The holiday season is nearly here, and with it comes the wonderful, bright taste of cranberries. I know many of you are looking for simple, delicious ways to make your meals special, and homemade cranberry sauce is always a winner. It’s so much better than canned, and surprisingly easy to make!
I’ve put together four of my favorite cranberry sauce recipes for you. Each one brings something a little different to the table, from classic orange to something with a bit of zing. You’ll find clear steps and tips to help you make the best cranberry sauces this year. Let’s get cooking!
Jump to Recipe:
- 1. Zesty Cranberry Orange Sauce
- 2. Sweet Cranberry Pineapple Sauce
- 3. Warming Cranberry Ginger Sauce
- 4. Quick Cranberry Sauce with Orange Marmalade
Zesty Cranberry Orange Sauce
This classic cranberry orange sauce is bright and fresh, with a lovely tang from the cranberries and a citrus kick from the orange. It’s truly simple to make and tastes so much better than anything from a can.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Cranberry Orange Sauce
- Fresh Oranges: Use the zest and juice of one fresh orange for the best bright flavor.
- Sweetness Balance: Adjust the sugar to your liking. Cranberries are naturally tart, so a good amount of sugar helps balance it.
- Don’t Overcook: Cook until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, but don’t let it become too jammy before cooling.
What You Need for Cranberry Orange Sauce
- 12 oz (about 3 cups) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
⏱️ Time: 20 minutes🍽️ Yields: About 2 cups
How to Make Cranberry Orange Sauce
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, water, and orange zest. Stir everything together well.
Step 2: Simmer and Thicken
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool completely; it will thicken more as it cools.
📝 Final Note
This cranberry orange sauce stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. It’s delicious with roasted turkey or chicken.
Sweet Cranberry Pineapple Sauce
If you like a sweeter, fruitier sauce, this cranberry pineapple sauce is for you. The tropical sweetness of pineapple pairs wonderfully with the tart cranberries, making a festive and comforting side dish.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Cranberry Pineapple Sauce
- Crushed Pineapple: Using canned crushed pineapple makes this sauce extra easy and adds a lovely texture.
- Natural Sweetness: Pineapple brings its own sweetness, so you might need a little less added sugar compared to other cranberry sauces.
- Cinnamon Boost: A little cinnamon stick adds a warm, aromatic note that really completes the flavor.
What You Need for Cranberry Pineapple Sauce
- 12 oz (about 3 cups) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, undrained
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
⏱️ Time: 25 minutes🍽️ Yields: About 2.5 cups
How to Make Cranberry Pineapple Sauce
Step 1: Cook Cranberries
In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 8-10 minutes, until most of the cranberries have burst.
Step 2: Add Pineapple and Thicken
Stir in the undrained crushed pineapple and the cinnamon stick (if using). Continue to simmer for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to your liking. Remove the cinnamon stick before serving.
📝 Final Note
Serve this cranberry pineapple sauce chilled for the best experience. It’s a fantastic pairing for holiday hams or pork dishes.
Warming Cranberry Ginger Sauce
For something a little different, try this cranberry ginger sauce. The warm, slightly spicy kick from fresh ginger adds an unexpected depth to the tart cranberries. It’s a wonderful option to surprise your guests.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Cranberry Ginger Sauce
- Fresh Ginger: Always use fresh ginger and grate it finely for the best flavor distribution.
- Ginger Quantity: Start with the suggested amount and add a little more if you want a stronger ginger kick; it’s potent!
- Lemon Brightness: A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens all the flavors.
What You Need for Cranberry Ginger Sauce
- 12 oz (about 3 cups) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
⏱️ Time: 20 minutes🍽️ Yields: About 2 cups
How to Make Cranberry Ginger Sauce
Step 1: Simmer Cranberries
In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring until the cranberries have burst and the sauce begins to thicken.
Step 2: Add Ginger and Finish
Stir in the grated fresh ginger and lemon juice. Continue to simmer for another 3-5 minutes to let the ginger flavor develop. Remove from heat and cool completely before serving. The sauce will thicken more as it cools.
📝 Final Note
This cranberry ginger sauce is fantastic with poultry, especially duck or chicken. You can also mix a spoonful into plain yogurt for a quick snack.
Quick Cranberry Sauce with Orange Marmalade
If you’re short on time but still want homemade flavor, this cranberry sauce with orange marmalade is perfect. The marmalade adds a deep orange flavor and helps thicken the sauce quickly and easily.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Cranberry Sauce with Orange Marmalade
- Good Quality Marmalade: Using a good orange marmalade makes all the difference in the final taste.
- Reduced Sugar: Marmalade is already sweet, so you can use less added sugar in this recipe.
- Fast Thickening: The pectin in the marmalade helps the sauce set up quickly once it cools.
What You Need for Cranberry Sauce with Orange Marmalade
- 12 oz (about 3 cups) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup orange marmalade
⏱️ Time: 15 minutes🍽️ Yields: About 1.5 cups
How to Make Cranberry Sauce with Orange Marmalade
Step 1: Cook Cranberries
In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 8-10 minutes. Stir gently until the cranberries pop open and the sauce starts to thicken.
Step 2: Stir in Marmalade and Cool
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the orange marmalade until it is fully melted and mixed into the cranberry sauce. Let the sauce cool completely before serving. It will become thicker as it cools.
📝 Final Note
This sauce is fantastic on a holiday turkey sandwich the next day, or even spread on toast for breakfast!