Make Ahead Cranberry Sauce (3 Ingredients)
Learn how to make homemade Thanksgiving cranberry sauce with only 3 ingredients. This recipe is made with fresh or frozen cranberries and can be made ahead of time (up to 6 days before Thanksgiving).
Servings: 2 ½ cups (10 servings)
Calories: 93kcal
Equipment
- large saucepan
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (12 ounces)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated orange peel
- juice of 4 oranges (about ¾ cup)
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- Add cranberries, sugar, orange peel, orange juice, and water to a large saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring often. Reduce the heat as needed to avoid scorching until cranberries begin to burst and a dark red, syrupy juice forms. Continue to cook until the cranberry sauce reduces and thickens, about 25 minutes. The cranberry sauce will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.
- Allow cranberry sauce to cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 6 days.
- To serve, transfer cranberry sauce to a serving bowl and serve chilled or warmed. Optionally, heat cranberry sauce in the microwave on 100 percent power (high) for 45 - 90 seconds, until warmed through.
Notes
You can freeze the cranberry sauce for longer term storage. Place the cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Allow to thaw in the fridge before serving.
For a boozy twist on this make ahead cranberry sauce, swap half of the water (¼ cup or 60 ml) for bourbon or brandy.
If you like some spice in your cranberry sauce, you can stir in ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to the cranberry sauce after it's done cooking. Optionally, also add some pecans or raisins for an extra bite or crunch.
Want a smooth cranberry sauce? Use an immersion blender to blend up any large pieces of cranberry.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 93kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.003g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 29mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 23IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 0.1mg
