Description
Quick and easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce with orange zest — tangy, fresh, and perfect for holiday dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 2 tsp finely grated orange zest
- Pinch of kosher salt
Instructions
- Combine ingredients
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, cranberries, orange zest, and salt. Add 1/2 cup of water. - Simmer gently
Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cranberries will pop as they soften, releasing natural pectin that thickens the sauce. - Adjust sweetness
Taste and adjust sugar if desired. For a tangier sauce, add a squeeze of fresh orange juice or lemon juice. - Cool and thicken
Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. - Serve or store
Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve chilled or at room temperature alongside roasted turkey, chicken, or ham.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a cinnamon stick or a splash of orange liqueur while simmering.
If using frozen cranberries, there’s no need to thaw — add them directly to the pan.
The sauce thickens naturally, so don’t overcook or it may become too stiff once chilled.
Stir occasionally while cooling to prevent a skin from forming.
Keywords: Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe