Ultimate Cranberry Sauce

The holidays wouldn’t be complete without cranberry sauce. What I like so much about this version, is that you can take one recipe and create two distinct sauces without much fuss. The versatility doesn’t stop there…your options for leftover cranberry sauce are endless. Use it as is to top ice cream, toast, pancakes or baked brie, or puree and add to bbq sauce, fruit smoothies or lemonade. You will be impressing your family for days to come! Don’t forget the Buttermilk Herb Brined Turkey and Creamy Mashed Potatoes + Endless Variations!

Tips for this recipe

  • This can definitely be made a couple of days in advance to save you some time. 
  • Make it both ways or split the recipe and make half of each.
  • Use any leftover sauce to top ice cream, toast, pancakes or baked brie, or puree and add to bbq sauce, fruit smoothies or lemonade. You will be impressing your family for days to come! 

More great recipes you might like

Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Parmesan – the bomb!  

Buttermilk Herb Brined Turkey – juicy and tender

Pumpkin Cheesecake with Pecan Crust – the best of pumpkin pie and cheesecake in one!!

Ultimate Cranberry Sauce

Monica
Both versions of this cranberry sauce are fantastic! The addition of red wine gives a distinctively different flavor that is really sophisticated. Consider making it both ways or even splitting the recipe and making half of each.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Holiday

Ingredients
  

Base recipe:

  • 16 oz cranberries rinsed (approximately 4 cups)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 oranges juiced to equal 3/4 cup (supplement with orange juice or water if needed)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon zest more for garnish if desired
  • teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • pinch of salt

Red Wine Variation:

  • omit 1/4 cup water
  • add 1/4 port or red wine of your choice

Instructions
 

  • Combine sugar, orange juice, water, orange zest, cinnamon and a pinch of salt in a medium sauce pan over medium heat.
    1 cup sugar, 2 oranges, 1/4 cup water,1 teaspoon zest, pinch of salt,⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Add cranberries and bring to a low boil.
    16 oz cranberries
  • Reduce heat to medium low for 10-15 minutes stirring frequently until cranberries pop open.
  • Remove from heat and allow to cool. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • Garnish with additional orange zest if desired.

This can definitely be made a couple of days in advance to save you some time.