Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce

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Nothing says the holidays quite like a bright, tangy cranberry sauce alongside your Thanksgiving turkey or Christmas ham. For me, it’s simply not the holiday meal without a spoonful (or two) of cranberry sauce to cut through the richness of the turkey and savory sides. 

If you’ve only tried the canned stuff, this homemade version will be a game-changer! My oven-baked cranberry sauce is a simple cranberry sauce that keeps the mess to a minimum while delivering a delicious homemade cranberry sauce recipe that’s perfect for Thanksgiving recipes, Christmas dinner, or anytime you want that festive touch.

Whether you’re a cranberry sauce lover or skeptical about its place among your side dishes, this recipe is worth a try. Not only is it an easy recipe, but the tangy flavor of the fresh cranberry sauce pairs perfectly with roast turkey, sweet potato casserole, and any holiday spread. Let’s dive into this recipe that’ll have you wondering why you ever settled for a can of cranberry sauce.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Mess-Free Prep: Say goodbye to sticky, bubbling pots. With this oven-baked approach, you get a no-mess solution that’s ideal for a busy holiday kitchen.
• Balanced Sweetness and Tangy Flavor: The tartness of the whole cranberries melds beautifully with white sugar and a touch of citrus, making this the best homemade cranberry sauce recipe you’ll ever taste.
• Leftover Magic: If you have leftover cranberry sauce, it’s incredibly versatile. Try it in a post-Thanksgiving sandwich or paired with cream cheese for a unique appetizer spread.
• A Festive Classic: Not only does this dish look gorgeous on the holiday table, but its fresh flavors elevate any Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

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The Story Behind the Dish

Did you know that cranberry sauce has been around since the Pilgrims? Native American tribes harvested wild cranberries, and early settlers embraced them for their bold, tart flavor. Over time, this basic cranberry sauce recipe evolved into a holiday favorite, with many families creating their own versions. 

In the South, where sweet and tangy flavors are a must, recipes like this one were born. My family’s tradition includes adding sweet orange marmalade to bring out a rich citrusy taste that complements the cranberries perfectly.

Growing up, my mom used to make this recipe, and every year, it brings me right back to those holidays spent around her table. There’s just something special about serving a flavorful addition like this, knowing it’s a recipe that’s been passed down.

Equipment You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this simple cranberry sauce:

• Large Baking Dish with lid: Ensure it’s big enough to prevent overflow. Cranberries can splatter as they cook.
• Aluminum Foil: Covering the dish tightly helps keep the cranberries from splattering in the oven.
• Mixing Spoon: You’ll need this for stirring in the marmalade and lemon juice while the sauce is hot.

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Ingredients You’ll Need for This Recipe

• Fresh Cranberries: The star of the show, providing that tangy flavor and vibrant red color. Using whole cranberries results in a fresher taste than canned options.
• White Sugar: Balances the tartness of the cranberries without overpowering their natural flavor.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a touch of spice, enhancing the cranberry sauce’s holiday feel.
• Sweet Orange Marmalade: The secret to a great cranberry sauce. I prefer Smucker’s because of its balanced sweetness. It gives the sauce a slightly sweet, citrusy note without much bitterness.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, fresh contrast to the marmalade, making this sauce pop.

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How to Make this Easy Cranberry Sauce

• Prepare Your Baking Dish: Lightly spray a large baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• Add Cranberries and Sugar: Pour in two 12-ounce packages of fresh cranberries. Sprinkle with 2 cups of white sugar and a teaspoon of cinnamon, ensuring an even coating.

• Cover Tightly and Bake: Cover the dish tightly with foil, then place a lid over it to prevent splatters. Bake at 350°F for 1 hour.

• Add Marmalade and Lemon Juice: Remove from the oven and stir in a 12-ounce jar of sweet orange marmalade and 3 tablespoons of lemon juice while the cranberries are hot. This combination creates a perfect balance of flavors for this delicious homemade cranberry sauce recipe.

• Cool Completely: Cover the dish and allow the cranberry sauce to cool. As the cranberry sauce cools, it thickens into a luscious texture. For a make-ahead option, prepare it the day before and let it sit on the counter overnight.
• Serve and Enjoy: Give it a final stir before spooning it into a serving dish. This recipe is the ultimate festive addition to any holiday meal.

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Chef Secrets & Tips

• Perfect Texture: For a thicker texture, let the sauce cool completely. 
• Sweetness Adjustments: If you prefer your cranberry sauce tarter, you can reduce the sugar or add an extra squeeze of lemon.
• Homemade Cranberry Sauce Freezes Well: You can make this recipe in advance and freeze it, then thaw it out for holiday meals. 

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Serving Suggestions

This cranberry sauce shines alongside a variety of holiday classics. Here are some of our family’s favorite dishes that pair perfectly with this sweet-tart sauce:

• Southern Cornbread Dressing: The rich, savory flavors of traditional cornbread dressing are perfectly complemented by a spoonful of fresh cranberry sauce.
• Sweet Potato Casserole: The tanginess of the cranberries balances the sweetness of this classic Southern side.
• Green Bean Bundles: Bacon-wrapped green beans with a hint of sweetness go beautifully with the tartness of the cranberries.
• Creamed Corn: This creamy, buttery corn dish adds a satisfying contrast to the cranberry sauce’s vibrant flavor.
• Homestyle Mashed Potatoes: Rich and creamy potatoes provide a deliciously neutral base, letting the cranberry sauce shine.
• Southern Style Collard Greens: A little cranberry sauce on the side adds a hint of sweetness to these hearty greens.
• Classic Deviled Eggs: For appetizers or as a side, deviled eggs pair well with cranberry sauce’s brightness, adding a refreshing bite.
• Garlic Butter Green Beans: Lightly seasoned and full of flavor, these beans make an excellent, simple partner for cranberry sauce.
• Leftover Turkey Sandwiches: Spread leftover cranberry sauce on sandwiches with leftover turkey and cream cheese for a delicious twist.
• Breakfast Spread: Once chilled, this cranberry sauce has a nice jam-like consistency, so after the holidays, we love using it as a spread on hot buttered biscuits or toast!

These dishes, along with the cranberry sauce, create a balanced holiday spread full of Southern flair. Whether you’re cooking for Thanksgiving or Christmas, this combination of family favorites is sure to please everyone at the table.

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Commonly Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries if fresh aren’t available. Just toss them into the baking dish straight from the freezer—no need to thaw.

How long does homemade cranberry sauce keep?
Stored in the fridge, this homemade cranberry sauce will keep for up to two weeks. If you have extra, remember that homemade cranberry sauce freezes beautifully and can be saved for later.

Can I make it less sweet?
Certainly! You can reduce the white sugar slightly or add a bit more lemon juice for a tart twist.

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Storage & Reheating Tips

• Refrigerate: Place in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to two weeks. The flavors intensify over time.
• Freeze: Homemade cranberry sauce freezes well, making it easy to prepare ahead for the holidays. Just freeze in a container, then thaw in the fridge overnight when ready to use.
• Reheat: If you like warm cranberry sauce, heat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to maintain the texture.

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This basic cranberry sauce recipe is so simple, and the tangy-sweet flavor will leave everyone coming back for seconds. It’s the perfect side dish for holiday meals and adds just the right touch of homemade love to your table. Whether you’re gathering for Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas dinner, this flavorful addition will be a hit. Don’t be surprised if it becomes one of your holiday staples—you might just find yourself making it long after the holiday season ends!

More Holiday Favorites

• Easy Creamy Pumpkin Soup
• Pecan Pie
• Pumpkin Dump Cake
• Buttermilk Pie