Make the Ultimate Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Of all the meals of the year, Thanksgiving is by far my favorite. I have been hosting at our house for a number of years, and despite the hard work, Thanksgiving week is easily one of the best weeks of the year! Family time in the kitchen, preparing all the yummy goodness! Mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes, turkey, dressing, homemade cranberry sauce, rolls, and the list goes on and on! I’m ready to dive in already!

Of course, the turkey is the star of the Thanksgiving show, but without all the supporting actors, the best meal of the year just wouldn’t be complete! One such supporting actor is a bit controversial- the cranberry sauce.

Perhaps you like it jelled and shaped like a can, and that’s all well and good. No judgement here because I grew up having this kind every Thanksgiving. In fact, my kids still love it like this too. In the last several years, however, I’ve come to really appreciate the goodness of making it myself at home.

Additionally, it’s easy and so much fun to make! My kids absolutely love helping make this easy homemade cranberry sauce each Thanksgiving. It’s so fun to see their excitement as they hear the berries begin to pop! It fills my heart to be able to make these memories with my babies, and I know they won’t ever forget these times in the kitchen preparing for Thanksgiving dinner.

What You’ll Need to Make Homemade Cranberry Sauce

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Liquid measuring cup
• Dutch Oven or Large Pot
• Collander
• Sharp Knife
• Wooden Spoon

Ingredients

• 1 1/8 cups sugar
• 3/4 cup orange juice
• 3/4 cup water
• 16 oz. fresh cranberries
• Pinch of Salt
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 piece of orange peel

Instructions for Homemade Cranberry Sauce

• Place cranberries in a colander and remove any that are bad. Rinse remaining berries well.

• In a Dutch oven over medium heat, add the first three ingredients and stir to combine.

• Add in remaining ingredients and continue stirring frequently.

• Once it comes to a simmer, continue simmering for 10-15 minutes.

• You want to ensure that most of the berries have popped, but also want to leave some whole.

• Allow to cool for at least 30 minutes.
• Refrigerate and serve cold.

• You can make this up to three days ahead of time, so if you are making for Thanksgiving, you can make it as early as Monday.

Final Thoughts for Thanksgiving

As we move into the most wonderful time of the year, take a few moments to make this side dish a little extra special this year. Grab some of your loved ones and have some fun in the kitchen just enjoying being together! These are memories you won’t ever regret, and time is precious! The sights and smells of homemade goodness are something that cannot be beat by anything you can buy pre-made in a store.

May each of you be blessed with the warmth and comfort of friends, family, and good food. May we be truly grateful for all the good gifts we have received from our heavenly Father! We are so blessed!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Pin It For Later

Additional Thanksgiving Recipes to Enjoy!

How to Make Easy, Delicious Iced Pumpkin Bars – Life on Broomsage Hill

Best Easy Clean Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer – Life on Broomsage Hill