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Homemade cranberry sauce with orange zest, rosemary sprig, and whole cranberries in a grey bowl on a cloth napkin.

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

This easy homemade cranberry sauce is the perfect sweet-tart complement to your holiday meal. Ready in just 15 minutes with only a few simple ingredients!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 110

Ingredients
  

Cranberry Sauce
  • 12 oz fresh cranberries rinsed
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup orange juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tsp orange zest optional for extra flavor

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Wooden Spoon

Method
 

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine orange juice and sugar. Stir over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved.
  2. Add cranberries and bring the mixture to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the cranberries have burst and the sauce thickens.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in orange zest if desired. Let cool to room temperature; the sauce will thicken as it cools.
  5. Serve chilled or at room temperature with your favorite holiday meal.

Notes

This sauce can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. For a spiced version, add a cinnamon stick or a pinch of ground cloves while simmering.