Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Homemade Cranberry Sauce ~ quick and easy to make. Loaded with fresh cranberries and citrus flavor. 1000 times better than the canned stuff.

The onset of Thanksgiving brings the ‘discussion’ of cranberry sauce in our house. My husband likes the stuff in the can that comes out jelly-like with the can’s indentations intact.

I prefer what you’re seeing here.  Homemade Cranberry Sauce made with fresh cranberries, infused with bright citrus flavor  and apples plus pistachios for a little texture.

Tangy-sweet it’s absolutely mouthwatering. The one in the can from my husband’s childhood and the stuff he pledges his allegiance to doesn’t begin to compare.

Some call it cranberry sauce, others relish, so what’s the difference? Simple:  cranberry sauce is cooked and cranberry relish isn’t.  A food nerd fun fact. 

What’s in Homemade Cranberry Sauce?

• fresh cranberries
• granulated sugar
• brown sugar
• cinnamon
• water
• Granny Smith apple peeled, cored and chopped
• orange juice and zest
• pistachios finely chopped

How do I make Homemade Cranberry Sauce?

Rinse the cranberries, then add them to a saucepan along with the brown and white sugar, cinnamon and water. 

Over medium heat bring the mixture to a boil then reduce the heat and simmer 7-10 minutes or until the cranberry skins burst.

Peel, core and dice the apple then fold it in along with the orange zest and juice and finely chopped pistachios. Give it all a good stir to combine. The Cranberry Sauce will thicken as it cools. If you’d like, garnish with a little orange zest and more pistachios just before serving.

Can I make this Cranberry Sauce ahead of time?

Yes – this is the ideal recipe to make ahead! It can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to 3 days before serving.

Here are a few of my other favorite holiday side dishes:

Old Fashioned Bread Sausage Stuffing:  Classic stuffing recipe baked outside the bird with delicious fresh herb and sausage flavors. Serve with turkey, chicken or pork.

Sweet Potato Au Gratin: Sliced sweet and Yukon Gold potatoes baked in a creamy Gruyere sauce.

Smoked Gouda Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery bursting with smoked Gouda cheese flavor. The ultimate side dish for the holiday but easy to make on a weeknight.

Brown Butter Honey Glazed Carrots: Tender roasted carrots in a honey-brown butter glaze. Sure to be a hit on your holiday table!

Enjoy!

If you tried this Homemade Cranberry Sauce recipe or any other on the blog then I’d love to hear from you with a comment or star rating!

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