Prepare cranberry sauce months ahead of time and keep it in the freezer. Simply thaw and serve on the big day!
This easy Cranberry Sauce recipe needs just 4 ingredients and takes just minute of simmering. The flavor is so much better than canned or jarred!
![Cranberry Sauce (★★★★★) – Cranberry Sauce (★★★★★) –](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Quick-Citrus-Cranberry-Sauce-SpendWithPennies-7.jpg)
Homemade cranberry sauce is sweet and tart and tastes so much better than a can!
- It’s super easy to make. No prep is needed.
- It can be made as a whole berry sauce or smooth.
- Use fresh or frozen berries.
- It can be made months ahead and frozen.
Once you make it homemade, I guarantee you’ll never buy canned cranberry sauce again (unless you’re using it to make cocktail meatballs).
![Homemade cranberry sauce adds a deliciously fresh touch to your Thanksgiving spread and truly elevates the meal. It pairs perfectly with turkey and other holiday dishes, blending sweet and tart flavors that complement every bite. The best part is how easy it is to make—just 15 minutes and you have a flavorful, homemade cranberry sauce ready to go. With this simple recipe, you’ll have a standout dish that everyone will love at your holiday feast. #spendwithpennies Cranberry Sauce uncooked in pot](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/SpendWithPennies-Cranberry-Sauce-21.jpg)
Ingredients for Cranberry Sauce
- Cranberries – Use either fresh or frozen cranberries—taste is exactly the same in this recipe. If using frozen, there is no need to thaw first.
- Sugar – Cranberries are very tart, so sugar is needed to balance the flavor. White sugar or brown sugar work. You can also make this cranberry sauce recipe with a sugar replacement or maple syrup.
- Cinnamon – A cinnamon stick adds just a touch of flavor. If you don’t have one, add a small pinch of ground cinnamon or apple pie spice!
- Liquid – A bit of water is needed to cook the cranberries. Replace water with orange juice or apple juice.
![Homemade cranberry sauce is a must for Thanksgiving, adding a fresh burst of flavor that makes all the difference. It pairs perfectly with turkey, stuffing, and all your holiday sides, giving a sweet and tangy twist to the meal. The best part is that it's so simple to make—ready in just 15 minutes! With minimal effort, you’ll have a delicious cranberry sauce that takes your festive feast to the next level and is sure to impress your guests. #spendwithpennies close up of Quick Citrus Cranberry Sauce](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Quick-Citrus-Cranberry-Sauce-SpendWithPennies-1.jpg)
Variations
- Juices – Replace the water with orange juice, pineapple or apple juice.
- Zest – Stir in some lemon or orange zest or orange peel for some extra flavor.
- Fruit – Add chopped apples, pears, a slice of ginger, or even chopped pecans.
- Spices – Play with the spices and add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice.
- Boozy – Substitute a tablespoon or so of the o.j. with something boozy, a splash of Grand Marnier, a dash of rum, or a bit of brandy.
![Simple yet elegant, this homemade cranberry sauce is a must-have at any Thanksgiving or holiday meal. It's one of our favorite sides, adding a burst of fresh, tangy flavor that perfectly complements turkey, stuffing, and more. With just a few basic ingredients and only 15 minutes, this cranberry sauce comes together effortlessly, making it a quick and delicious addition to your holiday feast. It's the perfect finishing touch to any festive table! #spendwithpennies plated Quick Citrus Cranberry Sauce with cranberries and cinnamon sticks](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Quick-Citrus-Cranberry-Sauce-SpendWithPennies-3.jpg)
Recipe Notes
- Water produces a more traditional flavor, while orange juice makes it more zesty.
- This cranberry sauce recipe will thicken as it cools.
- This is a whole berry cranberry sauce; for a smooth sauce, place the warm mixture into a mesh strainer and press it with a spatula to strain it into a bowl.
How to Freeze Cranberry Sauce
Stock up on cranberries when they’re on sale and add them to sour cream cranberry bars to cranberry trifle, or even toss them into smoothies.
- Freeze whole cranberries: Fresh cranberries can be stored for up to 4 weeks in the refrigerator. They can be frozen for up to a year and used right from frozen in this recipe.
- Freeze the sauce: Prep the cranberry sauce up to 3 months ahead of time and freeze. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
![This homemade cranberry sauce is simple, elegant, and a holiday favorite. It's the perfect side for Thanksgiving or any festive meal, offering a fresh, tangy flavor that complements turkey and other holiday dishes. With just a few basic ingredients and only 15 minutes of cooking time, this cranberry sauce is easy to prepare and adds a burst of brightness to your holiday spread. It's a quick, delicious dish that completes any festive table! #spendwithpennies bowl of Quick Citrus Cranberry Sauce with cranberries on a plate](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Quick-Citrus-Cranberry-Sauce-SpendWithPennies-8.jpg)
Did your family love this homemade Cranberry Sauce? Leave a rating and a comment below!
![white bowl with Quick Citrus Cranberry Sauce and a spoon with cranberries around the bowl](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Quick-Citrus-Cranberry-Sauce-SpendWithPennies-7-220x220.jpg)
Cranberry Sauce
Nothing says ‘holidays’ quite like the tangy flavor of a fresh, homemade cranberry sauce!
Prevent your screen from going dark
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In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, water, and the cinnamon stick.
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Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10 to 12 minutes uncovered.
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Remove the cinnamon stick and discard. Cool to room temperature and refrigerate until chilled. Serve chilled or room temperature.
Water produces a more traditional flavor, while orange juice makes it zestier.
The cranberry sauce will thicken as it cools.
This is a whole berry sauce, for a smooth texture, place the warm sauce into a mesh strainer and strain it into a bowl pressing the cranberries to remove as much juice as possible.
Make this sauce weeks (or months) ahead of time and freeze. Thaw overnight and serve for the big day.
Calories: 131 | Carbohydrates: 33g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 98mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 90IU | Vitamin C: 21.1mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 0.2mg
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
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![Homemade cranberry sauce brings a special flavor to your Thanksgiving table and makes all the difference. It’s the perfect complement to turkey and other holiday favorites, adding a touch of sweetness and tartness to every bite. The best part? This easy recipe is ready in just 15 minutes, so you can have a delicious, fresh cranberry sauce to serve alongside your meal without much effort! It’s a must-have for any holiday feast. #spendwithpennies plated Quick Citrus Cranberry Sauce with a spoon and close up photo with a title](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/LP-Quick-Citrus-Cranberry-Sauce-SpendWithPennies-.jpg)
![Homemade cranberry sauce adds a deliciously fresh touch to your Thanksgiving spread and truly elevates the meal. It pairs perfectly with turkey and other holiday dishes, blending sweet and tart flavors that complement every bite. The best part is how easy it is to make—just 15 minutes and you have a flavorful, homemade cranberry sauce ready to go. With this simple recipe, you’ll have a standout dish that everyone will love at your holiday feast. #spendwithpennies close up of a bowl of Quick Citrus Cranberry Sauce with a title](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/NP-Quick-Citrus-Cranberry-Sauce-SpendWithPennies-.jpg)
![Simple yet elegant, this homemade cranberry sauce is a must-have at any Thanksgiving or holiday meal. It's one of our favorite sides, adding a burst of fresh, tangy flavor that perfectly complements turkey, stuffing, and more. With just a few basic ingredients and only 15 minutes, this cranberry sauce comes together effortlessly, making it a quick and delicious addition to your holiday feast. It's the perfect finishing touch to any festive table! #spendwithpennies easy to make Quick Citrus Cranberry Sauce with writing](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/SP-Quick-Citrus-Cranberry-Sauce-2-SpendWithPennies-2.jpg)
![This homemade cranberry sauce is simple, elegant, and a holiday favorite. It's the perfect side for Thanksgiving or any festive meal, offering a fresh, tangy flavor that complements turkey and other holiday dishes. With just a few basic ingredients and only 15 minutes of cooking time, this cranberry sauce is easy to prepare and adds a burst of brightness to your holiday spread. It's a quick, delicious dish that completes any festive table! #spendwithpennies close up of Quick Citrus Cranberry Sauce with a title](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/SP-Quick-Citrus-Cranberry-Sauce-2-SpendWithPennies-3.jpg)