How to Make Perfect Homemade Cranberry Sauce for Thanksgiving

To make a delicious and easy homemade cranberry sauce for your Thanksgiving dinner, you will need a few simple ingredients. Here is a step-by-step guide based on recent recipes:

Start by gathering 12 ounces (or 3 cups) of fresh or frozen cranberries. Rinse them thoroughly if using fresh cranberries. You will also need 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar, the zest of one orange, a pinch of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and optionally, 1/4 cup of orange juice or water.

In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange zest, salt, and cinnamon. If you are using orange juice or water, add it to the saucepan as well. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar has dissolved.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have popped and the sauce has thickened. You can help the process by occasionally mashing the cranberries with a spoon or spatula.

Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. You can then refrigerate it until it is ready to be served. This homemade cranberry sauce is a perfect side dish for your Thanksgiving meal and can be made ahead of time to save on cooking day stress.