Thanksgiving is almost here, and I for one can hardly wait! The mix of sentimental family recipes, savory sides, and multiple desserts somehow all comes together to create the perfect holiday meal.
One of my favorite Thanksgiving sides is homemade cranberry sauce. And I don’t mean the canned jelly stuff—this slightly chunky, sweet-and-tart, chutney-style cranberry sauce is bursting with flavor and incredibly easy to make.
Making it yourself is so simple, and the results are far superior to store-bought versions. Plus, it lasts up to 2 weeks in the fridge, though it rarely sticks around that long!
A Little Cranberry History
Cranberries are native to North America and have been a staple of Thanksgiving tables since the 17th century. Early settlers and Native Americans used cranberries in sauces and relishes to complement roasted meats and preserve the berries through the winter. Making cranberry sauce yourself is a simple way to continue this delicious tradition while putting your own twist on it.
Why Homemade Cranberry Sauce Is Worth It
- Fresh flavor: No artificial additives or overly sweet jelly—just fresh cranberries and natural seasonings.
- Perfect texture: Slightly chunky, not overly processed, so it holds up well on plates or sandwiches.
- Versatile: Enjoy it with Thanksgiving dinner, on a turkey sandwich, atop pancakes or waffles, with yogurt bowls, or even by the spoonful.
- Control over sweetness: Unlike store-bought options, you can adjust sugar or try fun alternatives like maple syrup or honey.
-
Nutritious: Cranberries are full of fiber and antioxidants, making this sweet-tart sauce a tasty way to add a little extra nutrition to your holiday meal.
Ingredients
-
1 (12-oz) bag of fresh cranberries, rinsed
-
½ cup orange juice
-
½ cup granulated white sugar
-
½ tsp ground cinnamon
-
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
-
¼ tsp ground ginger
-
1 Tbsp orange zest
How to Make Homemade Cranberry Sauce
-
In a pot over medium heat, combine orange juice, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and orange zest. Stir until sugar dissolves.
-
Add the cranberries and cover the pot with a lid. Simmer on low heat.
-
Cook until all cranberries “pop.” After they’ve deflated, mix thoroughly.
-
Turn off heat and let the sauce thicken and cool.
Tip: For extra flavor, try swapping part of the sugar for maple syrup or adding a splash of bourbon for a grown-up twist.
Pairing Suggestions
This cranberry sauce pairs beautifully with:
-
Roasted turkey or chicken
-
Stuffing and dressing
-
Roasted sweet potatoes or winter squash
-
Green bean casserole or other savory sides, like our Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Bacon and Butternut Squash Recipe
-
Cheese boards or charcuterie spreads
You can even swirl a little into mashed potatoes or drizzle over roasted vegetables for a festive twist.
Make-Ahead Tips
The great thing about cranberry sauce is that it can be made a few days ahead, freeing you up on the big day. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge — the flavors actually deepen after a day or two!
Toddler-Friendly Tips
For little ones, serve cranberry sauce alongside familiar favorites, or spread a small amount on toast or crackers. The sweet-tart flavor can be a fun way to introduce new tastes without pressure. Consider serving it family-style to let kids explore it at their own pace. If you are looking for more guidance on helping toddlers enjoy family meals, read our 4 tips for Encouraging Picky Eaters to Try New Foods
Creative Ways to Use Leftover Cranberry Sauce
-
Spread on a turkey sandwich with a little mayo.
-
Top pancakes or waffles for a festive breakfast.
-
Mix into vanilla Greek yogurt bowls for a sweet-tart treat.
-
Stir into oatmeal or smoothies for a seasonal flavor boost.
Quick Tips for Perfect Cranberry Sauce
-
Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and texture.
-
Don’t overcook—cranberries should just pop and soften, not break down completely.
-
Store in a sealed container in the fridge; it keeps for up to 2 weeks.
- Serve family-style to make it easy for everyone to enjoy.
Homemade cranberry sauce is one of those simple yet transformative recipes that can elevate your Thanksgiving table. With its perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, it’s versatile, easy to make, and even toddler-friendly with a few small tweaks.
Whether you serve it alongside turkey, swirl it into your favorite side dishes, or enjoy it on a breakfast treat the next day, this sauce is sure to become a staple in your holiday meals.