The Best Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe Ready in 15 Minutes Recipe
A quick and easy homemade cranberry sauce that is perfectly sweet and tangy. Ready in just 15 minutes, this classic sauce uses fresh or frozen cranberries simmered with sugar and water (or orange juice) to create a deliciously thickened accompaniment for your holiday meals or everyday dishes. Optional cinnamon or orange zest add a subtle depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: About 1.5 cups 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries (no need to thaw if frozen)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water (or orange juice for added flavor)
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon or orange zest for extra flavor
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water (or orange juice). Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Boil: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, ensuring all sugar is dissolved and the liquid is hot.
- Add Cranberries: Once boiling, add the cranberries to the saucepan. The mixture will quickly return to a boil as the cranberries begin cooking.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the cranberries simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You will hear the cranberries popping as they burst open.
- Thicken: Continue to cook until most cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened to your preferred consistency.
- Cool: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the sauce to cool before serving or refrigerating for later use.
Notes
- For a citrusy twist, substitute water with orange juice.
- Add ground cinnamon or fresh orange zest for extra depth of flavor.
- The sauce will thicken further as it cools, so adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- This sauce pairs perfectly with turkey, chicken, pork, or even as a spread on sandwiches.
Keywords: cranberry sauce, homemade cranberry sauce, holiday sauce, quick cranberry sauce, easy cranberry sauce recipe
