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Fresh Cranberry Sauce

Fresh cranberry sauce is a must for your Thanksgiving dinner. This recipe is easy to make in just 20 minutes with 3 ingredients: fresh cranberries, sugar, and water. Add some grated orange zest before serving for an extra boost of flavor.
Print Recipe
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 16 people
Calories 930.5 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Medium Saucepan
  • 1 Whisk or Heatproof Spoon
  • 1 Liquid Measuring Cup
  • 1 Dry Measuring Cups
  • 1 Serving Dish or Jars

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 12 ounce package fresh cranberries (such as Ocean Spray)

Instructions
 

  • Gather all ingredients. Oana Ennis/Allrecipes
  • Bring water to a boil in a saucepan; add sugar and cook until sugar is dissolved, about 5 minutes. Oana Ennis/Allrecipes
  • Stir cranberries into the saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, and simmer until cranberries have popped and sauce is chunky, about 10 minutes or longer for desired consistency. The longer you cook it, the less chunky it will be. Oana Ennis/Allrecipes Oana Ennis/Allrecipes
  • Pour sauce into a serving dish or jars and cover until ready to use; the pectin in the cranberries will make the cranberry sauce gel as it cools. Oana Ennis/Allrecipes
  • Mix cranberry sauce with a fork before serving.

Notes

For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of white and brown sugar, or even a touch of maple syrup. The “pop” of cranberries is key; ensure most have burst to release their pectin, which aids in gelling. To enhance complexity, add a cinnamon stick or a few whole cloves during the simmering phase, removing them before serving. A tablespoon of Grand Marnier or Cointreau stirred in at the end can elevate the flavor profile. For optimal texture, avoid over-reducing; the sauce will thicken significantly as it cools. If too thick, a splash of hot water or orange juice can adjust consistency. Always taste and adjust sweetness/tartness to your preference. A little fresh orange zest grated in just before serving brightens the entire dish.