Classic Cranberry Sauce: A Cozy Holiday Staple
There’s something almost magical about the holiday season, isn’t there? The familiar scent of cinnamon and nutmeg wafting through the air, the sound of laughter and joyful chatter around the table, and of course, the vibrant, ruby-red cranberries that add a pop of color to our feasts! I can still picture the first time I made my Classic Cranberry Sauce—simmering those little berries on the stove, listening to their delightful pops, which always brought a smile to my face. Making cranberry sauce has become one of my cherished traditions, passed down through generations, reminding me of family gatherings and cozy dinners.
This Classic Cranberry Sauce is not only incredibly easy to make, but it also brings that perfect balance of tart and sweet to your holiday table. Think of it as the cozy hug you didn’t know you needed. As you prepare this dish, you’ll find it becomes a staple in your home—a recipe you’ll want to remember for gatherings big and small. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: This Classic Cranberry Sauce comes together in just about 20 minutes, making it a great choice for a simple holiday side.
- Crowd-pleasing: Tart, sweet, and bursting with flavor, this sauce is a hit among guests of all ages!
- Freshness matters: Using fresh cranberries ensures you get the best flavor and that beautiful, vibrant color.
- Customizable: A little creativity goes a long way! You can easily tweak it to suit your tastes.
- Perfect for meal prep: You can make this sauce ahead of time, saving you precious moments on the day of your festive feast.
What You’ll Need
To whip up this delightful Classic Cranberry Sauce, gather these simple ingredients:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
Let’s Make It Together
Now that you have everything ready, let’s dive into the process of making your delicious Classic Cranberry Sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, sugar, and water.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, allowing the mixture to bubble and dance.
- Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the cranberries burst open and the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency.
- Remove it from the heat and allow to cool before serving—trust me, the flavors deepen as it sits!
Delicious Variations to Try
While I adore this Classic Cranberry Sauce just as it is, here are some fun ways to add a twist:
- Zesty Citrus Infusion: Add the zest of an orange or lemon for a bright, zesty flavor that complements the tartness of the cranberries beautifully.
- Spiced Delight: Toss in a cinnamon stick or a few whole cloves for a warm spiced aroma that will fill your kitchen.
- Berry Medley: Mix in some diced apples or chopped strawberries to create a layered texture and flavor.
- Nutty Crunch: Top your sauce with a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch that pairs perfectly with the smooth sauce.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
To ensure your Classic Cranberry Sauce turns out perfectly every time, here are my best kitchen secrets:
- Make-Ahead Advice: This sauce can be made up to a week in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container, and it’ll only get better as the flavors meld.
- Swaps: If you’re looking to reduce sugar, consider using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Just remember to adjust to taste!
- Serving Suggestions: This sauce is not just for turkey! Try it as a spread on breakfast toast, or drizzle it over a creamy cheesecake or yogurt parfait.
- Storage: Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for about 1-2 weeks, and it makes a lovely gift as well!
Calories & Nutrition Details
Here’s what’s inside a serving of this delightful Classic Cranberry Sauce:
- Serving Size: About 1/4 cup
- Calories: 110
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Sugar: 24g
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: 1mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! It’s perfect for making a few days before your holiday gathering.Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different sweeteners or mix-ins, as mentioned above.How do I store leftovers?
Simply transfer the sauce to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks.How long does it last?
Kept in the fridge, your cranberry sauce will stay fresh and delicious for about 1-2 weeks.
Wrapping It Up
I hope you find this Classic Cranberry Sauce as delightful and comforting as I do! It’s a simple yet essential recipe that adds a touch of color and flavor to any holiday table. Don’t forget to save this cherished cranberry sauce recipe to your Holiday board so it’s ready for when you want to create those warm, fuzzy memories with loved ones. Enjoy!
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Classic Cranberry Sauce
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A quick and easy Classic Cranberry Sauce that strikes the perfect balance of tart and sweet for your holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, sugar, and water.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, allowing the mixture to bubble and dance.
- Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the cranberries burst open and the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool before serving.
Notes
This sauce can be made up to a week in advance. Store in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cranberry sauce, holiday recipe, side dish, easy recipe