Go Back

Homemade Cranberry Sauce – Holiday Side Dish Recipe

Cranberry sauce simmers on the stovetop until most of the berries burst and the mixture turns glossy. It thickens as it cools, making a bright, tart-sweet holiday side dish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
cooling time 30 minutes
Total Time 47 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 163
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 bag (12 oz) fresh cranberries rinsed and picked over

Equipment

  • 1 2-quart saucepan

Method
 

  1. Combine the water and sugar in a 2-quart saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
  2. Add the cranberries and return the mixture to a boil.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the berries have burst and the sauce looks glossy.
  4. Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl and let it cool for at least 30 minutes; it will thicken as it cools.

Notes

For the best texture, stop simmering when most of the berries have burst; the sauce thickens as it cools. Refrigerate covered for up to 10 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. No dietary swap is needed for this naturally vegan and gluten-free sauce.