Homemade Classic Cranberry Sauce

Follow us on PinterestFollow

This Homemade Classic Cranberry Sauce is made with just 3 ingredients. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and tart, and it pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, or even as a topping for breakfast dishes like pancakes or yogurt.

photo of the finished Classic Cranberry Sauce

WANT TO SAVE THIS FOR LATER?

We'll email it to you - along with our free printable party planner!

Made with just sugar, water, and fresh cranberries, you can make a sauce that tastes fresh and homemade. It only takes a few minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes to cook.

You can try this with leftover turkey sliders or cranberry turkey stuffing balls.

How to Make Cranberry Sauce

Ingredients you’ll need for this recipe
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 12 oz (4 cups) fresh cranberries

cranberry sauce ingredients

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Add the sugar and water to a medium saucepan and heat over medium-high heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves.

cranberry sauce process photo

2. Add the cranberries and bring the mixture to a boil.

cranberry sauce process photo

3. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, until the cranberries burst.

cranberry sauce process photo

4. Transfer the cranberry sauce into a heat-safe serving dish or bowl. Let it come to room temperature before serving, or chill in the fridge for later.

Serve and Enjoy!

photo of the finished Cranberry Sauce

Important Recipe Notes

  • Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and color. Frozen cranberries can work, but may yield a softer texture.
  • Adjust sweetness to your taste—add a little more sugar for a sweeter sauce or less for a tart version.
  • Simmer gently to avoid burning the sugar. The cranberries should burst naturally as they cook.
  • This sauce can be prepared 1–2 days in advance and stored in the fridge in an airtight container.
  • Serve at room temperature or chilled. It pairs well with turkey, ham, sliders, or stuffing balls.
  • Keep refrigerated for up to one week.

Homemade Classic Cranberry Sauce

This classic cranberry sauce is sweet, tart, and easy to make with fresh cranberries. It’s perfect for adding a pop of color and flavor to any holiday meal.
Print Recipe
photo of the finished Classic Cranberry Sauce
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Chilling Time:1 hour
Total Time:1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 12 oz 4 cups fresh cranberries

Instructions

  • Add the sugar and water to a medium saucepan and heat over medium-high heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves.
  • Add the cranberries and bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, until the cranberries burst.
  • Transfer the cranberry sauce into a heat-safe serving dish or bowl. Let it come to room temperature before serving, or chill in the fridge for later.
Servings: 8
Calories: 70kcal
Author: carlycampbell

Check Out More Cranberry Recipe Ideas!

Follow us on PinterestFollow

Similar Posts