Classic Holiday Cranberry Sauce Recipe | Ready in Minutes

This is one of those traditional holiday recipes that, frankly, I used to overlook. I mean, cranberry sauce. How exciting can it truly be? It's only a side dish, right? But this recipe for Classic Holiday Cranberry Sauce has completely changed my perspective. And it's so simple that you'll wonder why you ever settled for the store-bought version.

Let's face it: show-stopping dishes like golden-brown turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and bubbling casseroles tend to overshadow the humble cranberry sauce. However, if you've ever tried homemade cranberry sauce, you'll understand the difference. This recipe will have your guests ditching canned foods for good—guaranteed.

Why Make Homemade Cranberry Sauce?

Okay, let us address the elephant in the room. Why bother making cranberry sauce when you can open a can in 10 seconds? That's a fair question. Homemade cranberry sauce is far superior to canned versions. It's fresher and more flavorful, and you can customize it to your liking. Also, it's surprisingly simple to make, and the payoff is well worth it. You'll never want to go back after making this.

Consider this: you're putting in so much effort to roast the perfect turkey, make fluffy stuffing, and make homemade mashed potatoes. Do you really want to serve cranberry sauce that forms a cylindrical blob? No judgment if that's your jam (pun intended), but if you have five minutes to spare, I guarantee this recipe will improve your holiday spread.

The Cranberry Sauce Story

So, what's the backstory behind cranberry sauce? Cranberries have been a staple of holiday feasts since the early 1600s. Cranberries were used as food, dye, and medicine by Native Americans, who also introduced European settlers to this tart little berry. Today, cranberry sauce is a staple at Thanksgiving and Christmas tables across the United States.

Cranberries are a holiday hero because of their bright, tangy flavor, which cuts through all of the richness on your plate. Turkey? Check. Gravy? Check. However, without cranberry sauce, your palate lacks the refreshing zing it seeks among all those hearty dishes. That's why having a good cranberry sauce recipe on hand is so important during the holidays.

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 oranges, zest and juice
• 1 cup dried sweetened cherries
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 ½ cups brown sugar (or more, depending on how sweet you like it)

How to Make Cranberry Sauce?

Step 1: Boil the Cranberries

Start by tossing your cranberries into a large sauce pot with water. Bring it to a boil and watch those cranberries pop open. Let them boil for about five minutes.

Step 2: Simmer It Down

Once they’ve had their time to burst open, lower the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Let everything simmer for 10 minutes as the smell waves through your kitchen.

Step 3: Sweeten the Deal

After the simmering, remove the pot from the heat and stir in your brown sugar. Don’t be alarmed if it’s still a bit bitter—cranberries need time to mellow out. Let the mixture cool down a bit.

Step 4: Zest and Juice Those Oranges

While your cranberry sauce is cooling, grab your Zulay Citrus Zester and grate the zest from two oranges directly into the pot. Then, juice those oranges with the Zulay Orange Squeezer—trust me, these tools make it effortless—and stir the juice into the cranberry mix.

Step 5: Add the Extra Goodies

Now, stir in the dried cherries and raisins. These add just the right amount of chewy sweetness to balance out the tart cranberries. Taste it to see if it needs a little more sugar. Personally, I like it on the tangier side to let the cranberries shine.

Step 6: Let It Chill

Once everything is mixed and you’ve adjusted the sweetness to your liking, let the sauce cool completely. It thickens as it cools, and that’s when the flavors really meld together. If you’re making this ahead of time, it’ll stay in the fridge for up to a week, making it a stress-free addition to your holiday menu.

Why This Cranberry Sauce Recipe Works

What's special about this cranberry sauce? It has just the right amount of flavors and textures. The oranges and cranberries add a tart flavor, and the brown sugar adds just the right sweetness to balance everything out. Spices like cinnamon and cloves make it warmer, and the dried cherries and raisins make it sweeter and chewier. It's hard and easy, which is why it works so well.

Besides, cranberry sauce is often forgotten at the holiday table, let's be honest. Not this one, though. This one is brave enough to go with rich turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and all the other heavy holiday sides. The sour taste is what makes you want more.

Cranberry Sauce Variations to Try

• Spiced Rum Cranberry Sauce

Swap out the water for spiced rum to add a boozy, warm kick. It’s a fun twist that’ll have everyone talking.

• Apple-Cranberry Sauce

Add one peeled and chopped apple to the pot and the cranberries for a sweet, autumnal flavor.

• Pomegranate-Cranberry Sauce

For texture and extra tartness, stir in ½ cup of pomegranate seeds at the end.

• Ginger Cranberry Sauce

Add a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger for a spicy zing that complements the sweetness.

The Perfect Pairings for Cranberry Sauce

• Spread it on sandwiches the next day with leftover turkey and stuffing.
• Dollop it on baked brie for an easy appetizer that feels fancy.
• Mix it into yogurt or oatmeal for a holiday-themed breakfast.
• Use it as a glaze for roasted chicken or pork—especially when paired with savory meat.

You could stir it into cocktails (think cranberry sauce margaritas!) or swirl it into cheesecake for a holiday dessert that’ll wow your guests.

Zulay's Final Thoughts

Cranberry sauce may not seem like the star of the holiday table, but this Basic Holiday Cranberry Sauce Recipe is here to change that. It’s the kind of dish that’s simple yet impactful—bursting with flavor and packed with holiday cheer. Once you taste it, you'll wonder how you ever went without it. Trust me, you’ll never look at cranberry sauce the same way again.

Let Us Know What You Think!

Excited to try this recipe? We’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below and let us know what creative twists you tried or what you served it with. And don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family on social media! Tag us @ZulayKitchen and use #KitchenHappiness to show off your holiday creations.