The BEST Cranberry Sauce Recipe
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
14
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Calories
70 kcal
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Course
Condiments
-
Cuisine
American
The BEST Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Description
This cranberry sauce features fresh or frozen cranberries cooked down with sugar and maple syrup, enhanced by the citrus flavor of fresh orange zest and juice. Whole cinnamon sticks and star anise infuse the sauce with a gentle spiced aroma during a slow simmer, which continues until most cranberries break down and the mixture thickens. Removing the spices before serving ensures smooth texture.
The sauce’s rich texture and sharp yet sweet profile complement many dishes, especially roasted meats or festive dinners. It refrigerates well and can be served chilled or gently reheated, retaining its thick consistency.
Practical advice includes storing the cooled sauce in airtight containers refrigerated for up to two weeks, with an option for proper canning to extend shelf life to six months unrefrigerated. Gently reheating preserves flavor and texture when serving later.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Cranberry fresh or frozen
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 orange zested and juiced
- 3 star anise whole
- 2 cinnamon stick
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir.
- Once mixture has come to a boil, turn heat down to medium-low and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes or until the cranberries have cooked down and the sauce has thickened. Stir frequently.
- Remove from heat and allow the cranberry sauce to cool. The sauce will thicken more as it cools.
- Remove cinnamon sticks and star anise. Serve.
Notes
- After cooling, store cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Properly canned cranberry sauce can be stored in a cool, dry place away from sunlight for up to six months.
- Reheat gently on the stove for about five minutes to serve warm without breaking down the sauce further.
- This recipe yields about 1¾ cups, with typical serving size around two tablespoons.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 14Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 70 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 70kcal | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 18g | 6% |
| Protein | 0.3g | 1% |
| Fat | 0.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.01g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.02g | 0% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.03g | 0% |
| Sodium | 84mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 55mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 15g | 30% |
| Vitamin A | 38IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 8mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 18mg | 2% |
| Iron | 0.2mg | 1% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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