This easy and delicious cranberry sauce, inspired by Joanna Gaines, is the perfect addition to any holiday table. With its sweet-tart flavor and simple preparation, it comes together in just minutes. Customize it with nuts, orange zest, or warm spices for extra flair. A versatile, crowd-pleasing dish using common ingredients you already have!
Recipe Ingredients:
- 1 cup (200g) sugar
- 1 cup (250ml) water
- 4 cups (one 12-ounce package) fresh or frozen cranberries
- Optional: pecans, orange zest, raisins, currants, blueberries, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice
How To Make Cranberry Sauce?
- Prepare the cranberries: Rinse the cranberries in a colander and remove any bruised or damaged ones.
- Boil the sugar and water: Combine the sugar and water in a medium saucepan over high heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the cranberries: Stir the cranberries into the boiling water and sugar mixture. Bring back to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until most of the cranberries have burst.
- Mix in your add-ins (optional): Leave the cranberry sauce as is, or dress it up with your favorite extras. Stir in chopped pecans, orange zest, or additional fruit like raisins, currants, or blueberries. Add a pinch of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice if desired. Adjust to taste.
- Cool the sauce: Remove the pot from heat and let the cranberry sauce cool completely at room temperature. Transfer to a bowl and chill in the refrigerator. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.
- Serve and enjoy: This cranberry sauce is perfect as a side dish for your holiday meals or as a spread for leftovers.
Recipe Tips:
- Don’t Overcook the Cranberries: Simmer just until most of the cranberries burst. Overcooking can make the sauce too thick and lose its bright flavor.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the sauce as it simmers. If it’s too tart, add a little more sugar. If it’s too sweet, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- Add Spices Slowly: Start with a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice, and adjust to taste. Too much spice can overpower the cranberries.
- Let It Cool Completely: The sauce will thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it looks runny at first. Give it time to set properly.
- Make Ahead for Better Flavor: Prepare the sauce a day in advance. The flavors deepen overnight, making it taste even better.
How To Store Leftovers?
- Refrigerate: First, let the leftover cranberry sauce cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- Freeze: Allow the cranberry sauce to cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, move the sauce to the refrigerator overnight.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 160
- Total Fat: 0.1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 0mg
- Potassium: 40mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 41g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 23g
- Protein: 0.3g
Check out More Recipes:
Joanna Gaines Cranberry Sauce
Description
This easy and delicious cranberry sauce, inspired by Joanna Gaines, is the perfect addition to any holiday table. With its sweet-tart flavor and simple preparation, it comes together in just minutes. Customize it with nuts, orange zest, or warm spices for extra flair. A versatile, crowd-pleasing dish using common ingredients you already have!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the cranberries: Rinse the cranberries in a colander and remove any bruised or damaged ones.
- Boil the sugar and water: Combine the sugar and water in a medium saucepan over high heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the cranberries: Stir the cranberries into the boiling water and sugar mixture. Bring back to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until most of the cranberries have burst.
- Mix in your add-ins (optional): Leave the cranberry sauce as is, or dress it up with your favorite extras. Stir in chopped pecans, orange zest, or additional fruit like raisins, currants, or blueberries. Add a pinch of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice if desired. Adjust to taste.
- Cool the sauce: Remove the pot from heat and let the cranberry sauce cool completely at room temperature. Transfer to a bowl and chill in the refrigerator. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.
- Serve and enjoy: This cranberry sauce is perfect as a side dish for your holiday meals or as a spread for leftovers.
Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Cranberries: Simmer just until most of the cranberries burst. Overcooking can make the sauce too thick and lose its bright flavor.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the sauce as it simmers. If it’s too tart, add a little more sugar. If it’s too sweet, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- Add Spices Slowly: Start with a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice, and adjust to taste. Too much spice can overpower the cranberries.
- Let It Cool Completely: The sauce will thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it looks runny at first. Give it time to set properly.
- Make Ahead for Better Flavor: Prepare the sauce a day in advance. The flavors deepen overnight, making it taste even better.