Oh, cranberry sauce, that classic side dish that can cause a heated debate every holiday season: storebought or homemade? For me, there’s no competition; homemade cranberry sauce is the clear winner! If you’ve not made it before, try my recipe and see for yourself.

homemade cranberry sauce with orange and cinnamon

While some people swear by the jellied version that slides right out of the can, we cannot imagine not serving this rustic, homemade sauce bursting with whole cranberries with side notes of cinnamon and orange.

My recipe is so simple to make, and the process has become a favorite tradition every Thanksgiving in our family. We all have fond memories of hearing and watching those tart little berries boil, pop and transform into a deliciously sweet and tangy sauce. It’s my mom’s favorite part of the big day and we always make sure it has a place at the table!

What to serve with cranberry sauce

Cranberry sauce is one of those iconic dishes that has graced countless holiday tables for generations. It adds a touch of sweetness and tartness to any meal, standing out distinctly among many competing flavors. That’s probably why it’s a mainstay of Thanksgiving and other big holiday feasts where you have many options.

When it comes to those big turkey-day meals, cranberry sauce perfectly accompanies your perfectly roasted turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and savory cornbread dressing. Add a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables like garlic parmesan Brussels sprouts or green beans, and a hearty bread like fancy Jiffy cornbread or my grandma’s homemade yeast rolls.

And don’t forget the drinks! A chilled glass of white wine or a spiced apple cider pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the meal.

Besides Thanksgiving, this cranberry sauce is a great addition to any holiday feast like Christmas or Easter and can also add a unique twist to everyday meals. Try serving it with roasted chicken or pork, or even using it as a spread on a turkey sandwich.

It can be a delicious topping for pancakes or waffles at brunch, not to mention a yummy topping drizzled over a thick slice of cheesecake.

Ingredients needed to make this homemade cranberry sauce with orange and cinnamon

Below are all the ingredients that make up this classic cranberry sauce, plus a bit about what each brings to the flavor.

Water: This provides the base for the sauce and cooks down the cranberries.
Orange Juice or Apple Juice: Either option adds sweetness and acidity to balance out the tartness of the cranberries.
Sugar: Sweetens the sauce and gives it a syrupy texture.
Fresh Cranberries: The fresher, the better. While you can almost always find them frozen, fresh cranberries are harvested in the fall and typically sold from September through early January. (Stock up! You can freeze them up to a year.)
Orange Zest: Adds a subtle citrus flavor and aroma to the sauce.
Cinnamon Stick: Infuses the sauce with warm flavors and a cozy aroma.
Dried Cherries (Optional): If you like their flavor, dried cherries also add a chewy texture and extra sweetness.

Kitchen equipment needed

Large sauce pan or Dutch oven
Heat-safe spoon for stirring

Frequently asked questions

Below are some common questions and answers about making this easy recipe for cranberry sauce. If you have a question I haven’t covered, let me know in the comments, and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

What if my cranberry sauce is too tart?

If your cranberry sauce is too tart, you can add a bit more sugar to the pot, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired level of sweetness. Alternatively, stirring in a tablespoon of honey while letting the sauce simmer can also help balance out the tartness.

Will my cranberry sauce thicken in the fridge?

Yes, cranberry sauce will thicken as it cools and sets in the fridge. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can cook it for a few more minutes on the stove to reduce the liquid further.

How long can I store cranberry sauce in the fridge?

Homemade cranberry sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Just be sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.

Can I freeze homemade cranberry sauce?

You can freeze homemade cranberry sauce for up to three months. Store the cranberry sauce in an airtight, freezer-safe container and thaw it in the fridge before serving.

Can I make cranberry sauce recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can make cranberry sauce ahead of time for holidays or meal prep. Simply follow the recipe, let it cool completely, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve or up to two weeks.

More Grandma-Approved Recipes To Try

If you enjoyed this recipe for homemade cranberry sauce, take a look at some of these other yummy recipes perfect for your holiday cooking: