Tasty Christmas Cranberry Sauce

Name: Tasty Christmas Cranberry Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz fresh cranberries; 1 cup sugar; 1 cup water; 1 orange, zested and juiced; 1 cinnamon stick

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

Elevate your holiday feast with this delightful Tasty Christmas Cranberry Sauce. Bursting with vibrant flavors from fresh cranberries, zesty orange, and a hint of warm spices, this homemade sauce is the perfect accompaniment for turkey, ham, or even as a spread on your festive appetizers. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, it's a must-have for your holiday spread!

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-11-25T09:50:39.179Z

This Tasty Christmas Cranberry Sauce is a festive favorite that brings cheer to any holiday gathering.

Perfect for Any Holiday Gathering

This Tasty Christmas Cranberry Sauce is a delightful addition to any holiday table, whether you're hosting a large family gathering or enjoying a quiet dinner. Its bright, tangy flavor perfectly complements savory dishes like turkey and ham, bringing a refreshing contrast to rich flavors. It's versatile enough to pair well with various meats or even serve as a topping for your holiday cheese board. Guests will appreciate the homemade touch, and it’s sure to become a tradition in your holiday celebrations.

Not only does this sauce enhance your main dishes, but it also adds a splash of color to your festive spread. The vibrant red of the cranberries, coupled with the glossy finish from the sugar and orange juice, creates an enticing visual appeal. When served alongside holiday desserts, like cheesecake or pumpkin pie, it offers a delicious way to cap off your meal. Including this cranberry sauce ensures that every part of your festive feast feels special and thoughtfully prepared.

Recipe Customizations

While this cranberry sauce recipe is fantastic as is, there are plenty of ways to customize it to fit your taste. For a bolder flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, which can give the sauce an aromatic twist perfect for the winter season. Alternatively, for those who enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño can elevate the flavor profile and add an unexpected kick. Experimenting with these variations can lead to a signature sauce that reflects your personal culinary style.

You can also explore alternative sweeteners if you’re looking to reduce sugar in your diet. Honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar can be substituted for sugar, offering a unique sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tartness of cranberries. Just remember, if you opt for a liquid sweetener, the amount of water might need slight adjustments to maintain the right consistency. These tweaks allow you to create a cranberry sauce that's not only delicious but also tailored to your dietary needs.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Cranberry Sauce

12 oz fresh cranberries
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 orange, zested and juiced
1 cinnamon stick

These ingredients come together to create a delightful and aromatic sauce.

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

Rinse the cranberries under cold water and remove any stems or bad berries.

Combine Ingredients

In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water, orange juice, orange zest, and the cinnamon stick.

Cook the Sauce

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then add the cranberries.

Simmer

Reduce to a simmer and cook for about 10-15 minutes until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.

Cool and Serve

Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool before serving. It will thicken more as it cools.

Serve your sauce at room temperature or chilled with your holiday meal!

Storage Tips

This Tasty Christmas Cranberry Sauce can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy holiday preparations. After it has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The flavors will continue to meld and deepen as it sits, enhancing its taste. Just give it a quick stir before serving to reintroduce any settled ingredients.

If you want to extend its shelf life, you can freeze the cranberry sauce for up to three months. Simply place it in an airtight freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion as it freezes. When you're ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and give it a stir to restore its original texture. This ensures you’ll have a delightful side ready to go whenever you need it.

Serving Suggestions

Beyond its traditional role as a turkey accompaniment, this cranberry sauce can enhance various dishes. Consider using it as a tangy spread on sandwiches or paninis, especially with roasted meats or turkey. It can also serve as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal, adding a festive flair to your breakfast or brunch. The sweet-tart flavor can brighten up salads, providing a refreshing element when drizzled on leafy greens.

For a creative twist, try incorporating the cranberry sauce into desserts. Swirl it into cheesecake batter for a beautiful marble effect or use it as a filling for pastries. Its versatility knows no bounds, inviting you to explore its potential in both savory and sweet culinary adventures. Embrace the joy of using this homemade sauce beyond the holiday table; it will inspire creativity in your cooking all year round.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cranberry sauce ahead of time?

Yes! This sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

→ Can I use frozen cranberries?

Absolutely! Just ensure they are thawed and drained before cooking.