Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce

Homemade Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce is the perfect accompaniment for your Thanksgiving Turkey! Tastes better than store-bought, plus you get the texture of whole berries with a tangy sweet flavor. This holiday classic is easier to make than you think!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Whole Berries - not the mushy or jellied Cranberry Sauce, Cranberries are the hero of this recipe with pops of flavor
• Fast and Easy - ready in about 20 minutes
• Customizable - adjust the sweetness and make your own flavors with these tips and variations, the possibilities are endless
• Better than Store Bought - avoid lump jar shaped Cranberry Sauce, impress your guests, they'll notice the effort

Ingredients

• Frozen Whole Cranberries or Lingonberries
• Water - (or liquid of your choice)
• White Sugar

How to Make Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce

1. Prepare Cranberries - rinse in a colander, remove any stems if needed.
2. Combine - in a medium saucepan, bring the Water and Sugar to a boil until the Sugar dissolves.
3. Cook - add Cranberries in the hot syrup and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer. Cook the cranberries for about 15 minutes until they start to burst.
4. Season - mix in optional Spices like Cinnamon, Nutmeg or Orange Zest.
5. Cool - remove Wholeberry Cranberry Sauce from heat and cool. The sauce will thicken as it cools. When cooled, place in a bowl and keep refrigerated.

Cranberry Sauce Variation Ideas

• Spiced Cranberry Sauce - add ½ teaspoon of Cinnamon, Star Anise or a pinch of Nutmeg
• Ginger Cranberry Sauce - substitute water with Ginger Ale (easy option) or a teaspoon of grated fresh Ginger
• Cranberry Sauce with Orange - substitute water with Orange Juice and Orange Zest (or try Lemons for a citrus twist)
• Boozy Cranberry Sauce - add a splash of Brandy, Grand Marnier, Cointreau, Ruby Port or Bourbon after removing from heat
• Nutty Cranberry Sauce - mix in ¼ cup of chopped Nuts after cooking - try chopped Pecans, Walnuts, or Macadamia Nuts
• Balsamic Cranberry Sauce - make it savory by adding 1 tablespoon of Balsamic Vinegar with ½ teaspoon of Rosemary or Thyme

Recipe Tips and FAQs

• Adjust Sweetness - if you're not sure, start with ¾ cup of sugar, and add more to sweeten if needed
• Experiment with Liquids - instead of Water or Orange Juice, add other liquids like Ginger Ale, Cranberry Juice, Pomegranate Juice, Black Currant Juice or Raspberry Juice. Don't let the liquids overpower the cranberries.
• Lingonberry Substitute - Lingonberries (Брусника) are found in European delis are are a little less acidic. Interchangeable with Cranberries, see if your guests notice the difference if making Lingonberry Sauce!
• Burst Cranberries - allow most of the Cranberries to pop while cooking. Leave a few whole for a chunkier texture.
• Smooth Texture - blend with an immersion blender after cooking for a smoother sauce
• Natural Sweetners - substitute Sugar with Honey, Maple Syrup or Stevia

My Cranberry Sauce Didn't Set

Cranberries need to be cooked long enough to release the natural pectin, which is required to gel. Simmer for at least 15 minutes. If it hasn't set, you can put back on the burner for a few minutes, or mix in a Cornstarch Slurry (1 teaspoon Cornstarch and 1 teaspoon Water) and cook for 2 minutes until thickened.

Can I Use Frozen Cranberries?

Yes! The best thing about making homemade Cranberry Sauce is that you can use Fresh Cranberries or Frozen Cranberries. Allow them to defrost before using.

Can I Make Cranberry Sauce Ahead of Time?

Yes. It's easy to make a day or two in advance and keep in the fridge until ready to serve.

Storage

• Fridge - place in an airtight container and keep refrigerated. Best enjoyed within 2 weeks.
• Freezer - place in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Make a double batch for Thanksgiving and freeze some for Christmas. Defrost in fridge overnight and bring to room temperature before serving.

Holiday Recipes You'll Love

• How To Deep Fry A Turkey
• Smoked Turkey
• Classic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey
• Citrus Turkey with Herb Butter
• Leftover Turkey Turnovers with Cranberry
• Creamy Turkey Soup (from leftovers)
• Truffle Mashed Potatoes
• Juniper Pepper Gravy

Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce can be served with Turkey, Ham, Pork or Chicken and can be enjoyed anytime of year. So easy to make, tastier than Ocean Spray by creating your own flavors. You'll wonder why you ever bought it! Bon Appetit! Приятного аппетита!

©PetersFoodAdventures.com *originally posted November 2019, updated November 2024