Simple Cranberry Sauce
A vibrant, tart cranberry sauce with sweet and tangy flavors, perfect as a classic holiday condiment or accompaniment for poultry and festive meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring water, sugar, and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
- Stir in cranberries and return to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium and simmer until slightly thickened and about 2/3 of the berries have popped open, about 5 minutes.
- Transfer to a bowl, cool to room temperature, and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of orange juice or zest during cooking. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the sugar by a couple of tablespoons. To reduce sugar, substitute with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Feel free to incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the taste, especially if you're serving this with a holiday meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cranberry sauce alongside roasted turkey or ham for a classic holiday meal. It also pairs beautifully with Passion Cake or as a topping for yogurt and granola. For a unique twist, try it on a toasted bagel with cream cheese, or use it as a filling in pastries or desserts.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to two months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Simple Cranberry Sauce contains roughly 195 calories, with 1g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 5g 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 frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cranberries can be used in place of fresh ones. Just ensure they are thawed and drained before adding them to the recipe. Cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the consistency.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
To adjust the sweetness, you can add more sugar or reduce it according to your taste. If you prefer a tart flavor, consider using less sugar or adding more cranberries. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance.
Is this cranberry sauce suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! This cranberry sauce is naturally vegan, containing no animal products. It’s a perfect addition to any vegan recipes and can be enjoyed by everyone during the holidays or any gathering.
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).