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!
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?"
Table of Contents
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.
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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!
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
A delicious and easy recipe for homemade cranberry sauce that’s perfect for the holidays!
Ingredients
- 12 ounce bag fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup orange juice
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Instructions
- 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.
- This sauce also freezes well.
Notes
I hope you'll try this recipe for Homemade Cranberry Sauce. It really is amazing and tastes completely different from the canned version many of us have been eating for years.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 125Sodium: 1mgCarbohydrates: 30.8gFiber: 1.7gSugar: 27.9gProtein: 0.1g
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!
Beverly says
Wow, this cranberry sauce looks amazing. Congratulations, you are being featured on Happiness Is Homemade this weekend. I hope you stop by.
https://www.eclecticredbarn.com/2021/11/happiness-is-homemade-party_01749502664.html
Hugs,
Bev
Lois says
Thank you so much!
Michelle Frank | Flipped-Out Food says
I grew up with cranberry sauce that came in the form of a a can-shaped blob. It made the most revolting "slurp-PLOP!" sound as my mom flopped it onto her fanciest crystal serving dish. Cranberry sauce is SO EASY to make yourself—there's no excuse for the canned stuff. I love the addition of cinnamon and orange zest in your version!
Lois says
Thanks for visiting. I was quite surprised at how easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce is to make as well!
Emily says
There really is nothing quite like cranberry sauce that's homemade. There's no comparison with canned.
Valerie Rath says
Homemade Cranberry Sauce is just the best and also my most favorite dish at any Thanksgiving table.