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10-Minute Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Bright, tangy homemade cranberry sauce made with fresh cranberries, orange juice and a little zest. Just 4 simple ingredients and 10 minutes on the stove.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Cool (optional) 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings (about 2 cups)
Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries rinsed
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tsp orange zest
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 cinnamon stick optional

Instructions
 

  • Add the sugar, orange juice and water to a medium saucepan. Stir over medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves.
  • Add the cranberries, salt and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer.
  • Simmer for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring often, until most of the berries pop and the sauce thickens. Gently mash some berries with the back of a spoon if you like it smoother.
  • Take off the heat, remove the cinnamon stick and stir in the orange zest. The sauce thickens more as it cools. Serve warm, at room temperature or chilled.

Notes

Make ahead: Make up to 1 week ahead and refrigerate in a covered jar.
Storage: Refrigerate up to 10 days or freeze up to 3 months.
Reheat: Serve cold or warm gently on the stove with a splash of water.
Variations: Swap the orange juice for apple cider, add a splash of maple syrup, a pinch of ground ginger, or 1/2 cup chopped pecans after cooking.
Keyword cranberry sauce with orange juice, easy cranberry sauce, homemade cranberry sauce, thanksgiving cranberry sauce