Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Homemade cranberry sauce is a simple and delicious way to elevate your holiday meals. With just a few ingredients, you can create a vibrant, tangy sauce that perfectly complements turkey or any festive dish. This recipe yields a smooth, flavorful sauce that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 30 ounces (850 g) fresh cranberries
• 2 1/2 cups (500 g) granulated sugar
• 2 1/2 cups (590 ml) water

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the cranberries, sugar, and water in a large pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a low boil.
2. Step 2: Continue boiling and stirring until the sauce reduces by about one third, which takes approximately 40 to 50 minutes.
3. Step 3: Optional: Pass the sauce through a food mill to achieve a smooth texture. Discard any pulp.
4. Step 4: Pour the sauce into a lightly greased 3-cup capacity bundt pan or similar mold.
5. Step 5: Chill the sauce for at least 4 hours or overnight to set before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a zesty twist, add a strip of orange zest or a cinnamon stick while cooking, then remove before chilling.
• Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor, but frozen cranberries can be used if fresh are not available.
• If you prefer a chunkier sauce, skip the food mill step and stir the sauce occasionally while cooling for texture.

Storage

Store the cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat gently on the stove or serve chilled, depending on your preference. For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce for up to three months, thawing it in the refrigerator before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make cranberry sauce ahead of time?

Yes, cranberry sauce can be made several days in advance. Making it ahead allows the flavors to meld and develop even more depth.

How do I know when the cranberry sauce is done cooking?

The sauce is ready when it has reduced by about one third and thickened slightly. The cranberries will have burst and softened, releasing their juices.

Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 123 reviews

This homemade cranberry sauce recipe delivers a tangy and sweet complement perfect for holiday meals. Made by simmering fresh cranberries with sugar and water until reduced to a thick, flavorful sauce, it can be served chunky or smoothly processed through a food mill for a refined texture. Chilling the sauce helps it set, making it ideal for pairing with turkey, roasted meats, or as a vibrant addition to sandwiches and desserts.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 60 minutes (including chilling time)
• Yield: Approximately 3 cups 1x
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 30 ounces (850.49 g) fresh cranberries
• 2 1/2 cups (500 g) granulated sugar
• 2 1/2 cups (591.47 g) water

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: Place the fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, and water into a large pot.
2. Heat the Mixture: Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a low boil.
3. Simmer and Reduce: Continue boiling the sauce, stirring regularly, until it reduces by about one-third, which should take approximately 40 to 50 minutes. The sauce will thicken during this time.
4. Optional Smooth Texture: For a smooth cranberry sauce, pass the mixture through a food mill to remove the pulp. Discard the leftover solids and retain the liquid.
5. Set the Sauce: Pour the sauce or liquid into a lightly greased bundt pan with a 3-cup capacity.
6. Chill: Refrigerate the sauce for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow it to firm up and develop deeper flavors before serving.

Notes

• Using fresh cranberries provides the best natural tart flavor; however, frozen cranberries can be substituted if needed.
• The sugar amount can be adjusted based on preferred sweetness.
• Passing the sauce through a food mill is optional and results in a smoother sauce if desired.
• The sauce thickens more as it chills, so it is best made ahead of time.
• Store leftover sauce tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Keywords: cranberry sauce, holiday sauce, homemade cranberry sauce, stovetop cranberry sauce, Thanksgiving