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Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Homemade cranberry sauce simmers fresh or frozen cranberries with sugar until most of the berries pop and the sauce thickens. Cool and chill it ahead for a tangy, spoonable side dish.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
cooling and chilling 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 47 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 116
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 bag (12 oz) cranberries fresh or frozen
  • 0.125 tsp fine salt

Method
 

  1. Combine the water and sugar in a medium saucepan.
  2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Stir in the cranberries and salt.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the cranberries have popped and the sauce has thickened.
  5. Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl.
  6. Let it cool for 30 minutes.
  7. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

For the best texture, chill the sauce before serving. Refrigerate in a covered container for up to 5 days; it can be frozen. For a lower-sugar variation, use a granulated sugar substitute suitable for cooking.