Description
This simple 3 Ingredient Fresh Cranberry Sauce recipe combines fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, and fresh orange juice to create a tangy, sweet, and vibrant sauce perfect for holiday meals or year-round dishes. Ready in under 15 minutes, it’s a quick and fresh alternative to canned cranberry sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
Instructions
- Prepare the cranberries: Place the cranberries in a strainer and rinse thoroughly under cold water. Pick through the berries carefully to remove any bad ones, and discard any stems or sticks to ensure a clean sauce base.
- Combine ingredients and cook: In a large saucepan, combine the rinsed cranberries, granulated sugar, and fresh orange juice. Place the pan over medium-high heat and stir occasionally. As the mixture heats, the cranberries will begin to pop and release their juices, bringing the sauce to a boil in about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Simmer to thicken: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Continue to stir occasionally as the cranberry sauce thickens and reduces, about 3 more minutes, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Cool and serve: Remove the pan from heat and let the sauce cool. Refrigerate until chilled or serve at room temperature, whichever you prefer. The sauce pairs beautifully with turkey, chicken, and other savory dishes.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and texture. Frozen can work but may require longer cooking.
- Adjust sugar to taste if you prefer a tarter or sweeter sauce.
- Fresh orange juice adds a bright citrus note; substitute with orange zest or juice concentrate if fresh is unavailable.
- This sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- For a smoother sauce, pulse in a blender after cooking, if desired.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: fresh cranberry sauce, easy cranberry sauce, 3 ingredient cranberry sauce, homemade cranberry sauce, holiday sauce, side dish, simple cranberry sauce
