Speedy Cranberry Sauce
A vibrant, tangy cranberry sauce with sweet apples, perfect as a holiday side or a versatile condiment to complement poultry and roasted dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, cranberries, and chopped apples.
- Bring to a rapid boil and cook until the skins of the berries pop open, about 5 minutes.
- Let the cranberry sauce cool.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of orange juice to enhance the flavor. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the sugar slightly or use honey as a substitute. You can also mix in some nuts for added texture. If you're making it ahead of time, consider using frozen cranberries as they work just as well as fresh.
Serving Suggestions
This speedy cranberry sauce is a fantastic accompaniment to turkey or pork, and it pairs beautifully with W.W. Ii 'Ham' Lunch. Serve it alongside mashed potatoes and stuffing for a classic holiday meal. It can also be used as a topping for desserts like cheesecake or yogurt for a delightful twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It can also be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Speedy Cranberry Sauce contains roughly 356 calories, with 2g protein, 94g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (65% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 8g 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, you can use frozen cranberries in this recipe. Just make sure to rinse them thoroughly and don't thaw them before cooking. They will release more juice and cook down similarly to fresh cranberries.
How can I make this cranberry sauce less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, try cutting the sugar by one-third and adding a bit of lemon juice for tartness. You can also add more chopped apples to balance the flavors without increasing the sugar content.
How long does it take for the sauce to cool?
After cooking, allow the cranberry sauce to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes before transferring it to the refrigerator. It will thicken further as it cools, making it easier to serve later.
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).