If you’re on the hunt for a simple yet wonderfully flavorful condiment to elevate your holiday spread, this Easy Classic Cranberry Sauce Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine the perfect balance of tart, sweet, and a subtle hint of zest coming together in a silky, jewel-toned sauce that complements everything from roast turkey to leftover sandwiches. With just a few everyday ingredients, this recipe brings that fresh cranberry kick to your table in under half an hour, making it a prized favorite I always return to year after year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy Classic Cranberry Sauce Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays its role perfectly to create that rich flavor, bright color, and appealing texture that make cranberry sauce so irresistible.
- 16 oz / 500g bag frozen cranberries: These provide the essential tart burst and vibrant red color; fresh can be used too if you have them.
- 1 cup white sugar: Balances out the natural tartness with a smooth sweetness that shines through.
- 1/3 cup water: Helps cook the cranberries down into that luscious sauce consistency.
- 1/8 tsp lemon zest: Adds a bright citrus aroma and subtle zing that lifts the whole sauce.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors, making every note pop with just a little extra depth.
How to Make Easy Classic Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cranberries
Start by tipping the cranberries into a saucepan set over medium-low heat. This gentle heat wakes up their natural flavors without overwhelming them. Don’t forget to scoop out a heaped ½ cup of cranberries before cooking; these will add a wonderful texture later on.
Step 2: Combine Sweetness and Aromatics
Add the sugar, water, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt to the saucepan with the cranberries. Stir gently and let this mixture cook for about 5 minutes, just until the sugar dissolves completely. This is where the first hints of sweet and tart start mingling beautifully.
Step 3: Let the Cranberries Burst
Turn up the heat to medium-high and cook for 10 minutes. Watch as most of the cranberries burst and release their juices, thickening the liquid into a gorgeous, syrupy glaze. This bubbling activity transforms the sauce into that iconic texture everyone loves.
Step 4: Add Reserved Cranberries and Adjust
Reduce the heat back to low and stir in the reserved cranberries you set aside earlier. They add a delightful burst of chewiness and texture. Taste the sauce and adjust sweetness if needed by adding a bit more sugar, plus a tiny pinch more salt if you want to deepen the flavor. It’s all about personal preference here.
Step 5: Cool and Store
Remove from heat and allow your cranberry sauce to cool. It will thicken even more as it cools down. Transfer the sauce into a container and refrigerate it for up to 3 weeks. This dish tastes best served at room temperature or warmed gently to bring out its rich aroma.
How to Serve Easy Classic Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle a few fresh thyme leaves or orange zest over the cranberry sauce before serving. These simple garnishes add a fragrant note and pop of color that look as wonderful as they taste.
Side Dishes
Nothing pairs quite like this Easy Classic Cranberry Sauce Recipe with a juicy roast turkey or a slow cooker turkey breast. It’s also fantastic alongside roasted root vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or even as a zesty topping on a savory cheese board.
Creative Ways to Present
Try spooning the sauce into small ramekins or decorative bowls for individual servings at your dinner table. You can also swirl a dollop into Greek yogurt for a festive breakfast or layer it between brie and crackers for an irresistibly simple appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This cranberry sauce keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three weeks. Because it thickens as it chills, you might find it even better the next day as the flavors have fully melded.
Freezing
If you want to keep some for longer, the sauce freezes well in an airtight container for up to two months. Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving and give it a good stir.
Reheating
To enjoy the sauce warm, gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until it is just heated through. Avoid boiling it again to preserve the fresh cranberry flavor and pleasant texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh cranberries work just as well in this Easy Classic Cranberry Sauce Recipe. Just use the same amount, and keep in mind that cooking time may vary slightly depending on their freshness.
Is it necessary to add lemon zest?
While the lemon zest is a small ingredient, it adds a subtle brightness that elevates the sauce. If you don’t have lemon zest, a tiny splash of lemon juice can work as an alternative.
How sweet should cranberry sauce be?
Sweetness is a personal preference in cranberry sauce. This recipe strikes a balance but feel free to add more sugar during cooking or after tasting, to suit your taste buds perfectly.
Can I make this sauce vegan?
Yes, this Easy Classic Cranberry Sauce Recipe is naturally vegan since it uses only plant-based ingredients. It’s perfect for a vegan holiday feast or everyday meals alike.
What can I do if my sauce is too thick?
If your sauce ends up thicker than you like, simply stir in a tablespoon or two of water while reheating to loosen the texture without diluting the flavor.
Final Thoughts
Making this Easy Classic Cranberry Sauce Recipe will quickly become one of your favorite holiday traditions because it’s so straightforward and delicious. It adds that perfect pop of color, flavor, and holiday spirit to your table, and the fact that it’s ready in just 20 minutes is a real win. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how this simple sauce transforms your meals with its sweet-tart charm.
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Easy Classic Cranberry Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 10 to 12 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A simple and classic cranberry sauce recipe, perfect for holiday meals and special occasions. Made with fresh or frozen cranberries, sugar, water, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt, this sauce offers a sweet-tart flavor and a syrupy texture that complements roasted turkey and other festive dishes.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 16 oz / 500g bag frozen cranberries (or fresh)
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/8 tsp lemon zest
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare cranberries: Tip the cranberries into a saucepan set over medium low heat. Remove a heaped 1/2 cup of cranberries and set aside for later use.
- Dissolve sugar: Add the white sugar, water, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt to the saucepan with the remaining cranberries. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Cook cranberries: Increase the heat to medium high and cook the mixture for about 10 minutes or until most of the cranberries have burst and the liquid has thickened into a syrupy consistency.
- Add reserved cranberries: Reduce the heat to low and gently stir in the reserved cranberries. Taste and adjust sweetness with more sugar if desired, and add an extra pinch of salt as needed.
- Cool and store: Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. Serve at room temperature or warmed alongside roasted turkey or other festive mains.
Notes
- You can use either fresh or frozen cranberries for this recipe.
- The sauce thickens as it cools, so a slightly thinner consistency while hot is normal.
- Adjust sugar to taste depending on your preferred sweetness level.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
- Great accompaniment to roast turkey, slow cooker turkey breast, or roasted chicken.
