Description
This homemade cranberry sauce is a simple and delicious accompaniment perfect for holiday meals or everyday dinners. Made from fresh cranberries, a mix of sugars, water, and orange juice, it delivers a balanced sweet-tart flavor and a luscious texture. The sauce is easy to prepare on the stovetop and can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it a versatile staple for your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup sugar
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar, tightly packed
- ⅓ cup water
- ⅔ cup orange juice
- 12 oz fresh cranberries, rinsed and picked through (remove bad/bruised berries)
Instructions
- Combine Sugars and Liquids: In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, water, and orange juice. Stir occasionally until both sugars have completely dissolved and the mixture comes to a boil.
- Add Cranberries: Pour in the cranberries and return the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Cranberries: Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the cranberries for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice most of the berries burst and the sauce slightly reduces. Be cautious of splatter during this step. The longer the cranberries cook, the thicker the sauce will become; it also thickens more as it cools.
- Cool the Sauce: Transfer the hot cranberry mixture to a bowl and allow it to cool at room temperature for at least 20 minutes.
- Refrigerate Before Serving: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the cranberry sauce for a minimum of 2 hours before serving to let the flavors meld and the texture set.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, simmer the cranberries longer, but keep an eye on the liquid level to avoid burning.
- The sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and texture.
- If orange juice is unavailable, substitute with water or apple juice, though the flavor will be less citrusy.
- Stir gently to prevent splattering hot juice when cooking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
