Best Ever Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Discover a vibrant medley of naturally tart cranberries and refreshing citrus notes that transform simple ingredients into a delightful seasonal treat. Infused with warm cinnamon and a hint of salt, this Fresh Cranberry Sauce offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tang, elevating your holiday table with an unforgettable burst of flavor.

I discovered this Best Ever Cranberry Sauce recipe when I was looking for a quick, nutritious holiday side dish. I use 12 oz fresh cranberries, 1 cup granulated sugar, ½ cup water, ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice, zest of one orange, ½ tsp ground cinnamon, and just a pinch of salt.

This mix of whole ingredients not only brings a vibrant flavor pop to my meals but also loads you up with vitamin C and antioxidants from the cranberries and orange juice. It only takes about 15 minutes to whip up, which is ideal when you’re preparing a big holiday feast.

I find its taste reminiscent of the kind of cranberry sauce you might see in trusted recipes like those showcased on Natasha’s Kitchen or the well-loved Thanksgiving Food Sides. The infusion of cinnamon and fresh citrus zest gives it a natural, hearty punch that feels both simple and gourmet.

Enjoy the rich, tangy nutrition in every bite!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s super simple to throw together, even on a busy day, and makes me feel like I’m creating something homemade that tastes way better than store-bought stuff.
I like how the orange juice and zest mix with the cranberries, giving it a tangy-sweet flavor that really balances the tartness of the berries.
The cinnamon and pinch of salt add this extra kick that makes the sauce taste deep and more interesting, not just plain sweet like some sauces I’ve had before.
And honestly, there’s something fun about seeing the cranberries burst and turn into this gorgeous, chunky sauce that makes any holiday meal feel extra special.

Ingredients

• Fresh cranberries: loaded with antioxidants, fiber, and a tart, tangy flavor that boost its health benefits.
• Granulated sugar: supplies carbohydrates and sweetness, balancing out the tartness from the berries perfectly.
• Water: helps dissolve sugar and meld all flavors together smooth in the mixture.
• Orange juice: offers a burst of vitamin C plus a bright, citrus tang and aroma.
• Orange zest: intensifies citrus flavor adding a fragrant, slightly bitter, and delightfully unexpected kick overall.
• Ground cinnamon: infuses a warm spice that compliments the tangy and sweet mix naturally.
• A pinch of salt: enhances all the flavors making them pop without being over powering.

Ingredient Quantities

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup water
• ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• Zest of one orange
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• A pinch of salt

How to Make this

1. Rinse the cranberries and pick out any that look soft or damaged.

2. In a medium saucepan, combine ½ cup water, ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice, and 1 cup granulated sugar.

3. Stir in the zest of one orange, ½ tsp ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.

4. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat until it starts to bubble, stirring occasionally.

5. Once it boils, carefully add the 12 oz of fresh cranberries.

6. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes while stirring now and then so the cranberries burst.

7. Keep cooking until the sauce thickens a bit; it will keep thickening as it cools.

8. Remove from heat, let it cool down, and then serve with all your holiday meals. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. A colander to rinse those cranberries.
2. A medium saucepan for combining the liquids and cooking the cranberries.
3. Measuring cups for the water, orange juice, and sugar.
4. Measuring spoons to get the right amounts of cinnamon and salt.
5. A citrus juicer to squeeze the fresh orange juice.
6. A zester or grater for getting the zest off the orange.
7. A wooden spoon for stirring everything together.
8. A stove to heat up the sauce as needed.

FAQ

Best Ever Cranberry Sauce Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you don’t have enough granulated sugar, try using honey or maple syrup. Just know that it’s a bit sweeter and wetter, so you might want to cut down on the liquid.
• Out of fresh cranberries? Frozen ones work pretty well – just make sure they’re thawed and drained before tossing them in.
• If you can’t squeeze fresh orange juice, bottled orange juice is a decent substitute, though it might not pack the same punch.
• Don’t have an orange for the zest? Lemon zest can step in and still give you a nice citrus brightness.
• And if you’re all out of ground cinnamon, a pinch or two of ground allspice will do the trick, but start with less since it’s usually stronger.

Pro Tips

1. Try simmering the cranberries on a lower heat as soon as they’re added to the mixture because a gentle heat helps them burst evenly and prevents any burning of the sugar coating.

2. Let the sauce cool completely before serving since it will thicken on its own while cooling down and the flavors really come together once its not piping hot.

3. For an extra burst of flavor, grate a little more orange zest on top right before serving. Trust me, that extra citrus kick can make all the difference.

4. If you like your sauce a bit smoother, you can stir it vigorously or even use a blender after it cools a little bit to break up any whole cranberries without losing that homemade texture.