EASIEST SWEET CRANBERRY SAUCE

I can almost smell it now – the crisp, cool air, the scent of pine needles, and the unmistakable aroma of cranberries simmering on the stove. Growing up, Thanksgiving wasn’t Thanksgiving without a huge bowl of cranberry sauce gracing the table. My grandma always made it, and it was the one dish I was never allowed to help with…until I was deemed “responsible” enough, of course! Now, I’ve taken that classic recipe and given it my own twist for a hands-off method. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Sweet Baked Cranberry Sauce-Easy Holiday Side you’ll ever make!

Why You’ll LOVE This Baked Cranberry Sauce

Okay, friend, let’s get real. Cranberry sauce can be… divisive. Some people love it, some people tolerate it because it’s “tradition,” and others avoid it like the plague. But this Sweet Baked Cranberry Sauce? This one will convert even the staunchest cranberry sauce skeptic. Trust me on this.

Here’s why you’ll be head-over-heels for this recipe:

• It’s ridiculously easy. Seriously. Dump, stir, bake. That’s it. No babysitting the stovetop, no constant stirring to prevent sticking.
• It’s bursting with flavor. We’re not just talking tart cranberries here. We’re talking a symphony of sweetness, warmth, and subtle spices that complement the cranberries perfectly.
• It’s make-ahead friendly. Holiday stress? Not on our watch! You can make this cranberry sauce days in advance, freeing up precious oven space and time on Thanksgiving Day.
• It’s a beautiful addition to your holiday table. The vibrant color and glistening surface will add a touch of elegance to your spread.
• It’s versatile. Leftovers? Don’t even worry about it! Slather it on sandwiches, swirl it into yogurt, or even use it as a topping for ice cream!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients. Don’t worry, you likely already have most of these hanging around in your pantry! Here’s the lineup:

• Fresh Cranberries: The star of the show! Look for plump, firm berries that are deep red in color. Frozen cranberries will work in a pinch, but fresh is best for optimal flavor and texture.
• Orange Juice: This adds a bright, citrusy note that balances the tartness of the cranberries. Freshly squeezed is always amazing, but store-bought works perfectly fine too.
• Orange Zest: Don’t skip this! The zest adds a concentrated burst of orange flavor that elevates the cranberry sauce to a whole new level.
• Granulated Sugar: For sweetness, of course! You can adjust the amount to your liking, depending on how sweet you prefer your cranberry sauce.
• Brown Sugar: The brown sugar adds a touch of molasses-y depth and a hint of caramel flavor that complements the cranberries beautifully.
• Spices: A pinch of cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg add warmth and complexity. You can also experiment with other spices like cloves or allspice.
• Optional Add-Ins: This is where you can get creative! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch. A splash of Grand Marnier or other orange liqueur adds a sophisticated touch. Diced apples or pears add sweetness and texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t have all the ingredients on hand? No problem! Here are a few substitutions you can make:

• Orange Juice: Apple juice, cranberry juice, or even water will work in a pinch. Just be aware that the flavor will be slightly different.
• Orange Zest: If you don’t have an orange, you can use lemon zest instead.
• Brown Sugar: You can use all granulated sugar if you prefer.
• Spices: Feel free to experiment with different spices. Ginger, cardamom, or even a pinch of chili powder can add a unique twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking! I’ve broken down the process into easy-to-follow steps. Don’t be intimidated – this is truly one of the easiest things you’ll make all holiday season!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for even baking.
2. Combine all ingredients in a baking dish. I recommend a 9×13 inch baking dish, but any oven-safe dish will work. Just make sure it’s large enough to hold all the ingredients without overflowing.
3. Stir everything together. Make sure the cranberries are evenly coated with the sugar and spices.
4. Bake for 45-60 minutes. The cranberries should be soft and bursting, and the sauce should be thick and bubbly. Stir halfway through to ensure even cooking.
5. Let cool completely. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
6. Enjoy! Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tips for the BEST Baked Cranberry Sauce

Okay, now for the real secrets. These tips will take your Sweet Baked Cranberry Sauce from good to AMAZING.

• Use fresh, high-quality cranberries. This makes a huge difference in the flavor and texture of the sauce.
• Don’t overbake the sauce. Overbaking can result in a dry, crumbly sauce. The sauce should be thick and bubbly, but still slightly saucy.
• Let the sauce cool completely before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
• Add a splash of liqueur. A splash of Grand Marnier, Cointreau, or even bourbon adds a sophisticated touch and enhances the flavors of the cranberry sauce.
• Adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet cranberry sauce, reduce the amount of sugar. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more sugar.
• Experiment with different flavor combinations. Don’t be afraid to get creative and add your own personal touch to the recipe. Try adding different spices, fruits, or nuts.

Serving Suggestions

This Sweet Baked Cranberry Sauce is incredibly versatile! Here are a few ways to enjoy it:

• As a side dish on Thanksgiving or Christmas. This is the classic way to serve cranberry sauce, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
• On sandwiches. Cranberry sauce adds a sweet and tart element to turkey, ham, or even grilled cheese sandwiches.
• Swirled into yogurt or oatmeal. This is a delicious and healthy way to start your day.
• As a topping for ice cream or pancakes. Cranberry sauce adds a burst of flavor and color to your favorite desserts.
• As a glaze for roasted meats. Cranberry sauce makes a delicious and festive glaze for roasted turkey, chicken, or ham.

Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage

One of the best things about this recipe is that you can make it ahead of time! This is a huge time-saver during the busy holiday season.

Make-Ahead Instructions:

Prepare the cranberry sauce according to the recipe instructions. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Storage Instructions:

Store leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Variations To Try

Want to shake things up a bit? Here are a few delicious variations you can try:

• Spiced Cranberry Sauce: Add a pinch of cloves, allspice, or ginger to the cranberry sauce for a warm and festive flavor.
• Cranberry Apple Sauce: Dice one or two apples and add them to the cranberry sauce for a sweet and tangy twist. If you have a lot of apples, consider making Homemade Cinnamon Applesauce instead.
• Cranberry Walnut Sauce: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cranberry sauce for a crunchy and nutty texture.
• Cranberry Orange Liqueur Sauce: Add a splash of Grand Marnier or Cointreau to the cranberry sauce for a sophisticated and boozy flavor.
• Cranberry Jalapeño Sauce: Add a diced jalapeño pepper to the cranberry sauce for a spicy and sweet kick.

Pairing Suggestions

The right side dish can really elevate your holiday meal. Here are a few ideas of what to pair with your incredible cranberry sauce:

• Roast Turkey: The classic pairing! The tartness of the cranberry sauce complements the richness of the turkey perfectly.
• Ham: Cranberry sauce adds a sweet and tangy glaze to ham, making it even more delicious.
• Stuffing: Cranberry sauce adds a burst of flavor and moisture to stuffing.
• Mashed Potatoes: The sweetness of the cranberry sauce balances the savory flavors of mashed potatoes.
• Sweet Potato Casserole: A match made in heaven! The sweetness of the sweet potato casserole complements the tartness of the cranberry sauce perfectly.

Other Holiday Favorites

Looking for more easy and delicious holiday recipes? I’ve got you covered!

• FALL BAKERY: Explore warm and comforting desserts perfect for the season.
• APPLE CIDER CHEESECAKE HEAVEN: A decadent cheesecake that captures the essence of fall.
• Caramel Apple Spice Cake: Delight in the rich flavors of caramel and apple in this moist and delicious cake.

Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment!

Ultimately, the best cranberry sauce is the one you love the most! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create a cranberry sauce that is perfectly tailored to your taste. Maybe next year, you can serve Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette alongside your delicious cranberry sauce!

Happy baking, my friend! I know you’re going to create a Sweet Baked Cranberry Sauce that will be the star of your holiday table.

Easiest Sweet Baked Cranberry Sauce

This Sweet Baked Cranberry Sauce is a ridiculously easy, flavorful, and make-ahead friendly holiday side dish. Simply combine fresh cranberries, orange juice, sugar, and spices in a baking dish, then bake until bubbly and thick for a vibrant and delicious addition to your holiday table.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 8

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 12 ounces fresh cranberries
• 1 cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons orange zest
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional
• 1 tablespoon Grand Marnier or other orange liqueur optional

Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Oven
• Mixing spoon
• Zester
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine all ingredients in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Stir everything together until the cranberries are evenly coated with the sugar and spices.
4. Bake for 45-60 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the cranberries are soft and bursting, and the sauce is thick and bubbly.
5. Let cool completely. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

For best results, use fresh, high-quality cranberries. Do not overbake the sauce, as it can become dry and crumbly. Let the sauce cool completely before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken. A splash of Grand Marnier, Cointreau, or even bourbon adds a sophisticated touch and enhances the flavors of the cranberry sauce. Cranberry sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Try adding a pinch of cloves, allspice, or ginger for a spiced cranberry sauce. Diced apples or walnuts also make tasty additions.