To achieve the classic thick cranberry sauce consistency, it needs to be completely chilled before serving to guests. Once it’s transferred to the refrigerator it’ll continue to thicken after cooking. It’s best to make it the day before your holiday meal, to allow for ample time for the sauce to chill.
If you prefer your cranberry sauce smoother, you can use a hand-held blender to create a silkier texture by blending the cranberries during the cooking process. Or simply follow the method above for a chunkier version of the sauce.
Take care not to overcook the cranberries. Once they’ve all popped, if you leave them cooking for much longer then they’ll start to produce a bitter taste that’s unwanted in this tart and sweet sauce. Around 10 minutes is usually long enough for the cranberries to burst.
Once you’ve perfected your sauce, it’s time to pair it with a selection of holiday dishes. It’s the ideal accompaniment for a Thanksgiving dinner, and irresistibly sweet alongside a serving of roast turkey. Vibrant and fresh cranberry sauce is a traditional feature for any Thanksgiving meal, and can be used in leftover turkey sandwiches, once the celebrations are over.
Fresh vs. Frozen Cranberries
You can use either fresh or frozen cranberries in the cranberry sauce recipe above. The frozen berries don’t need to thaw before being added to the pan either. Despite being frozen, they won’t need much longer than fresh cranberries. Allow for a minute or two extra and watch for the cranberries to start bursting.
Fresh cranberries will offer a brighter flavor for the sauce, but frozen cranberries have the added benefit of being available throughout the year, and can be used straight from the freezer for ease.
For more colorful fruit inspiration take a look at our guide to the top 20 red fruits and vegetables to enjoy during the changing seasons.
Variations with Citrus, Wine, or Spices
To make the best cranberry sauce, try enhancing the flavors with a selection of spices and fruits to develop the recipe. Citrus elements, such as orange zest, brighten the tart notes of the cranberries. You can also use orange juice, if you’d prefer. Orange is a delicious winter fruit addition and one of the tastiest ingredients to enjoy during the colder months in festive dishes.
In this recipe we’ve suggested adding a pinch of nutmeg. Other spices, such as cinnamon sticks, star anise, or whole cloves, also bring a seasonal feel to the recipe and blend effortlessly with the tartness of the cranberries.
For special occasions, some chefs will even add a splash of bourbon or red wine, to introduce a deep richness to the sauce. If you do decide to add alcohol to the sauce, make sure you cook it long enough for the alcohol to burn off.
