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Glossy homemade cranberry sauce with whole berries, orange zest, and cinnamon sticks in a white bowl on a rustic table.

Cranberry Sauce, Reimagined: Essential Recipes and Inspired Variations

Bright, tangy, and ready in minutes, this cranberry sauce delivers the perfect sweet-tart balance with citrusy aroma and warm spice. Start with a foolproof base, then riff with creative add-ins like ginger, vanilla, or herbs.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2.5 cups (8–10 servings)

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries, rinsed
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 3/4–1 cup sugar (start with 3/4 cup; adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp finely grated orange zest
  • Pinch of salt

Optional variations (pick 1–2):

  • 1 cinnamon stick (remove after simmer) or 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1–2 tsp freshly grated ginger
  • 1 small tart apple, peeled and diced
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (stir in off heat)
  • 1–2 tsp Dijon mustard (savory twist)
  • 1–2 tbsp Grand Marnier, port, or bourbon (off heat)

Instructions

  • Combine water, orange juice, and sugar in a medium saucepan; bring to a simmer, stirring to dissolve.
  • Add cranberries, orange zest, and salt. Return to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  • Cook 8–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most berries burst and sauce thickens and turns glossy.
  • Remove from heat. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity. Stir in vanilla/spirits (if using). Cool; it will thicken as it sets.
  • Chill at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

  • Texture: For chunkier sauce, stop when ~2/3 of berries have burst. For smoother, mash gently or briefly blend.
  • Sweetness: If too tart, dissolve 1–2 tbsp sugar in a little hot water and stir in; or use honey/maple.
  • Make-ahead: Keeps 7–10 days refrigerated; freezes up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge, whisk, and re-simmer if needed.
  • Diet swaps: Use 1/2–2/3 cup allulose or a monk fruit blend for sugar-free; honey/maple for paleo-friendly.
  • Serving ideas: Turkey, chicken, ham, cheese boards, sandwiches, yogurt/oatmeal, glazes, vinaigrettes.
  • Author: Soukaina
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Condiment, Sauce
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://spreadrecipes.com/cranberry-sauce/