Description
This Best Ever Cranberry Sauce is sweet, tart, and bursting with orange and cinnamon flavor. It’s the perfect homemade touch to your Thanksgiving or Christmas table — simple to make and infinitely better than the canned version!
Ingredients
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup orange juice
- ½ cup water
- 12 oz fresh cranberries, rinsed and picked through
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 piece of orange peel (use a potato peeler or paring knife)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, orange juice, and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Add Cranberries and Flavorings: Add the cranberries, salt, cinnamon stick, and orange peel. Stir to combine.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the cranberries have burst and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from heat and discard the cinnamon stick and orange peel. Let cool completely — the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Serve: Serve chilled or at room temperature alongside turkey or holiday mains.
Notes
- For extra flavor, stir in 1 tablespoon of Grand Marnier or orange liqueur after removing from heat.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- Can be made up to 3 days ahead — the flavor gets even better as it sits!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American