Name: The Easiest Cranberry Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz fresh cranberries (about 3 cups); 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste); 1 cup water; Zest of 1 orange; 1 cinnamon stick (optional)

The Easiest Cranberry Sauce is a holiday hero, bursting with bright, tangy flavors that dance on your palate. Imagine the vibrant crimson hue glowing like a ruby in your serving dish, beckoning everyone to grab a spoon and dig in. Cranberry pecan brie bites This delightful concoction will elevate your Thanksgiving turkey or liven up your winter dinners, leaving you and your guests craving more.

Growing up, I remember the joy of watching my grandmother whip up her cranberry sauce while regaling us with tales from her childhood. The sweet and tart aroma wafting through the kitchen promised that the holidays were indeed upon us. Pumpkin cheesecake with caramel In fact, this recipe captures that essence perfectly—simple yet exquisite, making it ideal for gatherings or cozy nights in.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This easy cranberry sauce is quick to prepare and infuses meals with a burst of flavor
The balance of sweetness and tartness creates a delightful taste sensation
Its stunning deep red color makes it an eye-catching addition to any table
Versatile enough for both traditional and modern dishes alike, you’ll find endless ways to enjoy it

Every time I make this cranberry sauce, friends rave about its fresh taste and how it resembles something from their childhood holiday feasts.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Fresh Cranberries: Look for bright red berries; they’re the stars of this show, bursting with flavor.
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar balances out the tartness; feel free to adjust for your taste.
Water: Just plain water helps soften the cranberries as they cook down.
Zest of an Orange: Adds an aromatic citrus zing; choose organic if possible for better flavor.
Cinnamon Stick (optional): For those who love warm spices, this adds a lovely depth of flavor. Cinnamon swirl cheesecake.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. For more inspiration, check out this stuffed mini peppers recipe.

Let’s Make it together

Prepping for this recipe is a breeze! Let’s embark on our cranberry adventure together.

Gather Your Ingredients: Start by measuring out all your ingredients so you’re ready to rock and roll without any interruptions.

Rinse Those Berries: Place the fresh cranberries in a colander and rinse them under cool water. Discard any bad ones—no one likes uninvited guests at dinner!

Combine Ingredients in Pot: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the rinsed cranberries, sugar, water, orange zest, and cinnamon stick if using. Stir gently until everything is well mixed.

Cook Until Bubbly: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring occasionally. You’ll know it’s ready when the cranberries start popping like tiny fireworks—how festive!

Simmer Away!: Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes until it thickens slightly. Don’t forget to stir occasionally; you want every berry to shine!

Cool It Down: Once thickened, remove from heat and let it cool completely before transferring to a serving bowl. It will thicken even more as it cools—patience is key!

Now that you’ve crafted The Easiest Cranberry Sauce, serve it alongside your favorite dishes or even slather it on toast for breakfast! Enjoy every bite while sharing more stories about your culinary adventures! Maple roasted Brussels sprouts.

You Must Know

The Easiest Cranberry Sauce is a game-changer for holiday meals
With just three ingredients, you can create a sweet-tart masterpiece that’s perfect for turkey or toast
The aroma of simmering cranberries will have everyone gathering in the kitchen, eagerly waiting to taste

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by rinsing the cranberries and removing any blemished ones. Combine them with sugar and water in a pot, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer until the berries burst, which takes about 10-15 minutes.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or orange zest for extra flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some chopped apples or walnuts for texture and depth.

Storing & Reheating

Store your cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Reheat gently on the stove for five minutes if you prefer it warm.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and texture; frozen are also acceptable but may alter the consistency slightly
Don’t skip rinsing; it removes dirt and ensures freshness
Be mindful of sugar levels; adjust based on your sweetness preference!

Sharing this recipe always brings back fond memories of laughter-filled Thanksgivings at my grandparents’ house where the cranberry sauce was devoured faster than the turkey!

FAQ

Can I make The Easiest Cranberry Sauce ahead of time?

For more inspiration, check out this creamy garlic chicken recipe.

Yes, this sauce can be made several days before your meal and stored in the fridge.

What if I don’t have fresh cranberries?

Frozen cranberries work fine as a substitute, just thaw them before cooking.

How do I adjust the sweetness of The Easiest Cranberry Sauce?

You can easily tweak the sugar amount to suit your taste preferences when cooking.