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–+ servings
A bowl of fresh cranberry sauce with fresh herbs.
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5 from 22 votes

Fresh Cranberry Sauce Recipe

This Fresh Cranberry Sauce Recipe is sweet, tart, and full of orange and warm spices, an easy make ahead side dish for Thanksgiving dinner.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time7 minutes
Total Time17 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8 people
Author: Kristyn Merkley

Ingredients

  • 1 pound fresh cranberries washed & dried
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup water
  • 1 cinnamon sticks
  • ½ teaspoon ground allspice
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 orange zested & juices

Instructions

  • Combine cranberries, sugars, and water in a medium pot over medium heat. Bring to a boil.
    Reduce to a simmer and mix in the cinnamon stick, allspice, and nutmeg. Simmer for 5-7 minutes (some of the cranberries will burst and some will remain whole).
  • Stir in the orange juice and zest. Cool before serving.

Video

Notes

Recipe Tips.
  • Don't overcook the cranberries. Leaving some whole creates the best texture.
  • Stir gently while simmering to keep some berries intact.
  • Remove the cinnamon stick before serving for the best presentation.
  • The sauce thickens as it cools, so don't worry if it seems a little loose while it's still warm.
Make ahead of time. Make fresh cranberry sauce up to one week ahead of time and keep it in your fridge in an airtight container. 
Freeze. To prevent freezer burn, make sure it is kept in an airtight freezer-safe container. Use it within two months for the best results. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 1128kcal | Carbohydrates: 291g | Protein: 1g | Sodium: 27mg | Potassium: 334mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 283g | Vitamin A: 295IU | Vitamin C: 69.7mg | Calcium: 148mg | Iron: 0.8mg