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Making cranberry sauce at home is such a breeze. It’s sweet, tangy, and the perfect side for any holiday feast. Out of all the dishes you’ll prepare for the holidays, this one is hands-down the simplest. With just five ingredients, it comes together quickly and adds a pop of color to your table.
Why Make Homemade Cranberry Sauce?
This isn’t just a turkey companion it’s so versatile. Traditionally, it’s served alongside holiday meats like turkey or ham, but it can also elevate Thanksgiving desserts like ice cream or pancakes. Got leftovers? Use this sauce to brighten up a sandwich or drizzle it over a slice of pound cake. It’s way more than just a side dish!
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A Fun Cooking Moment
One of the most entertaining parts of making cranberry sauce is hearing the cranberries pop as they cook. The first time I made it, I couldn’t figure out where the noise was coming from; it was from the cranberries! If you’ve got kids around, they’ll love hearing this (just keep them safely away from the hot pan). It’s a small, joyful moment that makes this dish even more special.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup orange juice (fresh is best)
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries (frozen works too)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How to Make It
- In a medium saucepan, mix the sugar, water, and orange juice. Bring it to a boil.
- Add the cranberries and cinnamon. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
- If you want a smoother texture, mash the cranberries with a potato masher or a spoon.
- Let it cool completely before serving or refrigerating.
Pro Tips
- Make this sauce up to a week ahead; it stores well in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Serve it chilled, at room temperature, or slightly warm; it’s great anyway.
- Try it as a topping for breakfast items like pancakes or waffles, or as a spread for sandwiches.
This cranberry sauce is so easy to make, you’ll wonder why it’s reserved for holidays. Once you try it, it might just become a year-round favorite!
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