Basic 3 Ingredient Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This basic 3-ingredient cranberry sauce is a quick and easy way to bring fresh flavor to your holiday table. Made with simple ingredients, it’s perfect for complementing turkey and other festive dishes.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse the cranberries thoroughly and discard any that are soft or damaged.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, water, and sugar. Stir to mix evenly.
- Step 3: Cover the saucepan and cook over medium heat until the mixture boils and the cranberries begin to pop, about 10 minutes.
- Step 4: Transfer the hot mixture to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth or pulse a few times if you prefer a chunkier sauce.
- Step 5: Let the sauce cool completely before serving or storing.
Tips & Variations
- For a twist, add a strip of orange zest or a pinch of cinnamon during cooking for extra flavor.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup and adjust to taste after cooking.
- Pulse the sauce instead of fully blending if you like some texture with whole cranberries.
Storage
Store cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove if desired, though it’s also delicious served chilled or at room temperature.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Yes, frozen cranberries work well. Just thaw them slightly before cooking and adjust the cooking time as needed since frozen berries may release more liquid.
How thick will this cranberry sauce be?
The sauce thickens as it cools but remains spoonable. Blending smooth will create a thicker texture, while pulsing keeps it chunkier and slightly looser.
PrintBasic 3 Ingredient Cranberry Sauce Recipe
This Basic 3 Ingredient Cranberry Sauce is a simple, classic accompaniment perfect for holiday meals or any dish that benefits from a touch of sweet-tart fruitiness. Using just fresh cranberries, water, and sugar, this sauce is easy to make from scratch and can be blended to your preferred texture, making it a versatile and delicious addition to your table.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 1.5 cups cranberry sauce 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare Cranberries: Rinse the fresh cranberries thoroughly under cold water and discard any cranberries that are soft or damaged to ensure the best texture and flavor.
- Cook Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed cranberries, 1/2 cup water, and 1 cup granulated sugar. Stir the ingredients together, then cover the pan and cook over medium heat. Allow the mixture to come to a boil and continue cooking until the cranberries start to pop, which releases their natural juices and softens their texture.
- Blend Sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat. Transfer the hot cranberry mixture into a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth for a classic cranberry sauce texture, or pulse gently if you prefer some chunks for added texture.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the blended cranberry sauce to cool down to room temperature before serving. The sauce can be served warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
Notes
- For a chunkier sauce, pulse the cranberries fewer times in the blender or food processor.
- Adjust sugar amount to taste for a sweeter or more tart sauce.
- This sauce can be refrigerated for up to one week in an airtight container.
- Make sure not to overcook the cranberries to preserve some of their texture.
- Optional: Add a splash of orange juice or zest for extra flavor.
Keywords: cranberry sauce, holiday sauce, easy cranberry sauce, 3 ingredient sauce, stovetop cranberry sauce
