The Best Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe Ready in 15 Minutes Recipe
Introduction
This homemade cranberry sauce is a quick and delicious addition to any meal, ready in just 15 minutes. With simple ingredients and a hint of citrus or spice, it brings a fresh, tangy twist to your holiday table or everyday dishes.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries (no need to thaw if frozen)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water or orange juice (for added flavor)
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water or orange juice. Stir until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Step 2: Bring the sugar liquid mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Step 3: Once boiling, add the cranberries to the saucepan. The mixture will quickly return to a boil.
- Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally and listen for the cranberries to pop open.
- Step 5: Continue cooking until most of the cranberries have burst and the sauce thickens to your preferred consistency, stirring as needed.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and let the cranberry sauce cool before serving or refrigerating.
Tips & Variations
- For extra warmth, add ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg while simmering.
- Use orange juice instead of water for a citrusy flavor boost.
- Add 1/4 teaspoon of orange zest at the end of cooking for a bright, fresh aroma.
- For a chunkier sauce, simmer less time; for smoother, cook a bit longer.
Storage
Store cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat gently on the stove or serve cold as a condiment. This sauce also freezes well for up to three months—thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this cranberry sauce ahead of time?
Yes, cranberry sauce can be made several days in advance. Store it chilled and bring it to room temperature or warm it slightly before serving.
What if I don’t have fresh cranberries?
Frozen cranberries work perfectly and do not need to be thawed before cooking. Just add them directly to the saucepan when instructed.
PrintThe Best Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe Ready in 15 Minutes Recipe
This homemade cranberry sauce recipe is a quick and easy way to make a fresh, flavorful sauce ready in just 15 minutes. It combines fresh or frozen cranberries with sugar and water or orange juice, gently cooked to create a pleasantly tart and sweet accompaniment perfect for holiday meals or everyday dishes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup (about 1 serving) 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries (no need to thaw if frozen)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water or orange juice (for added flavor)
Optional Ingredients
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water or orange juice. Stir continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved, creating a sweet liquid base for the sauce.
- Boil: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the sugar liquid mixture to a rolling boil to intensify the flavors.
- Add Cranberries: Carefully add the fresh or frozen cranberries to the boiling mixture. The temperature will drop slightly but the mixture will return to a boil quickly once the berries are incorporated.
- Simmer: Lower the heat to medium-low and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally as the cranberries begin to pop open, releasing their natural juices and thickening the sauce.
- Thicken: Continue cooking until most of the cranberries burst and the sauce reaches your preferred consistency. Stir gently to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Cool: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the cranberry sauce cool to room temperature. It can be served immediately or refrigerated for later use, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken further.
Notes
- Using orange juice instead of water adds a citrus layer of flavor to complement the tart cranberries.
- Optional cinnamon and orange zest provide aromatic warmth and enhanced citrus notes, perfect for holiday variations.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can mash the cranberries slightly after cooking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- This sauce pairs wonderfully with turkey, chicken, pork, or as a topping for desserts and breakfast dishes.
Keywords: cranberry sauce, homemade cranberry sauce, cranberry side dish, holiday sauce, quick cranberry sauce, fresh cranberry sauce
