Cranberry sauce is a staple on many holiday tables, and I can’t help but think of Thanksgiving when I picture it. But did you know that you can make your very own Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce recipe from scratch in the comfort of your own kitchen? It’s easier than you might think, and the results are delicious.
When I first tried making cranberry sauce from scratch, I was amazed at how much better it tasted than the canned version. The tartness of the cranberries, paired with the sweetness of sugar and a few extra ingredients, creates a perfectly balanced sauce that elevates any meal. This Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce recipe brings that fresh, homemade taste to your table in just 20 minutes. It’s a simple and quick recipe that requires only a few basic ingredients.
Whether you’re serving it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other festive occasion, this cranberry sauce is the perfect complement to roasted meats, stuffing, and mashed potatoes. But it doesn’t just fit in during the holidays! You can make it year-round and serve it with chicken, pork, or even use it as a spread for sandwiches. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for the canned version.
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Why this Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce Recipe Works
What makes this Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce recipe special is its simplicity and versatility. It uses fresh cranberries, sugar, and orange zest to create a tart, slightly sweet sauce that complements a wide range of dishes. There’s no need for complicated ingredients or long cooking times. Just simmer the cranberries with a bit of sugar, and you’ve got a beautifully glossy sauce that will elevate any meal.
The key to this recipe’s success is the balance of tartness from the cranberries and the sweetness from the sugar. Orange zest adds a fragrant citrus note that brings everything together and gives the sauce a unique twist. Plus, the process is incredibly easy. In less than 30 minutes, you can have a fresh batch of cranberry sauce ready to serve.
The best part? You can easily customize this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can adjust the sugar. You can also add spices like cinnamon or cloves to give the sauce a warm, festive flavor. Or, if you want a touch of extra zing, you can add a bit of grated ginger. The possibilities are endless, but the base of this Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce remains simple and incredibly satisfying.
Recipe Card
Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
servings5
minutes15
minutes110
kcalMake your holiday meals complete with this easy, homemade Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce. Sweet, tangy, and perfectly balanced, it pairs wonderfully with turkey, chicken, or any festive feast.
Ingredients
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
12 oz (1 bag) Ocean Spray fresh cranberries
Directions
- In a medium saucepan, bring water and sugar to a boil over medium heat.
- Add the cranberries and return to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the cranberries begin to pop.
- Remove from heat, let it cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- This sauce can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- The sauce will thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit runny when hot.
Tips for the Perfect Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce Recipe
- For a citrusy twist: Add the zest and juice of one orange to create a verison with orange.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a few whole cloves for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Consistency: If you prefer a smoother sauce, use a hand blender to purée the cranberries once they’ve cooled.
- Let the Sauce Cool: Once your cranberry sauce is done, allow it to cool and thicken up before serving. This will give the flavors time to develop and ensure a silky texture.
Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce Recipe Variants
While this basic Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce is perfect on its own, you can easily customize it to create different versions that fit your taste or occasion. Here are a few delicious variations you can try:
1. Spiced Cranberry Sauce
If you want to add a little warmth and depth to your cranberry sauce, try adding a combination of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. These spices give the sauce a holiday vibe that pairs wonderfully with roasted meats and savory sides.
2. Citrus Cranberry Sauce
For a burst of citrus flavor, you can add extra orange juice or even lemon juice to the sauce. The citrus not only adds a refreshing tang but also enhances the natural tartness of the cranberries. You can also experiment with other citrus fruits, like lime or grapefruit, for a more unique flavor profile.
3. Cranberry Sauce with Berries
If you’re looking for a slightly sweeter cranberry sauce, you can add other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries. The mix of flavors creates a deliciously fruity sauce that is perfect for pairing with desserts or as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal.
4. Maple Cranberry Sauce
For a richer, deeper sweetness, replace the sugar with maple syrup. The maple syrup adds an earthy sweetness that works beautifully with the tart cranberries. This variation is perfect for those who prefer a natural, refined-sugar-free version of cranberry sauce.
FAQs of Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries, but fresh cranberries will give the sauce a brighter, more vibrant flavor. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw them first.
Simply reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe to your taste. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance the tartness.
Yes, honey can be used as a natural sweetener. Start with a 1/2 cup of honey and adjust to taste.
Final Thoughts
This Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce recipe is a holiday classic that never goes out of style. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can make a delicious homemade cranberry sauce that outshines the canned version any day. Whether you’re serving it with turkey, ham, or even spreading it on a turkey sandwich, this sauce brings the perfect balance of tart and sweet.
If you want ideas of desserts that go with the sauce check out our list of Delicious sweets!
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