Cranberry sauce is a must-have side dish during the holiday season, and this homemade version takes it to the next level. Perfectly tart and sweet, it complements roasted meats beautifully and can elevate your festive table. Plus, making it from scratch is easier than you might think!
Have you ever tried homemade cranberry sauce? The moment you taste the balance of tartness from the cranberries and the sweetness from sugar, you’ll never go back to store-bought. It brings a burst of flavor that can brighten up any meal, especially during Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Deliciously Tart Cranberry Sauce
This cranberry sauce is a delightful blend of fresh cranberries, sugar, and a hint of orange zest. It’s tangy, slightly sweet, and has a vibrant color that adds a festive touch to your holiday spread.
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries, rinsed and sorted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- Zest of 1 orange (optional)
- Juice of 1 orange (optional)
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Add Cranberries: Once boiling, add the cranberries and return to a boil. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the cranberries start to pop.
- Add Flavor: If using, stir in the orange zest and juice. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.
- Cool: Remove from heat and let it cool. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.
- Serve: Transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving dish and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories: 80kcal
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
