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Easy Make-Ahead Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe for Perfect Holidays

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This easy make-ahead homemade cranberry sauce recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and fragrant flavors with a satisfying wobble and glossy texture, ideal for holiday meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Rinse 12 ounces (340 grams) of fresh cranberries under cold water and drain. Finely grate 1 teaspoon of orange zest and squeeze 1/2 cup (120 ml) of fresh orange juice. Measure out 1 cup (200 grams) of granulated sugar and 1 cup (240 ml) of water.
  2. Place the 1 cup water, sugar, and orange zest in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely, about 3-4 minutes, until a clear syrup forms.
  3. Add the rinsed cranberries to the syrup. Increase heat to medium-high to bring the mixture to a steady boil. Let the cranberries start to pop.
  4. Let the cranberries bubble and pop for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens but berries still hold some shape. For smoother sauce, gently mash a few berries with the back of a spoon.
  5. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1/2 cup (120 ml) fresh orange juice, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional), and a pinch of salt. Mix well.
  6. Transfer the cranberry sauce to a clean container. Let it cool to room temperature before sealing. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to set the sauce.
  7. Before serving, give the sauce a gentle stir. Garnish with fresh orange zest or whole cranberries if desired.

Notes

If sauce is too thick after refrigeration, stir in a splash of orange juice to loosen. If too runny, cook longer next time. Use fresh cranberries for best texture. Sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored refrigerated. For smoother texture, pulse cooled sauce in a food processor. Variations include adding ground cloves, star anise, bourbon, or adjusting sweetness.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry sauce, holiday sauce, make-ahead cranberry sauce, Thanksgiving, Christmas, easy cranberry sauce, homemade cranberry sauce

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/easy-make-ahead-homemade-cranberry-sauce-recipe-for-perfect-holidays/