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About This Recipe
Are you a cranberry sauce fan? I feel like it’s one of those polarizing Thanksgiving recipes that you either love or hate. Then you have those that are die hard canned cranberry sauce fans and those who enjoy the real stuff.
Well let me tell you, no matter which you prefer you are going to love this healthier alternative to traditional cranberry sauce! Not only is making your own homemade cranberry sauce way healthier, but the natural sweetness of honey pairs beautifully with the tartness of the cranberries. The result is a much more balanced and delicious dish.
The best part of this easy recipe is that it’s bursting with fresh flavor compared to the sickly sweetness of sugar and artificial sweeteners found in a can of cranberry sauce. Not only is this the best cranberry sauce but it’s a wholesome treat you can feel good about serving this holiday season!
Plus, this healthier version is awesome as more than just a side for your Thanksgiving dinner. Since it’s made with natural sweetness and fresh flavors, I love enjoying it on top of oatmeal, yogurt, as jam for my homemade biscuits or on top of leftover thanksgiving turkey sliders!
Pair this healthier Thanksgiving side dish with my healthy sweet potato casserole, healthy green bean casserole, sausage apple cranberry stuffing or maple ginger glazed carrots!
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Cranberry Sauce Recipe
- Quick and easy to make! You can make your own cranberry sauce in just 15 minutes with a few simple ingredients!
- Light and fruity! This cranberry sauce has just the right combination of sweetness and tart flavors with no artificial taste and less sugar.
- A great recipe to make in advance! Easily knock this recipe out a few days before Thanksgiving.
- Taste great chilled! I love serving this cranberry sauce chilled so enjoy it straight from the fridge.
- Not just for your holiday meal! Enjoy this cranberry sauce on toast, turkey sandwiches, yogurt, etc.
- Fresh cranberries: I prefer using fresh cranberries but you can also use frozen cranberries if needed.
- Honey: you can use pure maple syrup in place of the honey.
- Orange: the orange zest adds a burst of fresh flavor to this cranberry sauce. You can also substitute some or all of the water with fresh orange juice if you prefer.
- Cinnamon: the spice of the cinnamon helps balance out the flavors of this sweet sauce.
- More spices: if you love extra spice and flavor, throw some clove or nutmeg in there along with the cinnamon and salt.
- Nuts: throw some chopped walnuts or pecans in your sauce after cooling for extra crunchy texture.
- Vanilla extract: a little bit of vanilla helps add more depth and flavor.
- Fresh fruit: add diced fresh apples, cherries, pineapple or pear.
- Whisky: add a splash of bourbon, brandy, amaretto or scotch to really deepen the flavor and take fresh cranberry sauce to the next level.
How To Make
The full printable recipe is below, but let me walk you through the process so you know what to expect when you’re making it!
1. Place the cranberries in a strainer and rinse them thoroughly. Allow them to drain completely. Inspect them to remove any stems and discard any that appear soft or wrinkled. Combine the cranberries, honey, and water in a medium saucepan.
2. Heat it over medium-high until it boils, then lower the heat to medium-low. Keep stirring occasionally until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens up like jam, which should take around 10-12 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the orange zest, cinnamon and salt. Give it a taste (blow on it first) – cranberry sauce is meant to be a little tart, but if it’s still too tart for your taste, you can mix in more honey or 1/8 tsp baking soda to help mellow the tartness.
4. Transfer to a jar and store in the fridge until ready to enjoy. Cranberry sauce will thicken as it cools.
To store: store leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
This homemade cranberry sauce also freezes great. Let cranberry sauce cool completely then add to an airtight bag or container and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Simply let it thaw in the fridge before serving.
Helpful Tips
- Fresh cranberries: Look for full, unbroken bright pink or red raw cranberries when selecting them at the grocery store.
- Wash cranberries: If you are using fresh cranberries, gently rinse them and remove any stems or debris on them. Add in your cranberries whole.
- Thicker sauce: Make to let your cranberry cool before serving so it has time to thicken. I prefer eating this cranberry sauce cold so I place mine in the fridge until ready to serve.
Can I make this homemade cranberry sauce recipe ahead of time?
Yes! This cranberry sauce is great to make in advance. I recommend making up to 3 days in advance for optimal freshness. However, this cranberry sauce will store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Do I serve this cranberry sauce warm or cold?
You can enjoy this homemade orange cranberry sauce warm or cold. Enjoy it warm straight out of the pot or room temperature. I prefer it chilled after it’s had time to sit in the fridge but it’s all about personal preference!
How do I serve this cranberry sauce?
There are so many ways to enjoy this cranberry sauce besides just serving on Thanksgiving! Enjoy this cranberry sauce on top of oatmeal, yogurt, waffles, pancakes, biscuits (like a jelly), or on top you these turkey sliders.
More Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes You’ll Love
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Healthy Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
- 12 oz. fresh cranberries
- 3/4 cup honey (276g) can also sub for maple syrup
- 1/2 cup water (120g)
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/8 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
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Instructions
- Place the cranberries in a strainer and rinse them thoroughly. Allow them to drain completely. Inspect them to remove any stems and discard any that appear soft or wrinkled.
- Combine the cranberries, honey, and water in a medium saucepan. Heat it over medium-high until it boils, then lower the heat to medium-low. Keep stirring occasionally until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens up like jam, which should take around 10-12 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the orange zest, cinnamon and salt. Give it a taste (blow on it first) – cranberry sauce is meant to be a little tart, but if it’s still too tart for your taste, you can mix in more honey or 1/8 tsp baking soda to help mellow the tartness. Transfer to a jar and store in the fridge until ready to enjoy. Cranberry sauce will thicken as it cools.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition is hand-calculated and accurate. No autocalulations! However, note that values can vary based on the brands you use and if you substitute ingredients.
