Description
This homemade cranberry sauce is fresh, bright, and perfectly sweet-tart with a hint of citrus. It thickens beautifully as it chills, making it a classic holiday side.
Ingredients
⅔ cup sugar
⅓ cup light brown sugar, tightly packed
⅓ cup water
⅔ cup orange juice
12 oz cranberries, rinsed and picked through
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, brown sugar, water, and orange juice. Stir occasionally until the sugars dissolve and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the cranberries and return the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most or all of the berries have burst and the sauce has slightly reduced.
- Transfer the cranberry sauce to a bowl and let it cool at room temperature for at least 20 minutes.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the sauce to thicken and set.
Notes
Add orange zest for extra citrus flavor.
For a warm holiday taste, include a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla.
Reduce sugar slightly for a more tart sauce.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Serve chilled or let sit at room temperature before serving.
Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of water or orange juice if too thick.
Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months and thaw in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 159 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
