I’ve honestly always been just “meh” about cranberry sauce. While it’s a staple as a Thanksgiving side, I always find that I take a small spoonful out of obligation rather than for its deliciousness. UNTIL NOW. This fresh homemade cranberry sauce recipe is different. I find many other recipes lacking in complex flavor, making it just kind of sweet and tart and “meh.” THIS cranberry sauce recipe uses cinnamon for spice, orange juice for added bright flavor and sweetness, brown sugar instead of white for a rich, molasses-like taste, and a pinch of salt to help balance everything out! A little fresh orange zest is an optional but colorful and flavorful addition. You’re going to have a hard time not piling this high on your Thanksgiving plate, or spreading a generous amount on a dinner roll with butter. It’s like jam, but SO much easier to make!
How to make homemade cranberry sauce
To make cranberry sauce from fresh cranberries, all you do is simmer them in some liquid with sugar for about 10 minutes! Here’s how to make this spiced orange version. That’s it! If you want, you can add some fresh orange zest when you add the cranberries, but it’s optional. I also like to garnish the cooled sauce with some pretty zest strips if I’m feeling fancy (you can use a special zester to make them).
How to make-ahead and store cranberry sauce
The other wonderful thing about making homemade cranberry sauce is it’s easy to make ahead of time! It’s served cool or at room temperature, so you can just pull it out of the fridge before dinner and free up some stovetop space for other important Thanksgiving side recipes.
You can freeze fresh cranberry sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Make sure to pull it out of the freezer 24-48 hours before serving, so it can defrost completely, and give it a little stir before serving. Or, you can store it in your refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 10-15 days.
Ways to use leftover cranberry sauce
Homemade cranberry sauce is a delicious addition to your Thanksgiving plate, piled high with turkey, green beans, mashed potatoes, and gravy. You can also use the leftovers as you would jam, spread on toast in the morning, or as an addition to a leftover turkey sandwich. I also love the idea of using cranberry sauce in holiday appetizers, such as spread on top of a block of cream cheese and served with crackers, or in a Baked Brie en Croûte (Baked Brie in puff pastry). Spread it on top of meatloaf in place of ketchup. Or add it to a smoothie, to oatmeal, or even used with meatballs (like grape jelly). Here are some more fun ideas for using leftover cranberry sauce!
Other recipes with fresh cranberries:
If you have leftover fresh cranberries, try these recipes:
Cranberry Orange Biscotti Whole Wheat Cranberry Ginger Pecan Muffins Cranberry Christmas Cake (from Barefeet in the Kitchen)
And make sure you have all your Thanksgiving Recipes set, including sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, and turkey! Did you make this spiced orange cranberry sauce recipe? Please click the stars below to comment and Rate this Recipe!
