Brandied Cranberry Sauce
A sweet-tart cranberry sauce infused with brandy, perfect for holiday gatherings or festive occasions, offering vibrant flavors and a smooth, luscious texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour the fresh, cleaned cranberries into a shallow 9 x 13-inch pan in a single layer.
- Sprinkle 2 cups sugar over the berries; do not stir.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
- Cool to room temperature.
- Uncover and pour the brandy or cognac over the berries.
- Sprinkle an additional 1/2 cup sugar over all and stir well.
- Eliminate 1/2 cup sugar if you prefer it tart.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use fresh cranberries and avoid any that are shriveled or soft. If you want a less sweet sauce, reduce the sugar to 1.5 cups. You can substitute the brandy with orange juice or a non-alcoholic alternative if desired. For an interesting twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
Serving Suggestions
This brandied cranberry sauce is perfect for holiday gatherings and pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or ham. Serve it alongside dishes like Green Tomato Goulash for a delightful contrast. For a festive drink pairing, consider serving it with Tropical Garden Punch. It also makes a great topping for desserts like cheesecake or yogurt.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It can also be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brandied Cranberry Sauce contains roughly 190 calories, with 3g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cranberry sauce in advance?
Yes, this sauce can be made several days ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes better after the flavors have melded together. Just make sure to store it properly in the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
Is it possible to make this sauce without alcohol?
Absolutely! You can omit the brandy or cognac and replace it with orange juice or apple cider for a non-alcoholic version that still packs a flavorful punch. This maintains the sauce's sweetness while giving it a nice citrusy note.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
You can easily adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of sugar added. Start with 1.5 cups if you prefer a tart flavor, and taste it before adding more. Remember that the natural sweetness of the cranberries will also become more pronounced once cooked.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).