This easy 4 ingredient homemade gluten-free cranberry sauce uses fresh cranberries, fresh orange juice, and honey for the perfect balance of sweet and tart.
Add the orange juice and honey to a saucepan and cook on low till honey has dissolved.
Once the honey has dissolved, add the cranberries and orange zest.
Bring to a boil then turn the heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes (or until most of the cranberries have burst) stirring occasionally.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
Sauce pan
Notes
SubstitutionsCranberries- You can use frozen cranberries but you will need to let them simmer for a little longer, about 2 minutes longer, since they will release more liquid while cooking. You can find cranberries in the fresh produce section of your grocery store during the holiday season.Honey- You can substitute honey for maple syrup or coconut sugar. You can make this recipe vegan by using maple syrup or coconut sugar. You could also use white sugar if you can't find coconut sugar.Tips
The best part of this cranberry sauce is that you can make it a day or two before your holiday get together making it one less thing you have to do the day of.
The best/easiest way to zest the orange is with a microplane.
You can buy fresh cranberries early and keep them in your fridge for up to four weeks. You can also freeze them for up to a year!
Add-insYou can add so many things to this recipe to take it to the next level and impress all your holiday guests. Here are some great add-ins you can try.
Adding a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves adds a nice holiday spice.
A splash of either bourbon, brandy, whiskey, scotch, or amaretto adds a nice rich flavor.
Mix in chopped apples for extra sweetness and a nice texture which is a unique way to serve your cranberry sauce.
Simmer fresh rosemary springs with your fresh berries for a savory herbal flavor.
You can add jalapeno for a nice spicy kick.
Leftover ideasIf you have leftover sauce and don't know what to do with it, here are some awesome leftover ideas for you.
Add some yogurt and top with granola
Spread onto toast, biscuits, bagels, or English muffins
Add to oatmeal or overnight oats
Add a small cube of brie and a dollop of cranberry sauce to the inside of Crescent rolls and bake according to the package directions
Add it to the top of vanilla ice cream.
Top your pancakes or waffles
Stir into cottage cheese
Add it to a leftover turkey sandwich
Blend into a smoothie
Combine it with BBQ sauce for a tangy twist
Add it to the top of a sweet potato casserole
StoringLet the leftover cranberry sauce cool completely then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 14 days.Freezing is a great way to store your sauce if you have a large batch or want to store it for an extended period of time. Allow the cranberry sauce to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or a freezer bag. Cranberry sauce can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To use frozen cranberry sauce, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.