Print

Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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