Christmas Cranberry Sauce is a must-have side dish for the holiday season. This recipe is the perfect balance of tart cranberries and sweet sugar. It’s an easy-to-make, delicious addition to your festive meal. Every bite of this homemade cranberry sauce will make your Christmas dinner even more special.
I’m Erica, and I’ve been making this Christmas Cranberry Sauce for years. It’s my go-to recipe because it’s so simple yet full of flavor. I love how it brings the holiday spirit to the table with just a few ingredients. It’s so easy to prepare and pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, or even just as a snack.
Christmas Cranberry Sauce is perfect for Christmas dinner. The bright, red color makes it so festive. It’s the ideal blend of sweetness and tartness, which makes it a favorite among my guests every year.
This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy. disclosure policy
Christmas Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 Ounces Fresh Cranberries
- 1 Cup Sugar
- ½ Cup Water
- 1 Tablespoon Orange Zest
- ¼ Teaspoon Cinnamon
- ¼ Teaspoon Nutmeg
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Optional Toppings
- Orange Slices
- Chopped Pecans
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, and water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract.
- Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool.
- Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Video
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- This recipe can also be made ahead of time—the flavors improve as it sits!
- For an extra touch, try adding chopped pecans or a few orange slices as a topping.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the sauce after cooking.