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Easy Fresh Cranberry Sauce (Feezer-Friendly & Make Ahead!)

If youโ€™ve only ever had cranberry sauce from a can, get ready โ€” this homemade fresh cranberry sauce is a total game changer. Itโ€™s bright, citrusy, lightly spiced, a little boozy (thanks to Grand Marnier!), and the perfect mix of tart and sweet. Serve this with my turkey, make-ahead turkey gravy, classic stuffing, and sweet potato casserole, and youโ€™ve got the full holiday spread. been making this exact recipe for years, and every single time, people ask for the recipe. But hereโ€™s the best partโ€ฆ itโ€™s completely make-ahead and freezes beautifully. I always make it weeks before the holidays so itโ€™s one less thing to worry about the day of. Just thaw it in the fridge and serve โ€” zero stress, full flavor. And yesโ€ฆ before you come for meโ€ฆ I still serve the jiggly canned cranberry sauce too. The nostalgia is real, and there is no shame in having both on the table. I always put this fresh version next to it, and everyone grabs a little of each. Win-win! If you’re look for the best Holiday Side Dishes, or Holiday Desserts, or even Holiday Appetizers. I got them all lined up and ready for you just click the text!

Fresh or frozen both work โ€” no need to thaw

Fresh-squeezed recommended โ€” I use Natalieโ€™s

kosher salt brings out the flavor

Melissa Jo

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Give her a good mix!!!

Going to need a zester

Let it POP and boil!

Before pouring let sit for 30 minutes to cool off.

Stored in my Rubbermaid containers till Thanksgiving.

๐Ÿ‘ How to Store Leftovers

  • This cranberry sauce freezes beautifully for 2โ€“3 months.
  • Freeze in a quart-size container, mason jar, or even a freezer bag laid flat.
  • Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving โ€” no reheating needed.
  • If you want it slightly looser, add 1โ€“2 tablespoons fresh OJ when serving.

๐ŸŽฅ Items Featured in the Video

๐Ÿ—’ More Delicious Thanksgiving Recipes

๐Ÿค” Common Questions

Can I make this without alcohol?

Yes โ€” just leave out the Grand Marnier or replace it with 1โ€“2 teaspoons vanilla extract.

Can I reduce the sugar?

You can, but the sauce will be more tart. Start with 1ยฝ cups and add more to taste.

Melissa Jo

Easy Fresh Cranberry Sauce (Freezer-Friendly & Make-Ahead!)

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If youโ€™ve only ever hadย cranberry sauceย from a can, get ready โ€” this homemade freshย cranberry sauceย is a total game changer. Itโ€™s bright, citrusy, lightly spiced, a little boozy (thanks to Grand Marnier!), and the perfect mix of tart and sweet. Iโ€™ve been making this exact recipe for years, and every single time, people ask for the recipe.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 10 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 116

Ingredients
  

  • 24 oz fresh cranberries Fresh or frozen both work โ€” no need to thaw
  • 2 cups granulated sugar Balances the tartness
  • 1 cup orange juice Fresh-squeezed recommended โ€” I use Natalieโ€™s
  • 1 cup water Helps it simmer and soften
  • 1 tsp cinnamon Warm spice without overpowering
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt brings out the flavor
  • 1 clementine (zest only) OR 1/2 orange zested if thatโ€™s what you have
  • 25 ml Grand Marnier About ยฝ of a mini bottle โ€” optional but amazing

Method
 

  1. Rinse theย cranberriesย well and add them to a large pot.
  2. Add sugar, orange juice, water, and salt. Stir and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  3. Once theย cranberriesย start popping, reduce heat to a simmer.
  4. Use a wooden spoon to gently press some of the berries against the side of the pot โ€” this helps release pectin and naturally thickens theย sauce.
  5. Add Grand Marnier and simmer for 10 minutes.
  6. Stir in cinnamon and clementine zest.
  7. Remove from heat and let cool in the pot for 30 minutes.
  8. Transfer to a container and refrigerate for 24 hours โ€” it thickens as it chills.
  9. Freeze until needed. Thaw in the refrigerator the day before serving. Serve cold.

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Nutrition

Calories: 116kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 0.1gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.01gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 40mgPotassium: 35mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 29gVitamin A: 33IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 0.1mg

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