Q: Can I use frozen cranberries for homemade cranberry sauce?

A: Yes, frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh. There is no need to thaw them first, just add a minute or two to the cooking time.

Q: Can you freeze homemade cranberry sauce?

A: You sure can. Let it cool, spoon it into a freezer safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.

Q: Why is my cranberry sauce runny?

A: It thickens quite a bit as it cools, so it will look loose while hot. If it is still thin after chilling, simmer it a few more minutes next time to cook off the extra liquid.

Q: How do I make a healthier, less sweet cranberry sauce?

A: Cut the sugar back to 3/4 cup, or sweeten with honey, monk fruit or maple syrup. A splash of orange juice adds natural sweetness without extra sugar.

Q: Is homemade cranberry sauce better than canned?

A: Fresh homemade cranberry sauce lets you control the sugar and add orange or cinnamon. It tastes brighter than canned and takes only about 15 minutes, so it is easy to ditch the can.

Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe (3 Ingredients)

Name: Cranberry Relish
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 ounces fresh cranberries (or frozen); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup water; Optional for cranberry orange sauce:; 1/2 cup orange juice (in place of 1/2 cup water); 1 teaspoon orange zest; 1 pinch ground cinnamon

Ingredients

Units Scale

12 ounces fresh cranberries (or frozen)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water

Optional for cranberry orange sauce:
1/2 cup orange juice (in place of 1/2 cup water)
1 teaspoon orange zest
1 pinch ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Rinse the cranberries and toss any soft ones.

2. In a medium saucepan, bring the water and sugar to a gentle boil over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves.

3. Add the cranberries and stir.

4. Simmer about 10 minutes, until most of the berries pop and the sauce thickens.

5. Stir in the orange zest and cinnamon if using, then remove from heat.

6. Cool, then chill in the fridge at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

Frozen cranberries work fine, no need to thaw.
For cranberry orange sauce, swap 1/2 cup of the water for orange juice.
Sauce thickens as it cools, so do not overcook.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 10 to 14 days, or freeze up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 5
Cook Time: 15
Category: Side Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American