Waffles

Pin for later

Homemade Cranberry Sauce (5 Simple Ingredients, 15 Minutes!)