5-Ingredient Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce is one of those classic staples that can elevate any table, especially during the holidays. Today, I’m excited to share my 5-Ingredient Cranberry Sauce Recipe, a quick and easy way to create a delicious and flavorful sauce using simple ingredients. Picture this: the burst of bright, tart cranberries combined with the sweetness from brown sugar and a hint of fresh orange. Yum, right? Making it at home not only fills your kitchen with amazing aromas but also allows you to control the sweetness and flavors to your liking.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

This recipe shines because it uses seasonal ingredients that give maximum flavor without complicated steps. Plus, you’ll be surprised at how quickly it comes together—just about 20 minutes! Imagine impressing your family and friends with a homemade sauce that complements your turkey or ham perfectly. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and let’s make this scrumptious sauce together!

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it utilizes fresh, seasonal ingredients for optimal flavor. Fresh cranberries have a brightness that canned ones just can’t match. They bring a vibrant color and tang that makes your sauce irresistible.

Next, the combination of orange juice and zest elevates the tartness of the cranberries. The orange adds a refreshing zing, which balances perfectly with the sweetness of brown sugar. Each spoonful is a delightful dance of flavors in your mouth.

Lastly, you’ll love the simple yet effective cooking technique, making this recipe easy to prepare. There’s no need for fancy kitchen gadgets or complicated methods—just a saucepan and your attention for about 20 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This 5-Ingredient Cranberry Sauce Recipe

You’ll absolutely fall in love with this 5-Ingredient Cranberry Sauce Recipe for many reasons. It strikes the perfect balance of tart and sweet, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Everyone wants to come back for seconds!

Moreover, the quick preparation time means it’s ready in just 20 minutes. That’s right; you can whip up delicious homemade cranberry sauce faster than it takes to bake frozen ones.

This sauce is also versatile. Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just as a delicious condiment for your roasted chicken, it fits seamlessly into any holiday table or everyday meal. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Ingredients

Gathering the right ingredients is simple. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 12 oz bag of cranberries, rinsed
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (about 1/2 large orange)
• 3/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

These few items create a dynamic and flavorful sauce that will impress your guests and delight your taste buds!

Preparing Perfect Cranberry Sauce

Get Your Ingredients Ready

Let’s start by getting your ingredients ready. Fresh orange juice and zest are key players in this recipe. First, zest the orange using a grater or zester—you’re going to love the aroma! After zesting, set it aside for later use.

Then, cut the orange in half to extract the juice. You’ll need about half of a large orange for 1/4 cup of juice. Fresh juice really makes a difference in flavor.

Rinse and Set Aside Cranberries

Next, rinse the cranberries under cool running water. Look them over to ensure there are no damaged ones. After rinsing, set aside 1/2 cup of cranberries. This small step will add extra texture to your sauce later on.

Combine Ingredients in Saucepan

In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining cranberries, water, fresh orange juice, and brown sugar. Place the saucepan over medium heat and watch closely until the mixture begins to simmer. Stir occasionally to help dissolve the sugar and evenly distribute the ingredients.

Simmer and Thicken the Sauce

Once you see the mixture simmering, reduce the heat to low-medium. Now, this is where the magic happens! Stir occasionally as you continue to cook. In about 15 minutes, the cranberries will burst open, releasing their juices and creating a lovely thickened sauce.

Finish Off with Zest and Vanilla

After about 15 minutes and once the cranberries have burst, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the reserved cranberries, orange zest, and vanilla extract. This addition brings even more flavor and aroma to your sauce. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, resulting in a perfect consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Now that your 5-Ingredient Cranberry Sauce is ready, it’s time to serve! You can enjoy it warm or let it cool to room temperature. This delectable sauce pairs beautifully with various holiday dishes, such as turkey and ham.

But don’t stop there! Think about using it for sandwiches or pairing it with cheese platters. The sweet and tart flavors provide a beautiful contrast, making your meal feel extra special.

Tips for Success

To ensure your cranberry sauce turns out amazing, keep these tips in mind:

• Make sure cranberries are fresh and undamaged. It’s the key to achieving the best flavor.
• If you prefer that your sauce be sweeter, feel free to adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of brown sugar used.

With these simple tips, you’ll create a fantastic sauce every time!

Variations

Looking to spice things up? Here are a few delightful variations you can try:

• For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger to the saucepan. The warmth from the spices complements the cranberries beautifully.
• Substitute half of the water with apple cider. This adds a fruity flavor that mixes well with the tartness of the cranberries.

Experimenting with these suggestions lets you make the sauce uniquely yours!

Storage Tips

If you happen to have leftovers (which I doubt!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep in mind that the sauce may thicken further as it cools, so don’t forget to stir it before serving again.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen cranberries work well and can yield similar results. Just make sure to thaw them before use.

2. How can I thicken my cranberry sauce?
If you want it thicker, try cooking the sauce a bit longer. Alternatively, you can add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water.

3. Can I make this cranberry sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This sauce stores well, making it perfect for preparing in advance.

4. Is cranberry sauce gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is gluten-free, making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

5. Can I add other fruits to the cranberry sauce?
Definitely! Chopped apples or pears can add a unique twist to the flavor profile.

In conclusion, this 5-Ingredient Cranberry Sauce is not just a recipe but a delightful addition to any meal. The simplicity of the ingredients highlights the natural tanginess of cranberries, enhanced by the bright citrus notes from the orange. Whether preparing for a festive feast or looking for a tasty condiment to accompany your meals, this sauce is your go-to solution. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature, and remember, it only gets better with a little time in the fridge!

Print