Cranberry sauce doesn't have to come from a jar or a can. With this homemade cranberry sauce recipe, you can achieve a fresh and flavorful sauce that's perfect for your holiday meals. This sauce, made with fresh cranberries and a kick from vanilla extract and cinnamon, will be the star of your festive table. It's simple to make, and the aroma while it's simmering is divine.
The main ingredient that needs to be bought specifically for this recipe is fresh cranberries. These can be found in the produce section of your supermarket, usually near other berries. If fresh cranberries aren't available, frozen ones will do, but avoid canned cranberries as they have added sugar and will alter the taste of the sauce. Also, ensure you have pure vanilla extract and not imitation vanilla, which will affect the overall flavor.
Ingredients for Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Granulated sugar: This helps to sweeten the cranberries, which are naturally tart.
Water: Used to dissolve the sugar and help the cranberries break down into a sauce.
Fresh cranberries: The star of this recipe, fresh cranberries add a tartness that is balanced out by the sugar.
Salt: A pinch enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spiced flavor. Use ground cinnamon, not cinnamon sticks.
Vanilla extract: Adds a hint of sweetness and enhances the flavor of the cranberries.
One reader, Fonsie Dockery says:
This homemade cranberry sauce recipe is a game-changer! The perfect blend of sweetness and tartness. It's incredibly easy to make and tastes divine. It's a must-have for any holiday feast. I highly recommend trying it out - your taste buds will thank you!
Essential Techniques for Making Homemade Cranberry Sauce
How to make homemade cranberry sauce: A simple recipe for making cranberry sauce from scratch, perfect for serving with turkey or as a condiment for various dishes.
How to boil cranberries: Boil ¾ of the cranberries in the pot for 1 minute, then add the remaining ¼ of the cranberries and cook for an additional minute.
How to simmer cranberries: Simmer the cranberries in the pot for 10 minutes or until they burst, ensuring the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
How to season cranberry sauce: Add a pinch of salt, a pinch of cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract to the sauce, then cook for 1 minute to infuse the flavors.
How to cool cranberry sauce: Allow the sauce to sit at room temperature until it cools, then serve with turkey or other dishes.
How To Make Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Make your own cranberry sauce at home with this easy-to-follow recipe! You only need a few ingredients to cook up this classic Thanksgiving sauce.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1cupgranulated sugar
- 1cupwater
- 12ozfresh cranberries,or frozen
- pinchsalt
- pinchcinnamon
- ¼tspvanilla extract
Instructions
-
Place the water and sugar in a medium pot over medium high heat. Bring to a boil.
-
Add ¾ of the the cranberries to a pot, then boil for 1 minute.
-
Reduce the heat to medium low, then simmer for 10 minutes or until the cranberries have burst.
-
Add the remaining ¼ of the cranberries to the pot.
-
Add the salt, cinnamon and vanilla extract to the sauce, then cook for 1 minute.
-
Let the sauce sit at room temperature until cool.
-
Serve with turkey, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
- Calories: 117.41kcal
- Fat: 0.06g
- Saturated Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g
- Carbohydrates: 30.43g
- Fiber: 2.11g
- Sugar: 26.69g
- Protein: 0.18g
- Sodium: 226.90mg
- Calcium: 7.62mg
- Potassium: 38.14mg
- Iron: 0.15mg
- Vitamin A: 1.32µg
- Vitamin C: 5.67mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Cranberry Sauce
To ensure your cranberry sauce has a nice balance of textures, add the cranberries in two stages. The first batch will completely break down and thicken the sauce, while the second batch will just slightly burst, providing a more interesting mouthfeel. Also, don't forget to taste and adjust the seasoning. The amount of sugar can be adjusted depending on the tartness of the cranberries and your personal preference.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Prep ahead: Prepare the cranberry sauce a day in advance and refrigerate it. This will save you time on the day of your meal preparation.
Use a food processor: Instead of chopping the cranberries by hand, use a food processor to quickly and evenly chop them for the sauce.
Multi-task: While the cranberries are simmering, use that time to work on other dishes or prep other ingredients for your meal.
Buy pre-washed cranberries: Save time by purchasing pre-washed cranberries, eliminating the need to wash and sort them before using.
Make a large batch: Double or triple the recipe to make a larger quantity of cranberry sauce that can be used for multiple meals or stored for future use.
Substitute Ingredients For Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe
granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add a natural sweetness and a unique flavor to the cranberry sauce, and it also provides a healthier alternative to sugar.
water - Substitute with orange juice: Orange juice can add a citrusy flavor and natural sweetness to the cranberry sauce, enhancing the overall taste.
fresh cranberries - Substitute with frozen cranberries: Frozen cranberries can be used as a substitute for fresh ones, as they still contain the same tartness and flavor, and are often more readily available.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a more complex and subtle flavor compared to regular table salt, enhancing the overall taste of the cranberry sauce.
cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg can add a warm, nutty flavor to the cranberry sauce, complementing the tartness of the cranberries.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract can add a unique and nutty flavor to the cranberry sauce, enhancing its overall taste profile.
How to Beautifully Present Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Elevate the cranberry sauce: Create a visually stunning presentation by using a decorative mold to shape the cranberry sauce into an elegant form. This will add a touch of sophistication to the dish.
Garnish with fresh cranberries: Add a pop of color and freshness to the plate by scattering a few fresh cranberries around the cranberry sauce. This will enhance the visual appeal and showcase the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce a delicate and refined element to the presentation by garnishing the cranberry sauce with edible flowers, such as hibiscus or pansies. This will add a touch of elegance and elevate the overall aesthetic.
Utilize fine dining plating techniques: Apply the principles of fine dining plating, such as using negative space and precise placement of elements, to create a visually striking presentation that reflects the artistry of the dish.
Pair with complementary accompaniments: Serve the cranberry sauce alongside complementary accompaniments, such as brie cheese or crispy crostini, arranged in an artful manner to create a harmonious and visually appealing composition on the plate.
Highlight contrasting textures: Incorporate elements with varying textures, such as a delicate cinnamon tuile or a sprinkle of toasted almonds, to add visual interest and elevate the sensory experience of the dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Cranberry Sauce
Medium pot: A medium-sized pot is essential for cooking the cranberry sauce over the stovetop. It allows for even heating and prevents the sauce from sticking to the bottom.
Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is ideal for stirring the cranberry sauce as it cooks. It won't react with the ingredients, and its gentle touch helps prevent the cranberries from breaking apart too much.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Once the cranberry sauce has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container or jar with a tight-fitting lid. Make sure to leave some headspace at the top of the container to allow for expansion during freezing.
Label the container with the date and contents, so you can easily keep track of when the sauce was made.
Store the cranberry sauce in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The sauce will thicken as it chills, so don't worry if it seems a bit runny at first.
If you want to freeze the cranberry sauce for later use, make sure to use a freezer-safe container. The sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months.
When you're ready to use the frozen cranberry sauce, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Give it a good stir before serving, as the sauce may separate slightly during the freezing and thawing process.
If you find that the thawed cranberry sauce is a bit too thick for your liking, you can thin it out with a splash of water or orange juice until it reaches your desired consistency.
Leftover cranberry sauce can be used in a variety of ways, such as spreading it on toast or bagels, stirring it into yogurt or oatmeal, or using it as a topping for ice cream or cheesecake.
How To Reheat Leftover Cranberry Sauce
Stovetop method: transfer the leftover cranberry sauce to a saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through. This method allows you to control the temperature and prevent the sauce from burning or becoming too thick.
Microwave method: place the cranberry sauce in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the sauce is heated through. Be careful not to overheat the sauce, as it can cause it to splatter or become too hot.
Oven method: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the cranberry sauce to an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Place the dish in the oven and heat for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce is heated through. This method is ideal if you're reheating other leftovers simultaneously, such as turkey or stuffing.
Slow cooker method: if you have a small slow cooker or crockpot, you can use it to reheat your cranberry sauce. Simply transfer the sauce to the slow cooker and heat it on low for 1-2 hours, or until it's heated through. This method is perfect for keeping the sauce warm throughout a meal or party.
Regardless of the method you choose, be sure to stir the cranberry sauce well before serving to ensure that it's evenly heated and has a smooth consistency. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of water or orange juice to thin it out. Conversely, if the sauce is too thin, you can simmer it for a few extra minutes to thicken it up.
Interesting Fact About Cranberry Sauce
The cranberry sauce is a traditional Thanksgiving dish that dates back to the early 1600s, making it a staple in American holiday meals for centuries.
Is Making Cranberry Sauce at Home Cost-Effective?
This cranberry sauce recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. Cranberries are affordable and the additional ingredients are pantry staples. The overall verdict for this recipe is 9/10. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $5. This homemade cranberry sauce is a budget-friendly and delicious addition to any meal, especially during the holiday season.
Is Homemade Cranberry Sauce Healthy or Unhealthy?
This homemade cranberry sauce recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy due to its high sugar content. The recipe calls for a full cup of granulated sugar, which is a significant amount considering the serving size. Consuming excessive amounts of added sugars can contribute to various health issues, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
However, there are some positive aspects to this recipe. Cranberries themselves are nutrient-dense and offer various health benefits. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, which can support overall health and well-being. The addition of cinnamon and vanilla extract also provides some beneficial compounds, albeit in small quantities.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of sugar used in the recipe. Start by cutting the sugar by half and adjust to taste. You can also experiment with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, which offer some additional nutrients.
- Increase the proportion of cranberries to sugar. This will result in a more tart sauce, but it will also provide more of the beneficial compounds found in cranberries.
- Add more spices, such as ginger or nutmeg, to enhance the flavor without relying on sugar.
- Experiment with sugar substitutes, such as stevia or erythritol, which can provide sweetness without the added calories and negative health impacts associated with sugar.
- Serve the cranberry sauce in moderation and pair it with a balanced meal that includes plenty of vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Editor's Opinion on This Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe
This homemade cranberry sauce recipe is a delightful addition to any holiday meal. The combination of fresh cranberries, sugar, and warm spices creates a sweet and tangy sauce that perfectly complements turkey or other roasted meats. The addition of vanilla extract adds a subtle depth of flavor, making this cranberry sauce a standout dish. The method of adding the cranberries in two stages ensures a balance of texture and flavor. Overall, this recipe is simple yet elegant, and it will surely impress your guests with its vibrant color and delicious taste.
Enhance Your Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Traditional Cranberry Sauce
Why trust this Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe:
This homemade cranberry sauce recipe is a must-try for your next feast. The fresh cranberries burst with flavor, while the touch of cinnamon and vanilla extract adds warmth and depth. The careful simmering process ensures a perfect texture, and the pinch of salt balances the sweetness. Trust in the simplicity of this recipe, as it has been crafted to elevate your dining experience. With just a handful of ingredients, this sauce is a delightful addition to your holiday table. Embrace the vibrant color and bold flavor of this cranberry sauce, and create a memorable dining experience for your loved ones.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
Cranberry Jelly Recipe
Cranberry Pear Sauce Recipe
Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Sparkling Honey Limeade Recipe
Sparkling Champagne Sangria Recipe
Skinny Pumpkin Frappuccino Recipe
Overnight Oats in Five Ways Recipe
Classic Caramel Sauce Recipe
Caesar Salad with Homemade Salad Dressing Recipe
Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
Breakfast Sweet Tooth Recipe
