Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe (Easy 15-Minute Christmas Side)
This easy homemade cranberry sauce is made with fresh cranberries, orange juice, and a touch of cinnamon — ready in just 15 minutes! Sweet, tart, and bursting with holiday flavor, this Christmas cranberry sauce is perfect for turkey, ham, or any festive meal.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan (2–3 quart)
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Vegetable peeler or paring knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Airtight storage container
Ingredients
- For the Cranberry Sauce
- 12 oz (3 cups) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 1 large orange)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 stick cinnamon stick
- 1 strip orange peel (about 3 inches long, use a vegetable peeler)
- 1 pinch salt
- Optional Add-Ins
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (for extra citrus flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (added at end)
- 2 tablespoons Grand Marnier or orange liqueur (for adult version)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (added at end)
Instructions
- Rinse cranberries under cold water and remove any soft, shriveled, or discolored ones. If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw—add them straight to the pot.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, orange juice, and water. Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar begins to dissolve, about 2 minutes.
- Add cranberries, cinnamon stick, orange peel, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine.
- Increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a simmer. The cranberries will begin to pop — this usually takes 3–4 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium and cook 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most cranberries have burst and the sauce thickens slightly. It will thicken more as it cools.
- Remove and discard the cinnamon stick and orange peel. These are for flavoring only.
- Let sauce cool in the saucepan for at least 30 minutes. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Transfer cooled cranberry sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve. It can be made up to 1 week ahead.