Homemade Cranberry Sauce

When I was growing up, I was confidently not a fan of cranberry sauce and skipped it at every holiday meal. That is, until trying homemade cranberry sauce!

Ever since that first taste, I knew making cranberry sauce from scratch is the way to go. I've been making cranberry sauce at home for years now, and in my experience, this cranberry sauce with orange juice is the best around. Give it a try with your next holiday meal, and I promise you'll never turn back.

cranberry sauce in a white bowl with a white and gold spoon taking a spoonful

Cranberry Sauce Recipe Ingredients

Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar both work in this cranberry sauce recipe and complement the flavor very well. You can also use white sugar, if it's what you have on hand.
Fresh Orange Juice: For a cranberry sauce using orange juice, I recommend you use fresh juice. But, I know not everyone has access to the best fresh oranges, so if you need to use bottled juice - you can!
Orange Zest: Fresh orange zest not only adds that delicious citrusy kick to the cranberry sauce, it also looks so pretty grated on top.
Fresh Cranberries: Frozen cranberries work, too. They're easy to defrost and can be used in this recipe just like fresh cranberries. That's how I make this tasty orange cranberry sauce recipe when the store is sold out of fresh! You can also use dried cranberries. See the FAQ section below for instructions.
Salt: I recommend using kosher salt or a sprinkle of sea salt flakes. You only need a little bit to balance out the sweetness. You can also leave it out completely, if you prefer.
Water

cranberry sauce ingredients measured out

How to Prepare Cranberry Sauce

In a medium saucepan, skillet, or pot over medium-high heat, bring orange juice, water, and sugar to a boil.
Once boiling, stir in cranberries, orange zest, and salt, and return to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until most of the cranberries burst open (you may need to use a spoon to mash them a bit).
Once cranberries are mushed, transfer them to a serving bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Remove from the fridge and let the cranberries come to room temperature before serving. Enjoy!

Cranberry Sauce Made with Orange Juice Tips

You can use fresh or frozen cranberries, but make sure to defrost frozen cranberries first. Just leave them in the refrigerator overnight to thaw out.
You can make sugar-free cranberry sauce by substituting brown sugar for a sugar replacement like Splenda.
Mash the cranberries to your preferred texture. Sometimes, I like to leave more of the berries whole for the bursting texture and beautiful presentation.

Fresh Cranberry Sauce Variations

Add a tiny amount of vanilla extract for a subtle vanilla flavor.
Try adding your favorite Fall spices, like a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice.
For a little extra sweetness, you can add a Tablespoon of honey or maple syrup. I love to use local honey to add flavor to my cranberry sauce!

Can you make cranberry sauce ahead of time?

Homemade cranberry sauce can easily be made up to 1 week before serving! For the best results, make sure to thoroughly chill the sauce before serving, so it has time to set.

Preparing cranberry sauce the day before serving gives it plenty of time to chill, and saves you time on the day itself.

Freezing and Storing Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Or, freeze the cranberry sauce for up to 6 months! Thaw in the refrigerator overnight when ready to use. Make sure to label it with the freezing date.

Cranberry Sauce with Orange Juice FAQ

Can you use frozen cranberries?

You can use frozen cranberries to make fresh cranberry sauce! Just allow them to thaw first. The easiest way to do this is to add them to the refrigerator overnight so they thaw on their own. However, you can also add them to a bowl of ice cold water, replacing the water every 30 minutes until the cranberries thaw out. Do not add them to warm water.

Can you use dried cranberries to make cranberry sauce?

You can use dried cranberries, such as Craisins, although the flavor and texture will turn out differently than fresh. Use about 2 cups of dried cranberries to replace the fresh cranberries used in this recipe. Additionally, you will want to add ¾ cup cranberry juice. Cook according to recipe instructions (no alterations needed).

How large is a serving size for homemade cranberry sauce?

Expect to have about 6 servings at a little over ⅓ cup serving size. If you need to feed more people, double the batch. Cranberry sauce stores well, so you don't have to worry about leftovers.

Can I use store-bought orange juice to make cranberry sauce?

To put it simply: yes! Living in Florida, I have the privilege of being surrounded by amazing fresh oranges every year... but I know that isn't the case for everyone! If the oranges available to you just aren't cutting it for flavor, feel free to use store-bought orange juice.

How do you know when cranberry sauce is done?

Cranberry sauce is done cooking when most of the berries have burst or split open. This usually takes about 10 minutes over medium heat. You can leave some of the berries whole for texture, or mash them all according to your preference.

Thanksgiving Sides

Check out my best turkey recipes - don't forget the Homemade Turkey Gravy! And, try my Candied Yams and Easy Creamed Spinach next!

Cooked Cranberry Sauce

Fresh cooked cranberry sauce gets better the longer you leave it to sit in the refrigerator. So, make it a few days before your big holiday meal, and enjoy the most flavorful cranberry and orange juice sauce ever! Let me know what you think in the comments below and with a rating. I love to hear from you!