Why Homemade Cranberry Sauce is a Must! 💡
Forget the store-bought stuff – making your own cranberry sauce from scratch is a total game-changer. You’ll get to control the sweetness, spice it up to your liking, and enjoy a fresher, more vibrant taste. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make! In less than 15 minutes, you’ll have a tangy, sweet, and wonderfully thick cranberry sauce that will elevate your meals.
Not only does it taste great, but this homemade version is also packed with antioxidants from those gorgeous cranberries, making it both delicious and nutritious. Win-win! 🏅🍇
Tips for the Best Cranberry Sauce Every Time! 👌
- Fresh vs. Dried Cranberries: Both work great, but I love using dried cranberries for their concentrated flavour. If you’re using fresh cranberries, just remember to adjust the sugar to taste, as they can be a bit more tart.
- Choose the Right Sweetener: While regular white sugar does the job, I’ve found that a touch of maple syrup or brown sugar adds a deeper, caramel-like sweetness that balances out the tartness of the cranberries beautifully.
- Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavour: Feel free to get creative with your cranberry sauce! A splash of orange juice or a bit of zest gives a citrusy note that brightens up the sauce, and a pinch of cinnamon or even fennel seeds (as in this recipe!) can bring a warm, spiced undertone. 🍊✨
- Thickening the Sauce: I use cornflour to thicken it up quickly, but if you prefer a more natural thickness, simply let it simmer down a little longer until it naturally reduces and thickens.
- Balancing Sweet and Tart: Cranberries can be quite tart, so the key is to find that sweet spot with your sugar. Taste as you go, and adjust the sweetness based on your preference. If you find it too sweet, a dash of lemon juice can balance things out perfectly!
Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Sauce 🍽️
One of my favourite things about this cranberry sauce recipe is how versatile it is. Sure, it’s a classic at Christmas lunch or a turkey dinner, but there are so many other ways to enjoy it:
- Pair it with Cheese: This tangy sauce is heavenly paired with soft cheeses like brie or camembert. Spread it over a toasted cracker with a slice of creamy brie, and you’ve got yourself a crowd-pleasing snack!
- Swirl into Yoghurt or Porridge: Add a spoonful of this sweet-tart sauce to your morning porridge or yoghurt for a burst of flavour and colour.
- Top Your Pancakes or Waffles: Forget maple syrup, and give your breakfast a fruity twist by drizzling some cranberry sauce over your pancakes or waffles. It’s seriously next level! 🥞🍒
- Roast Meats: Of course, this sauce is a match made in heaven with roast turkey, chicken, or even pork. Serve a dollop on the side, or use it as a glaze to coat your meat while it roasts.
- Sandwiches and Burgers: Spread a little cranberry sauce in your sandwiches or burgers for a punch of flavour that takes things to the next level. I love it with grilled chicken sandwiches or even a ham and cheese toastie. 🥪🔥
Make-Ahead and Storing Cranberry Sauce 🧑🍳❄️
This cranberry sauce keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to a week. Just pop it into an airtight container, and it’ll be ready to go whenever you need it. And, pro tip: this sauce also freezes really well! So, if you’re making a big batch, just portion it out and freeze for up to 3 months. It’s a lifesaver for those last-minute meals!
Recipes You’ll Also Love:
If you have loved making this Cranberry Sauce, you will love these other easy recipes:
Share Your Creations
Now, it’s your turn! Try out this cranberry sauce recipe and share your beautiful creations with me on Instagram by tagging @steph_cooks_stuff I can’t wait to see how you serve it up! 🥳
By adding homemade cranberry sauce to your repertoire, you’re guaranteed to impress your guests (or just treat yourself!). Whether it’s the holidays or an average Wednesday, this sauce brings big flavour to the table without any fuss.
So, what are you waiting for? Get cooking, and happy eating! 👩🍳
Cranberry Sauce
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 12 1x
Description
👩🍳 Hey there, cooking enthusiasts! Today, I’m excited to share my super simple and utterly delicious homemade cranberry sauce recipe. Perfect for any occasion, this sauce is sure to be a hit with your taste buds! 🍽️🍒
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grab a saucepan and pour in your cranberries and cranberry juice. Bring it to a boil. 🌡️🔥
- Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and pepper. Feeling adventurous? Add the fennel seeds for that extra zing! 🌿
- Let it bubble for about 5 minutes. You’ll see those cranberries getting nice and plump. Time to sweeten the deal with your sugar. 🍬
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the corn flour and water. This is your thickening magic! ✨
- Gently stir this mixture into your boiling cranberries. Keep stirring for about a minute until your sauce transforms into a thick, glossy masterpiece. 🌟
- Done! Pour your cranberry creation into a container and chill it in the fridge. It’s good for a week, but let’s be real, it’s so yummy it might not last that long! 😋❄️
This cranberry sauce is not just a Christmas staple, but a year-round delight. It’s perfect for adding a homemade touch to your meals. 🍴✨
Enjoy making and more importantly, eating this scrumptious sauce! 😄👩🍳💖
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Australian
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! This cranberry sauce actually gets better after it sits for a while. You can make it up to a week in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving!
Yes, frozen cranberries work just as well as dried or fresh ones. No need to thaw them—just pop them straight into the saucepan. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly, but the results will be just as delicious.
If you find your cranberry sauce a bit too sweet, you can easily fix it with a splash of lemon juice or a dash of vinegar. These ingredients will cut through the sweetness and give your sauce a nice tangy balance. 🍋