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Bowl of glossy cranberry sauce with visible whole cranberries, styled simply in bright natural light.

Cranberry Sauce

Fresh cranberries simmered with sugar and water or orange juice into a glossy, sweet-tart sauce. Ready in 15 minutes and easy to make ahead.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries 1 bag
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • ½ cup water or orange juice
  • pinch salt

Method
 

  1. Rinse the cranberries and discard any that are soft or shriveled.
  2. Combine the cranberries, sugar, water and salt in a medium saucepan.
  3. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
  4. Reduce the heat and simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the berries have popped and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  5. Remove from the heat and cool completely. The sauce thickens as it cools.

Notes

  • Use ½ cup of sugar for a tarter sauce.
  • Stir in 1 teaspoon of orange zest at the end for a citrus note.
  • Replace half of the sugar with maple syrup for a deeper flavor.