Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Cranberry sauce is a classic, tangy accompaniment perfect for holiday meals or anytime you want a burst of fruity flavor. This easy recipe uses fresh or frozen cranberries and comes together quickly on the stove.
Ingredients
- 1 package (12 ounces) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup cranberry-raspberry juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the cranberries, sugar, and cranberry-raspberry juice in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
- Step 2: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the cranberries pop, about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Step 3: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the lemon juice. Transfer the sauce to a bowl and let it cool slightly before refrigerating, covered, until cold.
Tips & Variations
- For added depth, try stirring in a cinnamon stick or a pinch of freshly grated ginger during cooking and remove before serving.
- Use orange juice instead of cranberry-raspberry juice for a different citrus note.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, mash the cranberries slightly with the back of a spoon before cooling.
Storage
Store cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove if you prefer it warm, or serve chilled.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh and frozen cranberries interchangeably?
Yes, both fresh and frozen cranberries work well. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw them before cooking.
How can I make the sauce less sweet?
You can reduce the sugar slightly or add more lemon juice to balance the sweetness with tartness.
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Cranberry Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 2 cups of cranberry sauce 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic homemade cranberry sauce made by simmering fresh or frozen cranberries with sugar and cranberry-raspberry juice, then finished with a splash of lemon juice for a bright, tangy flavor. Perfect for holiday dinners or as a tasty condiment.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries (1 package)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup cranberry-raspberry juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place the cranberries, sugar, and cranberry-raspberry juice in a large saucepan. Stir the mixture well to combine.
- Boil and Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst.
- Add Lemon Juice: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the tablespoon of lemon juice to add brightness and a slight tang.
- Cool and Refrigerate: Transfer the cranberry sauce to a bowl and allow it to cool slightly at room temperature. Once cooled, cover and refrigerate the sauce until fully chilled before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries depending on availability; frozen cranberries do not need to be thawed before cooking.
- Adjust sugar quantity if you prefer a less sweet sauce.
- This sauce can be made a few days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- For a smoother texture, pulse the sauce briefly in a blender after cooking if desired.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cranberry sauce, holiday side dish, homemade cranberry sauce, Thanksgiving sauce, stovetop cranberry sauce
