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Sweet and tangy baked cranberry sauce, a simple holiday side dish, is shown in a casserole dish, ready to be served.

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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
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

  • 9x13-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 9x13 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.