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A bowl of homemade cranberry sauce, ready to serve

Best way to grow 3 Delicious Cranberry Sauce Recipes

This recipe provides three delicious variations of cranberry sauce, perfect for any occasion. Each version offers a unique flavor profile, from classic and tangy to spiced and sweet, ensuring a crowd-pleasing accompaniment to your meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Classic Cranberry Sauce
  • 3 cups fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water or orange juice
Spiced Cranberry Sauce
  • 3 cups fresh cranberries
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
  • 1 cup water
Sweet & Tangy Cranberry Sauce
  • 3 cups fresh cranberries
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water
Optional Add-ins
  • 1 tablespoon orange liqueur (e.g., Grand Marnier) for Classic Cranberry Sauce
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for Spiced Cranberry Sauce
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated for Sweet & Tangy Cranberry Sauce

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Spatula or spoon

Method
 

Classic Cranberry Sauce
  1. Combine cranberries, sugar, and water/orange juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves.
  2. Bring to a simmer, then cook for 10-15 minutes, or until cranberries burst and sauce thickens. Mash some cranberries for a smoother consistency if desired.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in orange liqueur if using. Let cool completely before serving.
Spiced Cranberry Sauce
  1. Combine cranberries, brown sugar, orange zest, cinnamon stick, whole cloves, and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves.
  2. Bring to a simmer, then cook for 15-20 minutes, or until cranberries burst and sauce thickens. Remove the cinnamon stick and cloves before serving.
  3. Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts if using. Let cool completely before serving.
Sweet & Tangy Cranberry Sauce
  1. Combine cranberries, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir to combine.
  2. Bring to a simmer, then cook for 10-15 minutes, or until cranberries burst and sauce thickens. Mash some cranberries for a smoother consistency if desired.
  3. Stir in grated fresh ginger if using. Let cool completely before serving.

Notes

For best results, make the cranberry sauce at least a few hours ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.