Easy Cranberry Sauce
A vibrant, sweet-tart cranberry sauce with crunchy walnuts and fresh apples, perfect for holiday tables or festive gatherings that enjoy a burst of seasonal flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the canned cranberry sauces, chopped apples, orange peel, chopped celery, and chopped walnuts in a bowl.
- Chill the mixture for 2 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting pecans for the walnuts, or use dried cranberries for a different texture. If fresh apples are unavailable, canned or unsweetened applesauce can be used. Ensure to mix the ingredients well to combine flavors, and for a zestier taste, experiment with a splash of orange juice, reminiscent of an Orange Juice Spritzer.
Serving Suggestions
This cranberry sauce pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or ham, making it a perfect side for holiday meals. Serve it alongside your favorite stuffing or even as a topping for cream cheese on crackers for a delightful appetizer. It also complements dishes like Seven Day Pickles, enhancing your festive table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors will deepen over time. To serve, simply give it a good stir before using. If you prefer it warm, gently heat in the microwave for a few seconds, being careful not to overheat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Cranberry Sauce contains roughly 575 calories, with 11g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (306% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (91% of the Daily Value), and calcium (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. It also contributes 25g 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 use fresh cranberries instead of canned?
While this recipe specifically calls for canned whole berry cranberry sauce, you can make a fresh version by cooking fresh cranberries with sugar and water until they burst. However, the texture and flavor will differ from the original recipe.
How can I make this sauce sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter cranberry sauce, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the mixture after combining the ingredients. Taste and adjust the sweetness according to your preference.
Is this cranberry sauce vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as it contains no animal products. It’s a great option for those seeking vegan recipes to include in their holiday feasts.
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).