Making your own cranberry sauce is one of the easiest ways to brighten your holiday table, and it tastes so much better than anything from a can. You can create a simple, fresh sauce with just a few ingredients, and it’s a total game-changer for any meal.
I want to show you two fantastic, easy cranberry sauce recipes today. Whether you like a classic taste or something with a fruity twist, I have a recipe you will enjoy making for your next family gathering or a cozy dinner at home.
Jump to Recipe:
Sweet and Tart Orange Cranberry Sauce
This classic orange cranberry sauce recipe brings a lovely balance of sweet and tart to your plate. It’s simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser, perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Cranberry Sauce
- Fresh Cranberries: Using fresh cranberries gives the best texture and bright color. If you use frozen cranberries, you can add them straight to the pot without thawing.
- Orange Zest and Juice: The zest adds a strong orange perfume, while the juice provides a tangy base. Make sure to only grate the bright orange part of the peel, not the white pith underneath, which can taste bitter.
- Sugar Adjustment: You can easily change the amount of sugar to make the sauce more or less sweet. Start with the suggested amount and taste it once it cools, adding more if you prefer.
What You Need for Orange Cranberry Sauce
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
⏱️ Time: 20 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2 cups
How to Make Your Orange Cranberry Sauce
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, put your fresh cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and water. Give it a gentle stir to make sure everything is mixed well at the bottom.
Step 2: Cook the Sauce
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Once it starts to bubble, reduce the heat slightly and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring sometimes. You will see the cranberries start to burst and the sauce will thicken.
Step 3: Finish and Cool
Take the saucepan off the heat. Stir in the orange zest. Let the sauce cool down completely. It will thicken even more as it cools. Serve it at room temperature or chilled.
📝 Final Note
You can store homemade cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. It’s also great for freezing!
Tropical Pineapple Cranberry Orange Sauce
For something a little different, this pineapple cranberry orange sauce adds a wonderful tropical sweetness. It’s a bright and sunny take on the traditional sauce, perfect for surprising your guests.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Pineapple Cranberry Sauce
- Crushed Pineapple: Canned crushed pineapple works perfectly and saves time. Make sure to drain it well before adding it to the pot so your sauce isn’t too runny.
- Fresh Orange Juice: Just like with the classic recipe, fresh orange juice makes a real difference here. It brightens up the flavors and pairs well with the pineapple.
- Don’t Overcook: The pineapple adds moisture and sweetness, so you don’t need to cook this sauce for too long. Just cook until the cranberries burst and the sauce starts to thicken lightly.
What You Need for Pineapple Cranberry Orange Sauce
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
⏱️ Time: 25 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2.5 cups
How to Make Your Pineapple Cranberry Sauce
Step 1: Mix All Together
In a medium saucepan, put your fresh cranberries, drained crushed pineapple, sugar, and orange juice. Stir everything well to combine.
Step 2: Simmer and Thicken
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Continue to cook for about 12-18 minutes, stirring often, until the cranberries burst and the sauce gets thicker. The pineapple will also soften nicely.
Step 3: Add Zest and Cool
Take the saucepan off the heat and stir in the orange zest. Let the sauce cool down completely. It will get thicker as it cools. This sauce is really good served chilled.
📝 Final Note
This pineapple cranberry sauce is fantastic with roasted chicken or pork, not just turkey! You can also enjoy it spread on toast for breakfast.
