This easy, homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe is WAY BETTER than store-bought and is perfect for Thanksgiving dinner. Plus, it can be made ahead of time!
I’m not sure why it took me so long in life to discover how much I love cranberry sauce! I think my younger self was turned off by the canned, wobbly jelly version that is cut into slices and never tried it.
But now I love cranberry sauce and this homemade cranberry sauce recipe is the best!
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Where is the cranberry sauce recipe? In this post, I will share step-by-step instructions with photos for how to make the homemade cranberry sauce, as well as answering FAQs about the recipe and sharing a video. But you can go directly to the recipe by scrolling down to the bottom of the post.
How To Make This Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Step One: Ingredients
Homemade cranberry sauce is super easy to make! It only has 5 ingredients, including water. Put the first three ingredients in a saucepan.
Step Two: Boil
Stir and cook over medium heat. The cranberries will start to burst and break down.
Boil for 10-15 minutes until most of the cranberries have bust.
Step Three: Cornstarch
Stir the cornstarch into the cold water and add to the cranberry sauce stirring constantly.
Cook and stir for a few minutes until thickened.
Step Four: Cool
Remove from heat and allow the cranberry sauce to cool.
Cranberry Sauce Recipe FAQs
1. Can I substitute the orange juice with another kind of juice?
Yes, try cranberry juice, cran-raspberry juice, or pineapple juice.
2. Why add the cornstarch/water mixture? Can I make it without it? I like adding the cornstarch/water mixture because it helps thicken the cranberry sauce. Yes, you can skip it but the sauce with be thinner.
3. Can I use frozen cranberries to make this cranberry sauce recipe? Yes, both fresh and frozen cranberries work.
4. Does it work to freeze cranberry sauce? Yes, it can be frozen in an airtight container for up to two months.
How To Use Leftover Cranberry Sauce
This Cranberry Pecan Pretzel Salad recipe with cranberry sauce, sugared pecans and pretzels is perfect for holiday dinners from Thanksgiving to Christmas.
Cranberry Baked Brie from Averie Cooks is EASY, 15-minute appetizer that’s filled AND topped with richly spiced orange-scented cranberry sauce!!
A crave-worthy Turkey Cranberry Sandwich recipe is easy to make for a quick lunch or for a party and is a great way to use leftover cranberry sauce.
Cranberry Shortbread Bars from Life Made Sweeter make a delicious treat for the holidays and are the perfect way to use up any leftover cranberry sauce.
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This Easy Pecan Pie without corn syrup is hands-down our FAVORITE PIE EVER and a must at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Includes tips for pecan pie problems!
Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 oz cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoon cold water
- 2 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Put cranberries, sugar, and orange juice in a sauce pan. Stir and cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until most of the cranberries have burst.
- In a small bowl, mix together the cold water and cornstarch. Add the mixture to the cranberry sauce while stirring. Stir and cook for 20-30 seconds, until thickened.
- Remove from heat, cool, and store in the fridge in an airtight container.
Rhonda Bunn says
I agree, I am not sure why I thought I didnt like cranberry sauce!!! Surprise! I do!