Hey y'all! There’s nothing like the sweet and tangy pop of a Tasty Christmas Cranberry Sauce to brighten up your holiday table. Whether you're hosting a big Christmas feast or just craving a festive flavor boost on a weeknight, this homemade cranberry sauce is incredibly easy, packed with flavor, and sure to impress everyone. Ready for the BEST tangy side dish to pair with turkey, ham, and all the trimmings? Let's get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Tasty Christmas Cranberry Sauce
- Quick & easy—ready in under 20 minutes with minimal prep.
- Perfect balance of sweet and tart, thanks to fresh cranberries and orange zest.
- Versatile enough for holiday dinners, sandwiches, and even desserts.
- Can be made ahead and tastes even better after chilling.
- Simple pantry staples and fresh, whole ingredients.
Ingredients for Tasty Christmas Cranberry Sauce
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries (rinsed and drained)
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120 ml) orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) water
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (about 1 large orange)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
How to Make Tasty Christmas Cranberry Sauce — Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, water, orange zest, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to mix everything together well.
Step 2: Bring to a Boil
Set the pan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir occasionally so the sugar dissolves and cranberries start to pop.
Step 3: Simmer & Thicken
Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens to a jammy consistency.
Step 4: Cool & Serve
Remove from heat and let the cranberry sauce cool for 15 minutes (it will continue to thicken as it cools). Serve warm or chilled! Total time: Prep 3 min, Cook 15 min, Total 18 min.
Notes for the Best Tasty Christmas Cranberry Sauce
- The sauce thickens as it cools—if you prefer it thinner, stir in a tablespoon of water after cooking.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of vanilla or a pinch of allspice before simmering.
- Read more on classic cranberry sauce tips.
Variations for Tasty Christmas Cranberry Sauce
- Spiced Cranberry Sauce: Add ¼ teaspoon ground ginger and a pinch of nutmeg before simmering.
- Maple Cranberry Sauce: Replace half the sugar with pure maple syrup for a cozy flavor.
- Berry Medley Sauce: Mix in 1 cup chopped apples or pears with the cranberries for extra texture.
Equipment Needed for Tasty Christmas Cranberry Sauce
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Zester or fine grater
Storage Instructions for Tasty Christmas Cranberry Sauce
Allow the cranberry sauce to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. You can also freeze for up to 2 months; thaw in refrigerator overnight and stir well before serving.
Serving & Pairing Suggestions for Tasty Christmas Cranberry Sauce
- Serve with roast turkey, ham, or chicken as a vibrant side dish.
- Spread on leftover turkey sandwiches or warm biscuits for a sweet-tart kick.
- Add a spoonful to oatmeal, yogurt, or even holiday desserts for a festive twist.
Pro Tips for Perfect Tasty Christmas Cranberry Sauce
- Let the sauce cool completely to reach its perfect thickness—don’t rush this step!
- Taste after simmering and adjust sweetness if desired by adding more sugar a tablespoon at a time.
- For a smoother texture, mash the cranberries with a wooden spoon or blend slightly before cooling—see more tricks at Serious Eats.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tasty Christmas Cranberry Sauce
- Can I use frozen cranberries in this recipe?
- Absolutely! No need to thaw—just add them straight to the saucepan.
- How far in advance can I make this sauce?
- It keeps well for up to 10 days in the fridge, so it’s perfect for making ahead of the big meal.
- Can I reduce the sugar for a less sweet sauce?
- Yes, feel free to reduce the sugar by up to ¼ cup; the sauce will be more tart but still delicious.
For more on the health benefits of cranberries, check out the nutritional information here.
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries, rinsed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- ¼ cup water
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
-
1In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and water.
-
2Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
-
3Reduce heat to medium-low, add orange zest, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, until the cranberries have burst and the sauce thickens.
-
4Mash cranberries gently with a spoon for a smoother texture, or leave some whole for a chunkier sauce.
-
5Remove from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature—it will thicken as it cools. Serve or refrigerate.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!