The Ultimate Cooked Cranberry Sauce: A Complete Guide to a Classic Holiday Staple
A sweet, tangy, and flavorful cooked cranberry sauce—perfect for holiday meals or anytime you want a bright, fruity side.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh cranberries, rinsed
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) orange juice
- ½ cup (120 ml) water
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine orange juice, water, and sugar. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- Add cranberries, cinnamon, cloves, orange zest, and salt.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most cranberries burst.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool; sauce thickens as it cools.
- Transfer to a serving dish or airtight container and refrigerate until serving.
Notes
- Increase sugar for a sweeter sauce.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated.
- Add a splash of bourbon or brandy for an adult twist.