I love cranberries! Their bright, tart flavor makes any meal feel special. If you’re looking for easy homemade cranberry sauces, you’re in the right place. I’ve gathered three of my favorite cranberry sauce recipes for you to try.
These simple cranberry sauces are perfect for holiday meals, everyday sides, or even as thoughtful gifts. Get ready to add some vibrant color and delicious taste to your kitchen!
Jump to Recipe:
Classic Cranberry Apple Sauce
This classic cranberry apple sauce balances tart cranberries with sweet apples. It’s a comforting side dish that everyone enjoys, perfect for your holiday table or a simple weeknight meal.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Cranberry Apple Sauce
- Apple Choice: Use firm, sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Gala for the best texture and flavor balance in your cranberry sauce.
- Sweetness Control: Taste the sauce before adding all the sugar. You can always add more at the end if you like your cranberry apple sauce sweeter.
What You Need for Cranberry Apple Sauce
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or more to taste)
- 1/2 cup water
⏱️ Time: 25 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2 cups
How to Make Cranberry Apple Sauce
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, chopped apples, sugar, and water. Stir everything together gently to mix.
Step 2: Cook Until Thick
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cranberries will pop and the apples will become tender. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
📝 Final Note
This homemade cranberry apple sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 7-10 days. Enjoy it warm or cold.
Zesty Cranberry Jezebel Sauce
This cranberry Jezebel sauce brings a zesty, slightly spicy kick to your plate. It’s a wonderful change from traditional cranberry sauce and pairs beautifully with cream cheese and crackers.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Cranberry Jezebel Sauce
- Heat Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. Start with a small pinch and add more if you want extra spice in your Jezebel sauce.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve this sauce chilled over a block of cream cheese with some simple crackers for a quick and impressive appetizer.
What You Need for Cranberry Jezebel Sauce
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
⏱️ Time: 30 minutes🍽️ Yields: 1.5 cups
How to Make Cranberry Jezebel Sauce
Step 1: Simmer Cranberries
In a saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries burst.
Step 2: Add Spices and Thicken
Remove the sauce from the heat. Stir in the prepared horseradish, dry mustard, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce cool completely at room temperature. It will thicken as it cools.
📝 Final Note
For the best flavor, make this cranberry Jezebel sauce a day ahead and chill it in the refrigerator before serving.
Bright Cranberry Raspberry Sauce
Bright and fruity, this cranberry raspberry sauce is a delightful addition to any meal. The raspberries add a lovely sweetness and vibrant color, making it perfect for both holiday roasts and desserts.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Cranberry Raspberry Sauce
- Frozen Berries: You can use frozen cranberries and raspberries if fresh are not available. Do not thaw them before cooking your sauce.
- Citrus Boost: A little lemon zest added at the end can brighten the flavors of your cranberry raspberry sauce even more.
What You Need for Cranberry Raspberry Sauce
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
⏱️ Time: 20 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2.5 cups
How to Make Cranberry Raspberry Sauce
Step 1: Cook Berries and Sugar
In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, fresh raspberries, sugar, and water. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Step 2: Simmer and Finish
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice. Let it cool before serving.
📝 Final Note
This cranberry raspberry sauce is wonderful served warm or cold alongside roasted turkey, chicken, or even on top of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
