There’s something magical about homemade cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving. It’s that vibrant splash of color and flavor that perfectly balances out all the savory dishes on the table. Trust me, once you make this homemade cranberry sauce Thanksgiving-style, you’ll never go back to store-bought! My family has a tradition of making this sauce together, and it fills the kitchen with the most delightful aromas. The tartness of the cranberries mixed with just the right amount of sweetness is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it a must-have for your holiday feast!
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How to Prepare Homemade Cranberry Sauce Thanksgiving
- First things first, rinse your fresh cranberries under cold water to get rid of any debris. You’ll want them nice and clean!
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Bring this sweet mixture to a boil over medium heat. The sugar should dissolve completely—just wait until it’s bubbling nicely.
- Once boiling, add in those fresh cranberries along with 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir it up and watch the magic happen!
- Now, reduce the heat and let everything simmer gently for about 10 to 15 minutes. This is when you’ll hear the cranberries popping and bursting, releasing their lovely juices—yum!
- When most of the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened a bit, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let it cool to room temperature.
- Finally, transfer your beautiful cranberry sauce to a serving dish and pop it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it. It’s best chilled!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy holiday prep!
- Bright, fresh flavors that elevate your Thanksgiving dishes.
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
- Can be made in advance, saving you time on the big day.
- A deliciously tangy contrast to the rich, savory flavors of your meal.
Tips for Success
To make sure your homemade cranberry sauce is a hit, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t hesitate to adjust the sugar based on your taste—if you love it tart, feel free to cut back a bit! If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some orange zest or a splash of orange juice for a fresh, citrusy twist that really brightens the flavors.
Another great tip is to make the sauce a day in advance. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and it frees up your time on Thanksgiving day! Just make sure to keep it covered in the fridge. And lastly, if you want a smoother texture, you can blend the sauce after it cools. Just remember to leave some whole cranberries for that delightful pop!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for a 1/4 cup serving of this delightful homemade cranberry sauce. Keep in mind, these values are estimates based on standard ingredients and can vary slightly based on how you make it:
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
This cranberry sauce is not just delicious; it’s also a light and refreshing addition to your Thanksgiving feast!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen cranberries for this sauce?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. Just make sure to rinse them off before using. They might take a little longer to cook, but the end result will still be delicious!
How long can I store homemade cranberry sauce?
You can keep your homemade cranberry sauce in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container. If you’re looking to save some for later, you can also freeze it for up to three months!
Can I make this sauce without sugar?
Sure thing! You can use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind that it may alter the flavor a bit. Just adjust the amount to your taste!
Is this cranberry sauce vegan?
Yes, this homemade cranberry sauce is completely vegan! It’s made with simple, plant-based ingredients, so it’s a great addition to any holiday table.
What dishes pair well with cranberry sauce?
Homemade cranberry sauce is perfect with turkey, but it also compliments stuffing, roasted vegetables, and even sandwiches the next day. It adds a lovely burst of flavor to any meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your homemade cranberry sauce fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay good for up to two weeks, so feel free to enjoy it throughout the holiday season! If you want to save some for later, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.
When it comes to reheating, I recommend warming it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. This way, you’ll maintain that delicious texture and flavor without overcooking it. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Homemade cranberry sauce is the perfect companion to your Thanksgiving feast! It pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, adding a bright contrast to the savory flavors. Don’t forget about stuffing—this sauce elevates every bite! You can also drizzle it over mashed potatoes for a delightful twist or use it as a zesty topping for your holiday sandwiches the next day. Trust me, it makes everything taste even better!
Print
Homemade Cranberry Sauce Thanksgiving You’ll Love Every Bite
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious homemade cranberry sauce perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Rinse the cranberries under cold water.
- In a saucepan, combine water and sugar. Bring to a boil.
- Add cranberries, cinnamon, and salt to the saucepan.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until cranberries burst.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- Transfer to a serving dish and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Adjust sugar based on your sweetness preference.
- Add orange zest for extra flavor.
- This sauce can be made a day in advance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: homemade cranberry sauce thanksgiving
