Easy Fresh Cranberry Sauce (Feezer-Friendly & Make Ahead!)
If you’ve only ever had cranberry sauce from a can, get ready — this homemade fresh cranberry sauce is a total game changer. It’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 you’ve got the full holiday spread. been making this exact recipe for years, and every single time, people ask for the recipe. But here’s the best part… it’s completely make-ahead and freezes beautifully. I always make it weeks before the holidays so it’s one less thing to worry about the day of. Just thaw it in the fridge and serve — zero stress, full flavor. And yes… before you come for me… 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 — no need to thaw
Fresh-squeezed recommended — I use Natalie’s
kosher salt brings out the flavor
Hungry for more? Get my recipes first.
The dinners my family asks for on repeat, sent to you first.
Unsubscribe anytime, no hard feelings.
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.
👝 How to Store Leftovers
- This cranberry sauce freezes beautifully for 2–3 months.
- Freeze in a quart-size container, mason jar, or even a freezer bag laid flat.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving — no reheating needed.
- If you want it slightly looser, add 1–2 tablespoons fresh OJ when serving.
🎥 Items Featured in the Video
🗒 More Delicious Thanksgiving Recipes
🤔 Common Questions
Yes — just leave out the Grand Marnier or replace it with 1–2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
You can, but the sauce will be more tart. Start with 1½ cups and add more to taste.
Easy Fresh Cranberry Sauce (Freezer-Friendly & Make-Ahead!)
Ingredients
Method
- Rinse the cranberries well and add them to a large pot.
- Add sugar, orange juice, water, and salt. Stir and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once the cranberries start popping, reduce heat to a simmer.
- Use a wooden spoon to gently press some of the berries against the side of the pot — this helps release pectin and naturally thickens the sauce.
- Add Grand Marnier and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in cinnamon and clementine zest.
- Remove from heat and let cool in the pot for 30 minutes.
- Transfer to a container and refrigerate for 24 hours — it thickens as it chills.
- Freeze until needed. Thaw in the refrigerator the day before serving. Serve cold.
Want to make this later?
We'll email this recipe straight to you, so it's waiting when you need it.
Good day I am so delighted I found your web site,
I really found you by mistake, while I was researching on Yahoo for something else, Regardless I am here now and would just like to say many thanks for a incredible post and a all round enjoyable blog (I
also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to go through it all
at the minute but I have bookmarked it and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I
have time I will be back to read more, Please do
keep up the excellent jo.
It’s really a cool and useful piece of information. I am glad that you shared this
helpful information with us. Please keep us up to date like this.
Thank you for sharing.