Homemade Cranberry Sauce (Better Than Store-Bought)
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
94 kcal
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Course
Condiments
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Cuisine
American
Homemade Cranberry Sauce (Better Than Store-Bought)
Description
Homemade Cranberry Sauce (Better Than Store-Bought) features a simple mixture of cranberries cooked with honey, orange juice, and water until the berries burst and the sauce thickens. This method preserves the cranberries' natural tang and creates a sauce that is both sweet and tart. Simmering allows flavors to meld and the sauce to develop a slightly thickened texture, ideal for spreading or spooning over roasted meats or side dishes. The addition of orange zest is optional but adds a subtle citrus aroma.
The preparation involves bringing the liquid ingredients to a boil before adding the cranberries, then lowering the heat to let the sauce simmer for several minutes while stirring occasionally. After cooking, the sauce is cooled and refrigerated to thicken further. This approach yields a fresh, homemade alternative to canned versions often found in stores.
The sauce can be made ahead of time, typically the night before serving, and reheated gently. Adjusting the level of honey or syrup allows customization of sweetness to preference. The recipe also suggests a reduced or omitted orange juice variation for those who prefer less citrus flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 cups (about a 12-ounce package) Cranberry fresh or frozen
- ½ cup honey or more as desired, or maple syrup
- ½ cup orange juice
- ½ cup water
- orange zest optional
Instructions
- Boil the orange juice mixture. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, add the water, orange juice, and honey and bring to a boil.
- Add the cranberries and give everything stir.
- Simmer the sauce. Bring the mixture back to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it simmer for 5 to 10 minutes while stirring occasionally. The cranberries will burst (that's what you want) and the sauce will start to thicken.
- Let it cool. Turn the heat off and let it cool for 15 minutes. Then transfer it to a container and place it in the fridge to chill and thicken up.
Notes
- Make this cranberry sauce a day ahead to allow flavors to develop; reheat gently before serving.
- Adjust sweetness by tasting before cooling, adding more honey or syrup if desired.
- For a milder orange flavor, reduce orange juice to 1/4 cup or omit it entirely.
- Leftover cranberry sauce can be repurposed in various recipes, extending its use beyond the holiday meal.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 94 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 94kcal | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 25g | 8% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 2mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 85mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 21g | 42% |
| Vitamin A | 61IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 15mg | 17% |
| Calcium | 7mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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