Fresh cranberry sauce is a must-have for so many meals, especially during the holidays. Forget the can this year! Making your own homemade cranberry sauce is simple, and I promise you will love the vibrant flavors.
I’m sharing three of my favorite cranberry sauce recipes today. Each one brings something special to your table, whether you like a little spice, a fruity sweetness, or a bright citrus note. You can easily make these ahead of time!
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Zesty Cranberry Ginger Sauce Recipe
This cranberry ginger sauce recipe adds a lovely warmth and zing to your plate. It’s a fantastic choice if you enjoy a touch of spice with your sweet.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Ginger Cranberry Sauce
- Fresh Ginger: Use freshly grated ginger for the best bright and warming flavor. A little goes a long way.
- Orange Zest: Adding orange zest brightens the whole sauce and brings out the citrus notes from the cranberries.
What You Need
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
⏱️ Time: 25 Minutes🍽️ Yields: 6 Servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Simmer Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, water, and grated fresh ginger. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
Step 2: Cook and Cool
Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until most of the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened. Stir in the orange zest. Remove from heat and let it cool completely; it will thicken more as it cools.
📝 Final Note
This cranberry ginger sauce is wonderful served warm with turkey or chilled as a topping for yogurt or ice cream.
Sweet Cranberry Pineapple Sauce Recipe
Add a sunny, sweet touch to your meal with this cranberry pineapple sauce. The pineapple offers a lovely sweetness that balances the tart cranberries perfectly.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Pineapple Cranberry Sauce
- Crushed Pineapple: Using canned crushed pineapple makes this recipe super easy. You can drain it or include a little juice for extra flavor.
- Brown Sugar: A bit of brown sugar helps bring a deeper, caramel-like sweetness that complements the pineapple well.
What You Need
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained
⏱️ Time: 30 Minutes🍽️ Yields: 8 Servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Cook Cranberries and Sugars
In a saucepan, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the cranberries begin to pop.
Step 2: Add Pineapple and Thicken
Stir in the crushed pineapple with its juice. Continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, letting the sauce thicken. It will become even thicker as it cools. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
📝 Final Note
This pineapple cranberry sauce pairs wonderfully with poultry or ham, and makes a great addition to a brunch spread.
Bright Cranberry Sauce With Orange Marmalade Recipe
For a sophisticated and deeply flavorful option, try this cranberry sauce with orange marmalade. It’s wonderfully bright and has a rich citrus depth.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Orange Marmalade Cranberry Sauce
- Good Quality Orange Marmalade: The marmalade is key here, so choose one you really like. It adds a lovely bitterness and texture.
- A Touch of Orange Juice: A splash of fresh orange juice helps to tie all the citrus flavors together and adds moisture.
What You Need
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup orange marmalade
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
⏱️ Time: 35 Minutes🍽️ Yields: 8 Servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Cook Cranberries and Sugar
In a saucepan, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring gently, until the sugar dissolves and the cranberries start to burst open.
Step 2: Stir in Marmalade and Finish
Once the cranberries have mostly burst, stir in the orange marmalade and fresh orange juice. Continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired thickness. Remove from heat and let it cool.
📝 Final Note
This cranberry sauce holds up well in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time.