Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Approx. Time:

15 min

Servings:

About 2 cups

Cranberry sauce is one of those things I could honestly eat all year long — not just on Thanksgiving. There’s just something about that sweet-tart flavor that feels like a warm little hug in a bowl. And the best part? It gets even better the next day.

Every year, after the big Thanksgiving dinner is over and the house is quiet again, I look forward to one thing: a leftover turkey sandwich loaded with this cranberry sauce. Soft bread, tender turkey, maybe a little stuffing if you have it… and a generous spoonful of this glossy, beautiful cranberry sauce. It just hits different the next day — you know exactly what I mean.

Another reason I love this recipe is because it’s one of those dishes you can easily make ahead. If your schedule is crazy (like mine always is during the holidays), this is such a time-saver. Make it the day before and let it chill — the flavor actually gets deeper and better.

It takes about 15 minutes to make, it tastes a thousand times better than anything from a can, and once you try it this way, you’ll never go back.

Ingredients:

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12 oz fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
½ cup orange juice
½ cup water
¾ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
1 tsp orange zest
½ tsp cinnamon
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Rinse your cranberries and pick out any soft ones.
In a medium saucepan, add the orange juice, water, sugar, orange zest, cinnamon, and salt.
Bring to a boil over medium heat.
Add the cranberries and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berries burst and the sauce thickens.
Remove from heat — it will continue to thicken as it cools.
Chill before serving, or keep it in the fridge for up to a week.

Perfect for the holiday table, and even more perfect the next day when you're making that dreamy turkey sandwich!

Estimated Nutrition

Macros (approx. per 2 tbsp)

Calories: 55
Carbs: 14g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Note: Macros may vary based on brands and exact measurements.

About the author

Why I Share These Recipes With You

“Food is how I connect with my culture, with others, and with myself. I started The Sweet Spot Done Right to help others do the same: discover new flavors, celebrate where they come from, and make something meaningful in their own kitchen.

I want to make global cooking simple, healthy, and fun for everyone.”