Cranberry sauce is a staple during holiday meals, bringing a burst of tartness that perfectly complements rich and savory dishes. The Best Ever Cranberry Sauce is a delightful concoction, balancing sweetness and acidity through the use of fresh cranberries and a hint of cinnamon. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply preparing a delicious dinner at home, this sauce will elevate your meal to new heights.
Why We Love This Best Ever Cranberry Sauce Recipe
This recipe for Best Ever Cranberry Sauce has won over many hearts and taste buds due to its balance of flavors and simplicity. Fresh cranberries provide a delightful tartness, while the combination of orange juice and sugar creates a delightful harmony that brings out the best in them. The addition of ground cinnamon adds a warm spice note that transforms this sauce into a comforting must-have for any occasion. What truly sets this recipe apart is its versatility; you can use it in various dishes or enjoy it simply alongside your favorite proteins. It’s easy to make and requires minimal effort, which means you can focus on other aspects of your meal.
Ingredients about Best Ever Cranberry Sauce
To create your Best Ever Cranberry Sauce, you’ll need a handful of easy-to-find ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup water
These ingredients come together to create a sauce that tastes homemade and fresh without requiring extensive culinary skills.
How to Make Best Ever Cranberry Sauce Directions
Making your Best Ever Cranberry Sauce is straightforward and quick. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious sauce that can enhance your meal.
- Preparation: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Rinse the fresh cranberries under cold water, ensuring to remove any discolored ones. This step ensures that your sauce will be bursting with vibrant flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the rinsed cranberries, freshly squeezed orange juice, sugar, ground cinnamon, and a quarter cup of water. Stir the mixture gently to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Heat the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Keep an eye on it as you allow the mixture to reach a boil. Stir occasionally during this phase to prevent the cranberries from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Simmer for Flavor: Once the mixture reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to low. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for approximately 10 minutes. During this time, make sure to stir occasionally. You’ll notice that the cranberries start to burst, and the sauce thickens gradually.
- Check for Consistency: The sauce is ready when it has thickened to your desired consistency. Remember that it will continue to thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit runny at this stage.
- Cool Down: Once you have reached the perfect thickness, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let the sauce cool at room temperature for a while.
- Store or Serve: After cooling, you can transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving dish or an airtight container for future use. If storing, make sure it’s completely cooled before placing the lid on to preserve its freshness.
How to Serve Best Ever Cranberry Sauce
Serving your Best Ever Cranberry Sauce is as delightful as making it. Here are several ways you can enjoy this fantastic sauce:
- As a Side Dish: The most traditional way is to serve it alongside your holiday turkey or chicken. Spoon a generous amount onto your plate for a perfect combination of flavors.
- On Sandwiches: Use this bright and tangy sauce as a spread on sandwiches, especially with grilled chicken or turkey. It adds a delicious twist that enhances each bite.
- With Cheese: Pair some of your Best Ever Cranberry Sauce with cheese. Cream cheese or a robust blue cheese creates a wonderful contrast with the sauce’s sweetness.
- In Salads: Drizzle some sauce over a mixed greens salad with nuts and feta for an explosion of flavors. The tartness of the cranberry sauce adds an excellent touch to a fresh salad.
- For Breakfast: Don’t hesitate to use it as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or French toast. The flavors will bring your breakfast to life and add a cheerful start to your day.
Expert Tips: Best Ever Cranberry Sauce
To get the most out of your Best Ever Cranberry Sauce, consider these expert tips:
- Choose Quality Cranberries: Fresh, firm cranberries yield the best flavor. Avoid any that are soft or wrinkled, as they can affect the overall quality of your sauce.
- Use Fresh Orange Juice: While bottled orange juice can suffice in a pinch, freshly squeezed orange juice will impart a brighter, more vibrant flavor that enhances your sauce dramatically.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste. Use less sugar for a more tart sauce, or add a bit more if you prefer it sweeter.
- Let it Chill: Allow the cranberry sauce to chill in the refrigerator for a couple of hours or overnight before serving. This helps the flavors meld together even more.
- Experiment with Spices: If you want to switch things up, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the sauce in addition to the cinnamon. These spices can provide added depth and warmth.
How to Store Best Ever Cranberry Sauce
Storing your Best Ever Cranberry Sauce is simple, ensuring you can enjoy it later.
- Airtight Container: Transfer the cooled cranberry sauce into an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents any odors from other foods in the refrigerator from affecting its flavor.
- Refrigerate: Store the sauce in the refrigerator, where it can last for up to two weeks. If you plan to keep it longer than that, consider freezing it.
- Freezing: If you wish to freeze the sauce, use freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to leave some room at the top, as the sauce may expand when frozen. It can last in the freezer for up to three months.
Variation of Best Ever Cranberry Sauce
There are endless ways to customize your Best Ever Cranberry Sauce, making it uniquely yours. Here are a few variations to inspire you:
- Berry Explosion: Add some chopped strawberries or raspberries for an extra fruity twist. Their sweetness complements the tartness of cranberries beautifully.
- Nutty Crunch: Incorporate some finely chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture. This elevates the sauce and adds a delightful crunch.
- Citrus Burst: Enhance the citrus flavor by adding some lemon or lime zest along with the orange juice. This not only brightens the sauce but adds complexity.
- Spice It Up: For those who love a little kick, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. This adds a surprising heat that contrasts deliciously with the sweetness.
- Maple Sweetness: Replace some or all of the sugar with pure maple syrup for a deep, earthy sweetness. This variation pairs excellently with Thanksgiving dishes.
FAQ
What is the Best Ever Cranberry Sauce recipe?
The Best Ever Cranberry Sauce recipe is a simple and flavorful combination of fresh cranberries, orange juice, sugar, cinnamon, and water, simmered together to create a delicious sauce perfect for holiday meals.
How do you make homemade cranberry sauce?
To make homemade cranberry sauce, rinse fresh cranberries, combine them in a pan with orange juice, sugar, cinnamon, and water, and cook until thickened. It’s a straightforward process that yields amazing flavor!
Can you use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries if fresh ones are unavailable. Just slightly increase the cooking time to ensure they break down properly.
How long does cranberry sauce last?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your Best Ever Cranberry Sauce can last for up to two weeks. If frozen, it can last for three months.
How can I serve my cranberry sauce?
You can serve your cranberry sauce with turkey, on sandwiches, as a topping for breakfast foods, or even in salads. It’s versatile and can enhance many dishes!
Best Ever Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries Make sure they are fresh and firm.
- 1 cup orange juice Freshly squeezed is best.
- 1 cup sugar Adjust according to taste.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon Adds warm spice note.
- 1/4 cup water Helps to combine ingredients.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients and rinse the fresh cranberries under cold water, discarding any discolored ones.
Combine Ingredients
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the rinsed cranberries, freshly squeezed orange juice, sugar, ground cinnamon, and a quarter cup of water. Stir gently to combine.
Heat the Mixture
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and allow the mixture to reach a boil, stirring occasionally.
Simmer for Flavor
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
Check for Consistency
- The sauce is ready when thickened to your desired consistency. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
Cool Down
- Remove from heat and let the sauce cool at room temperature.
Store or Serve
- Transfer to a serving dish or an airtight container once cooled. If storing, ensure it is completely cooled before sealing.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!