Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce

Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce

8 servings
This traditional Thanksgiving cranberry sauce is a must have side dish at your holiday meal. Made from fresh whole cranberries with a hint of orange flavor.

Ingredients

  • 1 12 ounce package cranberries
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

  1. 1

    Combine orange juice and sugar in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Add cranberries, cinnamon and orange zest and return to a boil, stirring occasionally.

  2. 2

    Reduce heat and boil gently for about 10 minutes, or until cranberries begin to pop. Cool completely at room temperature then refrigerate until serving.

Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce

Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce

15 min8 servings

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About this Recipe

Elevate your holiday table with a classic, vibrant side that’s far superior to anything from a can. This Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce is the essential sweet and tart accompaniment your festive meal craves.

What makes this cranberry sauce shine is the thoughtful combination of fresh whole cranberries with bright orange juice and a hint of orange zest, creating a deeply flavorful and aromatic side. The classic addition of sugar perfectly balances the cranberries' tartness, while a touch of ground cinnamon adds a warm, comforting note that truly captures the spirit of the holidays.

You can expect a beautifully vibrant sauce, bursting with the natural tartness of cranberries, perfectly balanced by the sweetness of sugar and the sunny citrus notes of orange. The whole cranberries soften and burst slightly during cooking, creating a delightful texture that’s both jammy and chunky—a true testament to homemade goodness. This traditional side dish adds a lovely pop of color and a refreshing counterpoint to richer holiday fare.

This recipe offers a wonderful base for your own touches. For a tangier taste, you might slightly reduce the amount of sugar. If you love a stronger citrus note, consider increasing the orange zest slightly. While this recipe features ground cinnamon, you could omit it if you prefer a purely fruit-forward flavor.

This traditional cranberry sauce is a non-negotiable side for your Thanksgiving turkey, Christmas ham, or any festive gathering. Serve it chilled in a pretty bowl to add a burst of color and a bright, zesty counterpoint to your holiday spread.

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