As the seasons change and the holidays approach, one condiment stands out as a staple for many: cranberry sauce. Whether you’re serving it alongside turkey on Thanksgiving or as a tangy accompaniment to your Christmas feast, this sweet and tart sauce is a classic. But why settle for just one recipe when you can have 20? In this article, we’ll explore the many flavors and variations of cranberry sauce that will elevate your holiday meals to the next level.
From traditional recipes like Classic Homemade Cranberry Sauce to more adventurous options like Smoky Chipotle Cranberry Sauce, there’s something on this list for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of spices, fruits, or nuts, we’ve got you covered with these delicious and easy-to-make cranberry sauce recipes. So go ahead, get creative, and find the perfect recipe to make your holiday gatherings unforgettable!
Classic Homemade Cranberry Sauce
A sweet and tangy condiment that’s a staple of many holiday meals, homemade cranberry sauce is surprisingly easy to make. This classic recipe requires just a few ingredients and some simple cooking.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz (3 cups) fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon orange zest (optional)
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the cranberries and pick out any stems or debris.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, and water.
3. If using, add the orange zest and juice.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
5. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have popped and the sauce has thickened.
6. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Orange Zest Cranberry Sauce
Elevate your holiday table with this vibrant and flavorful orange-infused cranberry sauce. The combination of tangy cranberries, sweet orange zest, and hint of spice will be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz (3 cups) fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 2 tbsp grated orange zest
– 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the cranberries and pick out any stems or debris.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and cinnamon.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the cranberries have popped and the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Remove from heat and stir in salt to taste.
5. Let the sauce cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Spiced Bourbon Cranberry Sauce
Add a sophisticated twist to your traditional cranberry sauce by infusing it with the warm spices and rich flavor of bourbon. This recipe is perfect for the holiday season, serving as a delicious accompaniment to turkey, mashed potatoes, or enjoyed on its own.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz (3 cups) fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 6 whole cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup water
Instructions:
1. Rinse cranberries and pick out any stems or debris.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, bourbon, cinnamon stick, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Add the water and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have popped and the sauce has thickened.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Maple Walnut Cranberry Sauce
This sweet and tangy sauce combines the flavors of maple syrup, toasted walnuts, and fresh cranberries to create a delicious accompaniment for your holiday meals. With its rich and fruity taste, this sauce is perfect for topping turkey, pork, or even using as a dip for crackers.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions:
1. Rinse the cranberries and pick out any stems or debris.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, maple syrup, sugar, water, orange zest, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the cranberries have popped and the sauce has thickened.
4. Stir in the chopped walnuts and cook for an additional minute.
5. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce
Elevate your holiday gatherings with this effortless slow cooker cranberry sauce recipe. With minimal preparation and no babysitting required, you’ll have a deliciously tangy condiment to complement your favorite dishes.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz (340g) fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 cup (240ml) orange juice
– 1/2 cup (120ml) granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup (60ml) water
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Rinse the cranberries and pick out any stems or debris.
2. In a slow cooker, combine the cranberries, orange juice, sugar, water, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Stir the sauce every few hours to prevent scorching.
5. When the sauce has thickened slightly and reduced by about half, it’s ready to use.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Ginger Pear Cranberry Sauce
Elevate your holiday meals with this sweet and tangy sauce that combines the warmth of ginger with the freshness of pear and cranberries. This recipe makes a perfect accompaniment to roasted meats, cheeses, or as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 ripe pear, peeled and chopped (Granny Smith or Bartlett work well)
– 2 inches fresh ginger, grated
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, pear, and ginger.
2. Add sugar, honey, apple cider vinegar, and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and let cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the cranberries have popped and the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Remove from heat and let cool before refrigerating or freezing.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Rosemary Honey Cranberry Sauce
Elevate your holiday gatherings with this unique cranberry sauce infused with the earthy flavor of rosemary and the warmth of honey. This sweet and savory condiment is perfect for topping turkey, yogurt, or crackers.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz (3 cups) fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves
– 2 tablespoons orange juice or apple cider
– 1 tablespoon sugar
Instructions:
1. Rinse the cranberries and pick out any stems or debris.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, honey, rosemary, orange juice or apple cider, and sugar.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have popped and the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Apple Cinnamon Cranberry Sauce
This recipe brings together the warmth of cinnamon, the crunch of apples, and the tartness of cranberries to create a delicious condiment perfect for the fall season.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz (3 cups) fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 large apple, peeled and chopped (such as Granny Smith)
– 2 tbsp granulated sugar
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup orange juice (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the cranberries and pick out any stems or debris.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, chopped apple, sugar, and cinnamon.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries pop and the mixture thickens, about 10-12 minutes.
4. If using orange juice, stir it in during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
5. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pomegranate Cranberry Sauce
This recipe combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of pomegranate, creating a unique and delicious sauce perfect for topping yogurt, oatmeal, or using as a glaze for meats. This sweet and tangy condiment is sure to become a new favorite!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup pomegranate juice (fresh or bottled)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Rinse the cranberries and pick out any stems or debris.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, pomegranate juice, honey, and salt.
3. Add the water and bring to a boil over high heat.
4. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the cranberries have popped and the sauce has thickened.
5. Remove from heat and let cool before refrigerating.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Balsamic Cranberry Sauce
This sweet and tangy sauce is perfect for the holiday season. With just a few ingredients and minimal cooking time, you’ll be enjoying this flavorful condiment alongside your favorite dishes in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon grated orange zest (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the cranberries and pick out any stems or debris.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, balsamic vinegar, and water.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have popped and the sauce has thickened.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the orange zest, if using.
5. Let the sauce cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Jalapeño Lime Cranberry Sauce
Elevate your holiday gatherings with this unique Jalapeño Lime Cranberry Sauce recipe, perfect for those who like a little heat. This sweet and tangy condiment is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz (3 cups) fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1/4 cup water
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the cranberries and pick out any stems or debris.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, lime juice, and jalapeño.
3. Add the water and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
4. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have popped and the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
6. Refrigerate until chilled, at least 30 minutes.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Vanilla Bean Cranberry Sauce
Elevate your holiday gatherings with this sweet and tangy vanilla bean cranberry sauce. This simple recipe adds a touch of elegance to traditional cranberry sauce, perfect for serving alongside turkey or as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz (3 cups) fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 whole vanilla bean, split lengthwise
Instructions:
1. Rinse the cranberries and pick out any stems or debris.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
3. Add the water and vanilla bean to the saucepan.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the cranberries have popped and the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Cardamom Orange Cranberry Sauce
This unique cranberry sauce combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the warmth of ground cardamom and the brightness of orange zest, perfect for topping pancakes, waffles, or using as a glaze for meats.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Rinse the cranberries and pick out any stems or debris.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, orange zest, cardamom, and salt.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the cranberries have popped and the sauce has thickened.
4. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Sauce
Transform your Thanksgiving table with this effortless slow cooker cranberry apple sauce recipe! This sweet and tangy condiment is perfect for accompanying turkey, stuffing, or as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal.
Ingredients:
– 1 bag of fresh or frozen cranberries (12 oz)
– 2-3 apples, peeled and chopped (any variety, such as Granny Smith or Gala)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons orange juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Add cranberries, chopped apples, sugar, orange juice, honey, and cinnamon to a slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Stir in salt to taste.
4. Serve warm or chilled.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
White Chocolate Cranberry Sauce
This luscious sauce combines the richness of white chocolate with the tartness of cranberries, perfect for topping yogurt, waffles, or ice cream. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have a delicious and elegant dessert topping in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
– 1 tablespoon orange juice (optional)
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the cranberries and pick out any stems or debris.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the cranberries have popped and the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate until melted and smooth.
5. Add the orange juice and cinnamon (if using) and stir to combine.
6. Let cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Peach Cranberry Sauce
Sweet and tangy, this peach cranberry sauce is perfect for topping yogurt, oatmeal, or using as a glaze for poultry or pork. It’s also a delicious addition to your holiday table.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen peaches, diced
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup orange juice
– 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the peaches, cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and orange zest.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Remove from heat and stir in salt.
5. Let cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Smoky Chipotle Cranberry Sauce
Add a smoky twist to traditional cranberry sauce with this chipotle-infused recipe. Perfect for the holidays or as a unique condiment, this sweet and spicy sauce will elevate your dishes.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz (3 cups) fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions:
1. Rinse the cranberries and pick out any stems or debris.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and water.
3. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the cranberries have popped and the sauce has thickened.
4. Stir in the minced chipotle peppers and smoked paprika.
5. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Rum Raisin Cranberry Sauce
Elevate your holiday gatherings with this unique twist on traditional cranberry sauce. This sweet and tangy condiment combines the flavors of rum, raisins, and fresh cranberries for a delightful addition to your holiday table.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz (3 cups) fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup dark rum
– 1/4 cup raisins
– 1 orange, peeled and chopped (optional)
– Water
Instructions:
1. Rinse the cranberries and pick out any stems or debris.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and water.
3. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add the dark rum and raisins to the saucepan. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon Thyme Cranberry Sauce
This refreshing cranberry sauce adds a burst of citrus and herbal flavor to your holiday gatherings. With its tangy sweetness, it’s perfect for topping yogurt, oatmeal, or using as a glaze for meats or cheeses.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz (3 cups) fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tbsp dried thyme leaves
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Rinse the cranberries and pick out any stems or debris.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, lemon juice, and thyme.
3. Add the water and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
4. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the cranberries have popped and the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Caramelized Onion Cranberry Sauce
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of caramelized onions with the tanginess of fresh cranberries, creating a unique and delicious condiment perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon water
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, cook the onions over medium-low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are deep golden brown and caramelized.
2. Add the cranberries, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and water to the skillet. Stir to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have popped and the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Let the sauce cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your holiday gatherings with these 20 delicious cranberry sauce recipes! From classic and traditional to innovative and adventurous, there’s something for every occasion. Try making a homemade cranberry sauce with a twist, such as orange zest or bourbon, or opt for a slow cooker recipe that requires minimal effort. For a sweet treat, try pairing cranberries with maple syrup, apples, or white chocolate. With these recipes, you’ll never run out of ideas to impress your guests and make the most of this festive season.
