Our traditional Cranberry Sauce recipe is the perfect accoutrement for the holidays, only takes 15 minutes to make, and can be made in advance. It’s a must with Thanksgiving turkey, a charcuterie board, or a delicious spread for your sandwich.
Want more homemade Thanksgiving recipes? Try my classic Thanksgiving Turkey or a Spatchcock Turkey, Garlic Rolls, Lemon Meringue Pie, and Thanksgiving Stuffing!
There’s no good substitute for homemade Cranberry Sauce.
There’s no good substitute for homemade Cranberry Sauce.If you don’t feel cranberry sauce is an MVP on your holiday plate than I’d argue you’re not making it right, or maybe you haven’t enjoyed the bliss that homemade cranberry sauce is (especially compared to awful canned varieties).
If you’re looking for a classic Cranberry Sauce recipe, this is it! We use fresh cranberries, orange and apple for flavor and texture and it comes together fast. It’s my favorite way to elevate Thanksgiving Turkey. Be sure to save leftovers for topping on homemade rolls, with leftover turkey, for the best sandwich ever.
Check out all of my Make Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes and Tips.
Ingredients Needed:
How to make Cranberry Sauce:
Combine: Mix all of the ingredients in a saucepan and cook over medium heat until it comes to a simmer. Continue cooking for 10 minutes, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and pour into a serving dish to cool completely. Serve room temperature or chilled.
Make Ahead, Storing, and Freezing Instructions:
To Make Ahead: Make up to a week ahead of time and store in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve.
To Freeze: Transfer sauce to a freezer safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Must-Have Thanksgiving Recipes:
- Thanksgiving Turkey
- Thanksgiving Stuffing
- Mashed Potatoes
- Sweet Potato Casserole
- Corn Casserole
- Turkey Gravy
- Garlic Rolls
- Perfect Pie Crust
- So many PIE recipes like Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Pie, Banana Cream Pie and Lemon Sour Cream Pie
- Classic Pumpkin Roll
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Recipe
Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 small apple , peeled and grated
- 1 small orange , zest and juice
- 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar*
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar*
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- Pinch Sea salt
- 2/3 cup water
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and stir well to combine.
- Cook over medium heat until simmering. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, until slightly thickened, stirring if needed. Remove from heat and transfer to serving dish to cool completely.
- Serve cranberry sauce at room temperature or chilled, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
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I originally shared this recipe November 2022. Updated November 2024.
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I’ve been trying to find a good cranberry sauce for years. This one is AMAZING! It’s so quick and simple. The whole family approved.
This recipe has the perfect punch of tartness to balance out the sweet. It was so yummy slathered all over leftover Turkey and melted Brie sandwiches.
Do you the fruit of the orange or just the juice and zest?
Just the zest and juice!
What type of apple do you recommend using? Tart, firm, granny smith type or sweet, soft, fuji types?
My favorite is Granny Smith but you can use any type of apple you like!