Cranberry Sauce Recipe

This homemade cranberry sauce recipe is a must-have for the holiday season. Bursting with fresh cranberries, honey, zesty orange, and a hint of cinnamon, this easy recipe is the perfect holiday side dish on any festive table.

Cranberry sauce is a true Thanksgiving staple. Even when the table is packed with roast turkey, party potatoes, green bean casserole, and Jiffy cornbread casserole, cranberry sauce always stands out. It’s one of those things that makes the meal feel complete.

And no, I don’t mean the canned kind. This version is made from scratch with whole cranberries, fresh orange juice, honey, and a cinnamon stick. It’s sweet and tangy with just the right amount of warmth.

Best of all, it comes together in minutes and can be made ahead to save time on the big day. I often double the batch so we have plenty for leftover turkey sandwiches the next day.

Ingredients for Fresh Cranberry Sauce Recipe

This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

• Cranberries – Use fresh or frozen. If using fresh, wash and remove any soft or shriveled berries. No need to thaw frozen berries.
• Sugar – Helps break down the cranberries, balances their tartness, and thickens the sauce. Both granulated and white cane sugar work well.
• Orange juice – Adds a sweet, fresh citrus flavor. Freshly squeezed is ideal but a high-quality store-bought juice works as well.
• Honey – Brings extra sweetness and gives the sauce a glossy finish.
• Water – Prevents sticking and helps dissolve the sugar as the sauce cooks.
• Salt – Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors.
• Cinnamon stick – Adds warm spice. If you don’t have one, use 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Add more to taste if you’d like.

How to Make Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce

This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below. 

Step 1: Add sugar, OJ, honey, water, and salt to a medium pot. Stir and bring to a simmer over medium heat.

Step 2: Now, add the cranberries and cinnamon stick. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 7-10 minutes or until most of the cranberries have burst open and the liquid has thickened somewhat.

Step 3: Remove the cinnamon stick, transfer to a bowl, and allow the sauce to cool for about 30 minutes before storing or serving. Don’t worry if if your cranberry sauce looks a little thin when you remove it from the heat. It will continue to thicken as the sauce cools.

Storage

Be sure to allow your cranberry sauce to cool fully before storing.

Refrigerator: Store leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Stir before serving.

Make Ahead Cranberry Sauce

You can make this cranberry sauce up to 3 days in advance.

Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes and give it a good stir.

Serving Suggestions

Homemade cranberry sauce is the easiest way to elevate your holiday meal. Serve it with Christmas ham or Thanksgiving turkey (with no drippings turkey gravy) and a side of cheesy potatoes with corn flakes.

Try it on pancakes or over warm baked brie with pecans. It even makes a great topping for yogurt or oatmeal. You can even spread it on cornbread or toast like you would with jam or jelly.

You can also use it in recipes like my slow cooker cranberry turkey breast.

Additions and variations

• No orange juice? Replace with an equal amount of water or apple cider.
• Maple cranberry sauce: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a cozy twist.
• Brown sugar version: Swap in brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-like sweetness.
• Add berries: Stir in a handful of raspberries or chopped dried cherries for variety.
• Spice it up: Try adding a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg.

More Cranberry Recipes

• Cranberry Fluff Salad
• White Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies
• Cranberry Mimosa
• Cranberry Cookies