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    Home » Side Dish

    Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce

    Published: Nov 5, 2018 · Modified: Oct 22, 2021 by Kim This post may contain affiliate links.

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    Easy homemade cranberry sauce with orange juice concentrate will set this famous Holiday side dish to a new level. 
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    cranberry sauce in a clear bowl with a serving spoon

    Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce is what needs to be on your Thanksgiving or Christmas table. With a twist of orange flavor, this isn't your Mom's cranberry sauce! This classic side dish recipe is so easy to make and can be made ahead of time.

    Cranberry sauce in a clear bowl

    I would always bypass the cranberry sauce in the Thanksgiving food line. Pickles were never passed by, in fact, they are a must every Thanksgiving. (Dill, of course.)

    However, I wasn't sure how I felt about cranberry sauce and I didn't really want to try it when there were plenty of other delicious items that I knew I like. Not adventurous, I suppose. That said, this easy homemade cranberry sauce will be the talk of your dinner. And I will forever try cranberry sauce so I don't miss out.

    What makes this easy homemade cranberry sauce special? Well, it has a twist in the recipe that gives the sauce an extra punch, extra flavor, extra...depth.

    Cranberry sauce can have depth.

    Like Cranberry? How about Easy Cranberry Slush

    The ingredients

    Cranberries in a bowl and an empty pot
    • Whole cranberries
    • Water
    • Sugar
    • Orange Juice Concentrate

    Orange juice concentrate is the hero in this recipe. That's right, not just orange juice, but orange juice concentrate. The depth of orange flavor sets off the cranberries beautifully. Like in my Orange Cranberry Mini Loaves or in this Cranberry Orange Pound Cake.

    The Instructions

    The cranberry sauce can be made ahead of time which is a big help on Thanksgiving or Christmas morning to have a few of the side dishes already done so you can focus on the main course.

    All you need to make the Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce is a medium sized pot, spoon for stirring and measuring cups and spoons.

    If you are in need of a new serving bowl, I found this copper one here. If you aren't a fan of copper, here is another one that has a cool stand.

    Cranberries in a pot of water

    Simply boil the water and sugar together. Then add the cranberries. The cranberries will break down while cooking and make them soft. After 8 minutes of cooking, stir in orange juice concentrate and let cook for another 4-5 minutes.

    Cranberries with orange juice concentrate in a pot on a yellow placemat

    I'm telling you, you will want to let it cook all day on the stove because the smell is A-MAZ-ING!

    But don't, the sauce won't end well. ;-)

    Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce in a clear bowl

    So, are you going to give it a try? That is all it takes to cooking the cranberry sauce. It simply needs to let cool then keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

    Storage

    This sauce will need to be stored in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days.

    Easy (and homemade)!

    Need some more Thanksgiving side dish recipes? Try: Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans or Creamy Mashed Potatoes.

    cranberry sauce in a clear bowl with a serving spoon

    Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce

    Kim Strawn
    Easy homemade cranberry sauce with orange juice concentrate will set this famous Holiday side dish to a new level. 
    4.67 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 12 mins
    Cooling Time 30 mins
    Total Time 47 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 10 servings
    Calories 59 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 bag whole cranberries washed
    • ¾ cup water
    • ½ cup sugar
    • 2 tablespoons orange juice concentrate heaping

    Instructions
     

    • Boil water and sugar in a medium saucepan on medium/low heat. Stir occasionally 
    • Add cranberries and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally
    • Stir in orange juice concentrate and let cook for another 4-5 minutes
    • Remove from heat and pour in a bowl. Let cool (about 30 minutes) then cover and refrigerate until ready to serve

    Tip

    • If you find that you want to add more orange juice, I would couple teaspoons at a time. That way you won't overpower the taste of the cranberries

    Nutrition

    Calories: 59kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 2mgPotassium: 49mgFiber: 2gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 32IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 3mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword cranberry sauce, Thanksgiving
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Pin For Later!

    Cranberry sauce in a clear bowl with a towel laying besides

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    1. Mary

      November 23, 2021 at 12:09 pm

      5 stars
      Easy! Good!

      Reply
      • Kim

        November 24, 2021 at 9:31 am

        Thank you! I'm glad you liked it!

        Reply

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    Hey There, I'm Kim! A taco fan, cookie eater and beach goer. I'm also a mom to 4 growing kids so I understand busy! Here you will find recipes that are quick, simple and can get on the table fast. We are so glad to have you here. Click here to read more about me.

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