If you’re looking to bring a burst of festive flavor to your holiday table, this Classic Christmas Cranberry Sauce Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bright, tangy cranberries meld beautifully with warm cinnamon and zesty orange notes, crafting a sauce that perfectly complements everything from roast turkey to mashed potatoes. It’s a simple, classic staple that elevates any Christmas feast with its natural sweetness and vibrant color, making it an unforgettable treat that everyone will want to savor year after year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this recipe are delightfully straightforward, each playing an important role in building the perfect balance of sweet and tart with a hint of spice and citrus. Using fresh cranberries keeps the sauce lively and vibrant, while the cinnamon stick adds warm depth, and the orange juice brightens the overall flavor profile.
- 1/2 cup water: Provides the necessary liquid base to cook down the cranberries gently.
- 12 oz fresh cranberries (rinsed and picked over): The star of the dish, fresh cranberries bring that signature tang and beautiful ruby color.
- 1 cinnamon stick: Adds a cozy, warm spice note that pairs wonderfully with fruit.
- 1/2 cup orange juice: Contributes natural sweetness and a refreshing citrus brightness.
- Small pinch salt: Enhances all the flavors by balancing sweetness and tartness.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the tart cranberries to perfection without overpowering.
- 1 strip orange peel: Infuses subtle citrus oils for an aromatic depth.
How to Make Classic Christmas Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Combine liquids and sugar
Start by placing the sugar, orange juice, and water into a large saucepan. Give it a gentle stir over medium heat until the sugar begins to dissolve, creating a sweet and tangy base for your sauce.
Step 2: Add cranberries and spices
Once your sugar mixture is combined, toss in the fresh cranberries, cinnamon stick, a pinch of salt, and the strip of orange peel. These ingredients will infuse the sauce with that trademark warmth and depth that make this Classic Christmas Cranberry Sauce Recipe truly stand out.
Step 3: Simmer the sauce
Bring everything to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently. Allow the mixture to cook for about 10 minutes, or until most cranberries have popped, releasing their natural juices and creating a luscious, jam-like texture that’s just irresistible.
Step 4: Cool and refrigerate
After simmering, remove the saucepan from heat and let the cranberry sauce cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. Once cooled, transfer it to a covered container and pop it into the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve this festive favorite.
How to Serve Classic Christmas Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of charm, garnish your cranberry sauce with fresh orange zest or a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. These simple additions brighten both the look and aroma, making your sauce even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This cranberry sauce is a perfect companion to a traditional roast turkey or chicken. It also pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, stuffing, or even spread on warm biscuits for a delightful holiday breakfast treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to wow guests? Serve your Classic Christmas Cranberry Sauce Recipe in mini mason jars or pretty ramekins topped with a sprig of fresh rosemary. You can even swirl a dollop into whipped cream cheese for a festive appetizer spread that’s bursting with flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover cranberry sauce should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to one week, making it an easy addition to meals throughout the holiday week.
Freezing
You can freeze this cranberry sauce in a freezer-safe container for extended storage. It freezes well for up to three months, so feel free to make it ahead of your festivities and thaw it out when needed without losing its delicious taste.
Reheating
If you prefer your cranberry sauce warm, simply reheat gently on the stove over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Take care not to overheat it, as it’s just perfect served chilled or at room temperature as well.
FAQs
Can I make this Classic Christmas Cranberry Sauce Recipe without fresh cranberries?
While fresh cranberries are ideal for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen cranberries too. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly as frozen berries will release more liquid.
Is it possible to reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can reduce the sugar slightly to suit your taste, but keep in mind that sugar balances the natural tartness of cranberries and helps thicken the sauce.
Can I omit the cinnamon stick or substitute it with another spice?
Yes, if you’re not a fan of cinnamon, you can omit it or try substitutes like cloves or nutmeg for a different warm spice profile—but cinnamon is traditional for a reason, adding lovely depth.
How long does this cranberry sauce last in the refrigerator?
This sauce will keep beautifully for up to one week when stored in an airtight container. Always check for freshness before serving if it’s been stored for a few days.
Can I prepare this sauce in advance for a big holiday meal?
Definitely! In fact, making this Classic Christmas Cranberry Sauce Recipe a day or two ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it taste even better when served.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about having a homemade cranberry sauce that nicely balances tang, sweetness, and warm spices. This Classic Christmas Cranberry Sauce Recipe is easy to prepare but impresses every time with its festive flair and vibrant flavor. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—once you make it, it might just become your new holiday tradition!
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Classic Christmas Cranberry Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 2 cups
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Classic Christmas Cranberry Sauce is a simple and festive condiment made with fresh cranberries, orange juice, and warm spices. Perfectly balanced with sweet and tart flavors, it’s an easy-to-make sauce ideal for holiday meals, especially with turkey.
Ingredients
Liquid Ingredients
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup orange juice
Fresh Produce
- 12 oz fresh cranberries, rinsed and picked over
- 1 strip orange peel
Spices and Sweeteners
- 1 cinnamon stick
- small pinch salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Combine liquids and sugar: In a large saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, orange juice, and water, mixing well to start dissolving the sugar.
- Heat and dissolve sugar: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir frequently until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
- Add cranberries and spices: Add the fresh cranberries, a pinch of salt, the cinnamon stick, and the orange peel strip to the saucepan.
- Distribute ingredients: Stir gently to evenly distribute the cranberries and spices within the liquid.
- Simmer the mixture: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring often to prevent sticking or burning.
- Cook until cranberries pop: Continue cooking for about 10 minutes, until most of the cranberries have burst and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Cool the sauce: Remove the pan from heat and let the cranberry sauce cool in the saucepan for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the sauce to set.
- Refrigerate: Transfer the cooled cranberry sauce to a covered container and refrigerate until ready to serve, ideally a few hours or overnight.
Notes
- The sauce thickens further as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems slightly thin while hot.
- Removing the cinnamon stick and orange peel before serving improves texture and eating experience.
- This sauce can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- For variation, you can add a splash of brandy or sprinkle some grated ginger for extra flavor.
