This cranberry sauce has been a beloved tradition in my family for years. Every Thanksgiving, the first bite reminds me why this recipe is so special. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and versatile enough to pair with any dish—or even be enjoyed throughout the year. If you’re looking for a standout cranberry sauce that’s simple yet unforgettable, this is the one.
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Why This Cranberry Sauce Stands Out
This recipe checks all the boxes for the perfect cranberry sauce. It’s quick to prepare, taking just 20 minutes on the stove, and requires no complex techniques. With only five basic ingredients, it’s incredibly convenient to make. Fresh orange juice and zest elevate the flavor, while the texture is moderately thick with whole cranberries for added bite. You can make it ahead of time for easy planning, and unique touches like brown sugar and vanilla extract give it a depth of flavor that sets it apart from other recipes.
Readers love it too!
Barb says: “The vanilla makes this recipe stand out. This will be my go-to from here on out!”
Emily shares: “It tastes so wonderful—it may not even make it to Thanksgiving!”
Marsha adds: “The balance of orange flavor is just right, and reserving some raw cranberries adds a fantastic texture.”
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Cranberries: Use fresh or frozen cranberries, not dried.
- Water: Combined with orange juice to create the liquid base.
- Fresh Orange Juice: Use ¼ cup of freshly squeezed juice. Don’t forget the orange zest!
- Brown Sugar: Adds richness and depth—¾ cup is ideal, but you can increase to 1 cup for a sweeter sauce.
- Orange Zest: Grate the zest before juicing the orange. Add it after cooking to avoid bitterness.
- Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla adds warmth and pairs beautifully with the cranberries and citrus.
How to Make Cranberry Sauce
- Set Aside Cranberries: Reserve ½ cup of cranberries to stir in at the end for added texture.
- Cook the Sauce: In a pot, combine the remaining cranberries, water, orange juice, and brown sugar. Simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Avoid over-boiling, as it can thin the sauce.
- Add Final Touches: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the orange zest and vanilla extract.
- Cool and Serve: Let the sauce cool slightly before serving.
Versatile Uses for Cranberry Sauce
This cranberry sauce shines on Thanksgiving Day but is also incredibly versatile:
- Spread it on cornbread or biscuits.
- Use it as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or pound cake.
- Swirl it into cheesecake batter before baking.
- Mix it into yogurt or cottage cheese.
- Substitute fresh fruit with a spoonful of cranberry sauce on goat cheese crostini.
- Incorporate it into baked goods like cranberry orange muffins or brie puff pastry tarts.
- Swap BBQ sauce for cranberry sauce on BBQ chicken pizza—it’s surprisingly delicious.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This cranberry sauce is perfect for planning ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze it for up to three months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cranberry sauce is more than just a Thanksgiving side dish—it’s a versatile, flavorful addition to your recipe collection. Whether you stick to tradition or get creative with how you use it, this sauce is sure to become a holiday favorite. Make it this year and enjoy the compliments that roll in!