When it comes to holiday dinners, few side dishes are as iconic or as underrated as cranberry sauce. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving feast, preparing a Christmas dinner, or simply looking for a bright, tangy addition to your weekly meals, homemade cranberry sauce is surprisingly simple to make.
In this guide, we’ll explore what makes cranberry sauce special, how to make it from scratch, flavor variations, storage tips, and creative ways to use leftovers.
Why homemade cranberry sauce is worth it
I used to reach for the canned cranberry sauce out of convenience, but homemade cranberry sauce offers several big advantages:
- Fresh, bright flavor: homemade sauce tastes like real fruit, tart, sweet and vibrant.
- Customizable sweetness: You can control the sugar level to suit your taste. Or if you prefer sugar alternatives, you have the flexibility to use any of your favorite sweeteners (just start off using less and adjust to taste).
- Quick and simple: From start to finish, cranberry sauce takes about 15 minutes to make. That’s it! 🙂
How to store cranberry sauce
One of the best things about cranberry sauce is how well it keeps.
- Refrigerator: Up to 10 – 14 days in an airtight container
- Freezer: Up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Cranberry sauce is actually better the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead dish for busy holiday cooking.
Creative ways to use leftover cranberry sauce
Cranberry sauce is far more versatile than most people realize. Try it in:
- Turkey or chicken sandwiches (but you probably already know this 😉
- Yogurt parfaits or oatmeal
- on top of pancakes or waffles
- Glazes for pork chops
- baked brie or cheese boards
- smoothies
- desserts like crumble bars or cheesecake topping
with a jar of cranberry sauce in the fridge, the possibilities are endless.
Homemade cranberry sauce is one of the easiest ways to elevate any holiday meal. With minimal ingredients and only a few minutes of cooking time, you can transform fresh cranberries into a beautiful, vibrant sauce that complements savory dishes and adds a festive burst of flavor.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine sugar, water, cranberries, orange zest and orange juice in a medium saucepan. bring to a simmer
- Cook for 10 - 12 minutes stirring occasionally. Cranberries will burst and the sauce will thicken.
- Remove from heat. stir in any optional flavorings
- Cool completely. The sauce will thicken even more as it chills. I prefer to serve it chilled. Once cooled, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
