The go-to classic, make-ahead cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving dinner.
Do you like cranberry sauce?
My father can’t get enough of it during the holiday season.
Simply Recipes / Annika Panikker
When he finally runs out of frozen cranberries sometime in May, he’ll start buying the cans.
Yes, he’s a little obsessed.
Simply Recipes / Annika Panikker
For me it’s been an acquired taste.
Simply Recipes / Annika Panikker
Cranberries are tart, very tart, and need sugar to balance their tartness.
But even with the sugar, the tartness comes through.
Cranberry Sauce Is Perfect with Thanksgiving Turkey
Cranberries are absolutely perfect with turkey.
Simply Recipes / Annika Panikker
Sort of like lemons and chicken.
Something about the flavors, they’re just made for each other.
Which is why the sauce is so good to spread over turkey in your leftover turkey sandwiches.
Simply Recipes / Annika Panikker
Swaps and Substitution Suggestions From Our Readers
How Far Ahead Can You Make Cranberry Sauce?
you’re able to make this cranberry sauce up to 1 week before serving.
How to Store & Freeze Cranberry Sauce
Refrigerate leftover cranberry sauce for up to 2 weeks.
Simply Recipes / Annika Panikker
Or freeze the sauce for up to 6 months.
Love Cranberries?
Cranberry Sauce
The recipe calls for a cup of water.
Simply Recipes / Annika Panikker
you’re able to also reduce the sugar if you want.
Start out with half as much and add more if you think it needs it.
If you use less sugar, reduce the amount of water you add as well.
Simply Recipes / Annika Panikker
Pick out and discard any damaged or bruised cranberries.
Put the water and sugar in a medium saucepan on high heat and bring to a boil.
Stir to dissolve the sugar.
Add the cranberries to the pot and return to a boil.
Lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until most of the cranberries have burst.
We like to mix in a half a cup of chopped pecans a pinch or two of orange zest.
Some people like adding raisins or currants, or even blueberries for added sweetness.
it’s possible for you to also add holiday spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice.
If adding spices, start with a pinch of each and add more to your taste.
Remove the pot from heat.
Let cool completely at room temperature, then transfer to a bowl to chill in the refrigerator.
Note that the cranberry sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
