This easy classic cranberry sauce brings the magic of the holidays to your table with a simple, fresh, and flavorful twist. Bursting with tart cranberries, mellowed by a touch of sweetness, and brightened with lemon zest, it’s the side dish that completes every festive plate.
Whether you’re prepping for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just craving a zesty fruit preserve to pair with toast or ham, this sauce comes together in under 25 minutes with minimal effort. You’ll never go back to store-bought again!
Full Recipe:
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16 oz (500g) bag frozen or fresh cranberries
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1 cup white sugar
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1/3 cup water
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1/8 tsp lemon zest
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Pinch of salt
Directions:
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Set a saucepan over medium-low heat and add the cranberries, reserving a heaped 1/2 cup for later.
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Add sugar, water, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine.
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Cook for 5 minutes or until the sugar has dissolved.
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Increase heat to medium-high and cook for another 10 minutes until most cranberries have burst and the sauce is syrupy.
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Reduce heat to low and stir in the reserved cranberries.
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Adjust sweetness if needed by adding more sugar.
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Let cool. Store in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. Best served at room temperature or slightly warm.
Prep Time: 3 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 23 minutes
Kcal: 125 kcal | Servings: 10
Introduction to Easy Classic Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is a traditional accompaniment that graces many festive tables, particularly during the holidays. This Easy Classic Cranberry Sauce offers a sweet yet tart flavor with the added brightness of lemon zest, making it the perfect pairing for dishes like roast turkey, glazed ham, or even sandwiches. What makes this sauce stand out is its simplicity and homemade charm – it’s quick to prepare, customizable, and far superior to anything you can find in a can.
For many, the thought of cranberry sauce might bring to mind store-bought options that are overly sweet and bland. However, once you experience homemade cranberry sauce, it’s easy to see why it’s a beloved recipe. With minimal ingredients and just a bit of stovetop time, you can create a vibrant sauce that is bursting with flavor and freshness.
Why Homemade Cranberry Sauce is the Best Choice
Cranberry sauce is a holiday staple, yet many people rely on pre-made versions found in supermarkets. While convenient, these store-bought options often lack the natural tartness and complex flavors that fresh cranberries bring. By making cranberry sauce at home, you have full control over the ingredients and can adjust the sweetness, consistency, and flavor to your preference.
Using fresh or frozen cranberries provides a more authentic and vibrant taste compared to canned versions. The addition of lemon zest introduces a fresh and slightly citrusy note that elevates the overall flavor. The process of cooking the cranberries allows them to release their natural pectin, which helps thicken the sauce without the need for added thickeners or artificial ingredients.
Perfect Pairings with Cranberry Sauce
While cranberry sauce is often associated with turkey, its versatility makes it a great addition to many dishes. The sweet and tart nature of the sauce complements a wide variety of meats, making it an excellent side dish for your holiday table. It’s also an ideal topping for roasted meats like pork or glazed ham, adding a bright contrast to the richness of the meat.
For those who love sandwiches, cranberry sauce can be a perfect spread. Try adding it to your leftover turkey sandwiches or pair it with chicken slices and a touch of mustard for a savory twist. It also pairs wonderfully with cheese – particularly soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese, which balance out the tartness of the cranberries.
But cranberry sauce isn’t just for savory dishes. It can be used in desserts as well. Try swirling it through muffins, like apple or pumpkin, or using it as a topping for cheesecake, pancakes, or French toast. It also works beautifully as a filling for layered cakes or pastries.
How to Customize Your Cranberry Sauce
One of the best aspects of homemade cranberry sauce is that it’s highly customizable. While the classic version calls for sugar, water, and lemon zest, you can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your taste. For example, if you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can increase the amount of sugar, or add a bit of honey or maple syrup for a different type of sweetness.
To add more complexity, you can experiment with spices. A dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves can lend warmth to the sauce, making it a great option for fall and winter months. You could even try infusing the sauce with a splash of orange juice or zest for an added citrusy twist.
If you want to add a savory touch, consider adding finely chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme, which can work well with the tanginess of the cranberries and complement roasted meats. A splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of chili flakes can also add a savory depth or heat, depending on your preference.
Tips for Making the Best Cranberry Sauce
To make sure your cranberry sauce turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips:
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Watch the Cooking Time: Cranberries cook down quickly, so it’s important to keep an eye on the sauce as it simmers. You want the cranberries to burst and release their juices but be careful not to overcook the sauce or it could become too thick.
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Adjust Consistency: If you find your cranberry sauce is too thick, you can add a little more water to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken up.
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Let it Cool: Cranberry sauce thickens as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems runny when it’s hot. Let it sit for a bit, and it will reach the perfect consistency.
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Make Ahead: Cranberry sauce is the perfect make-ahead recipe. You can prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together.
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Use Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: Both fresh and frozen cranberries work well for this recipe. If you’re using fresh cranberries, ensure they are properly cleaned and sorted before cooking. Frozen cranberries are convenient and just as delicious, especially if fresh cranberries are not in season.
Creative Uses for Cranberry Sauce Beyond the Holidays
While cranberry sauce is often enjoyed as a side dish during the holiday season, there are countless creative ways to use it year-round. Here are some fun ideas:
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Breakfasts: Spread it on toast, bagels, or English muffins for a sweet and tart spread. It also pairs wonderfully with yogurt or oatmeal.
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Salads: Use cranberry sauce as a dressing base for salads. Its sweet and tangy flavor complements greens like spinach, arugula, or mixed baby greens. Top the salad with nuts, cheese, and roasted veggies for a wholesome meal.
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Cocktails: Cranberry sauce can be used as a base for cocktails, especially in drinks like a cranberry mojito or a holiday-inspired spritzer. Simply dilute the sauce with a bit of soda water or mix it with your favorite alcohol.
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Charcuterie Boards: Add cranberry sauce to a charcuterie board for a burst of flavor that complements cheeses, crackers, nuts, and cured meats.
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Baked Goods: Use cranberry sauce as a filling for pies, tarts, or pastries. It also works well as a topping for cakes and cupcakes.
Conclusion
Easy Classic Cranberry Sauce is a must-have recipe that elevates any meal, especially during the holiday season. Its simple preparation and ability to be customized make it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re pairing it with savory dishes or using it in creative ways beyond the holidays, homemade cranberry sauce is a flavorful and refreshing choice that adds the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
By making cranberry sauce from scratch, you not only enjoy a fresh and vibrant sauce, but you also have the satisfaction of knowing you’ve created something that’s far superior to anything you could buy. Plus, it’s a great way to impress guests with your culinary skills – they’ll surely be asking for the recipe!
Enjoy this classic cranberry sauce with your next holiday feast or find new ways to incorporate it into your everyday meals. However you use it, you can’t go wrong with this bright, zesty, and flavorful addition to your cooking repertoire.