Homemade Cranberry Sauce

A delicious and easy recipe for homemade cranberry sauce that's perfect for the holidays. You can prepare this easy recipe for Thanksgiving a few days before the big event. It only gets better as it sits in the refrigerator. Let me show you how easy this recipe is to make! 

this Recipe

Today I'm sharing with you an easy and delicious family favorite crock pot recipe for homemade cranberry sauce that you are going to love for all your holiday celebrations!

How do you serve cranberry sauce for the holidays...from the can or homemade? For years our family has always opened a can of cranberry sauce for our Thanksgiving meal and then a few years ago I made this homemade recipe and it was amazing.

I remember thinking to myself as I had the first spoonful of it after it had cooled, "why haven't I made this sooner?"

Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce

I've made this recipe two ways, in the crock pot and in the oven.  However, I  like to make it in the crock pot.  It really does make the house smell amazing while it cooks.  

You can also make this recipe using my Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce recipe.

Tips for Making Homemade Cranberry Sauce

• You can definitely make this recipe the day before or even a few days before Thanksgiving.
• This recipe freezes well too, so if you want to prepare it a week or two before, you can! 
• If you do have leftovers, try some spooned on top of a turkey sandwich made with leftover turkey.  It's delicious!

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Main Ingredients Needed

Make sure you print out the recipe below and save it for later!

• Bag fresh cranberries
• Sugar
• Water
• Orange juice
• Cinnamon
• Orange zest

Step-by-Step Directions

• Place all the ingredients in the crock pot and stir.
• Cover and cook on high for about 3 hours.
• Remove the lid, stir and mash some of the cranberries.
• Continue to cook uncovered for another 45 minutes or until the sauce has thickened and most of the cranberries have popped.
• Let cool before serving or place in a container to store in the refrigerator.

Tried any of my recipes? Let me know in the comments!

Storage Tips

• Store any leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• You can also freeze the cranberry sauce for up to 3 months.

More Delicious Thanksgiving Recipes

• How to Roast a Turkey
• Instant Pot Side Dishes perfect for Thanksgiving
• Company Mashed Potatoes - another prepare ahead recipe for Thanksgiving.
• Crock Pot Thanksgiving Recipes

AND if you have leftover cranberry sauce, you need to make these EASY Turkey Slider Sandwiches! 

This recipe has been updated since it first appeared in 2015 with new photos, information and a new printable recipe card that includes nutritional information. I hope you enjoy the updates as much as I enjoyed working on them!