Without the best cranberry juice, the holidays would not be the same. A delicious cranberry sauce recipe makes your holiday meals taste even better, whether it’s for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
You can make your own Ocean Spray cranberry sauce that tastes fresh, sour, and full of natural, rich flavors with this recipe. You can modify this simple recipe to suit your preferences. It only needs fresh cranberries, sugar, and a little orange juice.
Time to make: 30 minutes
Ingredients: 5-6 ingredients
A Fresh Take on Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Not only is this cranberry sauce simple to make, but it tastes better than cranberry sauce you buy in stores. This recipe lets you enjoy the real, tart flavor of fresh cranberries instead of the overly sweet and gummy taste of canned cranberry sauce.
The sauce has a pleasant brightness from natural ingredients like orange zest and lemon juice. This makes it perfect to go with your holiday meals. Additionally, it complements a variety of dishes, such as cooked turkey or Christmas ham, making it a favorite among your entire family.
This simple cranberry sauce will become the star of your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
Why You’ll Love Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce Recipe
- Made with Fresh Cranberries – This recipe uses fresh cranberries, providing a bright and tangy flavor that stands out in any holiday spread.
- Customizable Sweetness – Unlike store-bought versions, you control the sweetness level, adjusting it to your taste with sugar, honey, or even maple syrup.
- Quick and Easy – In just 30 minutes, you can have a delicious cranberry sauce ready for your meal. It’s perfect for those last-minute holiday preparations.
- Versatile for Different Diets – Want a sugar-free cranberry sauce or keto cranberry sauce? This recipe can be easily adapted to fit various dietary needs by swapping sweeteners.
- Make Ahead – You can prepare this cranberry sauce in advance, freeing up time on the day of your holiday meals for other dishes.
What You’ll Need to Make Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
To make this delicious cranberry sauce recipe, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
- Fresh Cranberries: 12 oz (1 bag) of fresh cranberries. Fresh cranberries are the base of this sauce, providing a tartness and depth of flavor that canned versions can’t match.
- Sugar: 1 cup (or substitute with maple syrup, honey, or a sugar-free sweetener if preferred). This will help balance the tartness of the cranberries and create the sweet-tart flavor that makes cranberry sauce so popular.
- Water: 1 cup. Water helps dissolve the sugar and forms the syrupy consistency that binds the sauce together.
- Orange Zest: 1 tablespoon (from about 1 medium orange). A touch of orange zest will brighten the sauce and complement the tartness of the cranberries.
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed). A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a tangy kick and helps balance the sweetness of the sugar, making the flavor more complex.
For those on specific diets, consider using sugar-free cranberry sauce options like stevia or monk fruit. You can also make keto cranberry sauce by using low-carb sweeteners like erythritol.
Directions: Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce
Start by washing your fresh cranberries under cold water, discarding any that are soft or damaged. Place a medium saucepan on the stove and add the cranberries, water, lemon juice, and sugar (or maple syrup if you prefer). Stir everything together until well combined.
Cook the Cranberries: Over medium heat, bring the mixture to a simmer. As the cranberries start to pop, the sauce will thicken. Stir occasionally and cook for 10-15 minutes until the cranberries have broken down and the sauce reaches your desired consistency. If you like a chunkier sauce, leave it as is; for a smoother texture, mash the cranberries with a spoon or blend it.
Enhance with Flavor: If you’re looking to add extra flavor, consider adding orange zest or a cinnamon stick during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This will give your cranberry sauce a deeper, spiced flavor perfect for the holidays.
Once the sauce is ready, remove from heat and let it cool before serving. If you’re making it ahead of time, simply refrigerate the sauce until you’re ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 85 kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 55mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 0IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 0.5mg
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Expert Tips & Tricks for Making Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce
Storage and Freezing
After you’ve finished making your cranberry sauce, it’s crucial to store it properly to maintain its freshness. Once the sauce is cool, put it in a jar that won’t let air in. You can keep it in the fridge for up to a week. Make cranberry sauce ahead for holiday meals—it freezes well. In a freezer-safe jar, it can last three months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before you serve it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking: Cranberries cook quickly, so keep an eye on your sauce. If it’s overcooked, the sauce can become too thick or even burn.
- Not Adjusting the Sweetness: Depending on the tartness of your cranberries, you may need to adjust the sugar. Always take a taste and make the sweetness just right.
- Forgetting the Orange Zest: The orange zest is key to this recipe. It adds a citrusy brightness that elevates the entire flavor of the cranberry sauce. Don’t skip it!
Creative Variations
- Maple Syrup: For a richer, deeper flavor, swap the sugar for maple syrup.
- Spices: Add a touch of cinnamon or cloves for a cozy, holiday-inspired twist.
How to Use or Serve Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce
- Pair with Turkey: This cranberry sauce is a must-have for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. The tartness perfectly balances the richness of roasted turkey.
- Spread on Sandwiches: Use leftover cranberry sauce to make an unforgettable turkey sandwich with crisp lettuce and fresh bread.
- Top on Desserts: Spoon cranberry sauce over cheesecake, ice cream, or panna cotta for a sweet and tangy topping.
- Add to Salads: Stir cranberry sauce into green salads to add a burst of color and flavor, especially with goat cheese and nuts.
- Serve with Cheese: Pair cranberry sauce with your favorite cheese platter—its tangy sweetness complements sharp cheeses like brie and cheddar.
Source: AllRecipes
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FAQs About Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce Recipe
1. Can I make the cranberry sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can make cranberry sauce up to 2-3 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve as it sits.
2. How do I make sugar-free cranberry sauce?
To make a sugar-free cranberry sauce, simply replace the sugar with a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit.
3. Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cranberries will work just as well as fresh cranberries. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking.
4. How can I make the cranberry sauce less tart?
If the sauce is too tart, add a bit more sweetener, such as honey or maple syrup, to balance out the acidity of the cranberries.
Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce – Recipe Card
Ingredients
- Fresh Cranberries: 12 oz 1 bag of fresh cranberries. Fresh cranberries are the base of this sauce, providing a tartness and depth of flavor that canned versions can’t match.
- Sugar: 1 cup or substitute with maple syrup, honey, or a sugar-free sweetener if preferred. This will help balance the tartness of the cranberries and create the sweet-tart flavor that makes cranberry sauce so popular.
- Water: 1 cup. Water helps dissolve the sugar and forms the syrupy consistency that binds the sauce together.
- Orange Zest: 1 tablespoon from about 1 medium orange. A touch of orange zest will brighten the sauce and complement the tartness of the cranberries.
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a tangy kick and helps balance the sweetness of the sugar, making the flavor more complex.
Instructions
- Start by washing your fresh cranberries under cold water, discarding any that are soft or damaged. Place a medium saucepan on the stove and add the cranberries, water, lemon juice, and sugar (or maple syrup if you prefer). Stir everything together until well combined.
- Cook the Cranberries: Over medium heat, bring the mixture to a simmer. As the cranberries start to pop, the sauce will thicken. Stir occasionally and cook for 10-15 minutes until the cranberries have broken down and the sauce reaches your desired consistency. If you like a chunkier sauce, leave it as is; for a smoother texture, mash the cranberries with a spoon or blend it.
- Enhance with Flavor: If you’re looking to add extra flavor, consider adding orange zest or a cinnamon stick during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This will give your cranberry sauce a deeper, spiced flavor perfect for the holidays.
- Once the sauce is ready, remove from heat and let it cool before serving. If you’re making it ahead of time, simply refrigerate the sauce until you’re ready to serve.
Video
Notes
Storage and Freezing
After you’ve finished making your cranberry sauce, it’s crucial to store it properly to maintain its freshness. Once the sauce is cool, put it in a jar that won’t let air in. You can keep it in the fridge for up to a week. Make cranberry sauce ahead for holiday meals—it freezes well. In a freezer-safe jar, it can last three months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before you serve it.Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking: Cranberries cook quickly, so keep an eye on your sauce. If it’s overcooked, the sauce can become too thick or even burn.
- Not Adjusting the Sweetness: Depending on the tartness of your cranberries, you may need to adjust the sugar. Always take a taste and make the sweetness just right.
- Forgetting the Orange Zest: The orange zest is key to this recipe. It adds a citrusy brightness that elevates the entire flavor of the cranberry sauce. Don’t skip it!
Creative Variations
- Maple Syrup: For a richer, deeper flavor, swap the sugar for maple syrup.
- Spices: Add a touch of cinnamon or cloves for a cozy, holiday-inspired twist.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 85 kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 55mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 0IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 0.5mg
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
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