This 10-minute cranberry sauce is an expected staple on the Thanksgiving table, adding beautiful color and a delicious tang to our plates. But not all cranberry sauce is created equal! I love this recipe for 3 reasons:
- I can make it in 10 minutes.
- I can prepare it up to 3 days in advance so I can save time on the big day.
- Its subtle cinnamon warmth and orangey twist both brighten and calm my palate.
With just a few simple ingredients and a quick cooking time, this 10-minute cranberry sauce delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s the perfect combination of tangy, sweet, and warmly spiced, making it a must-have addition to your holiday table.
Quick Prep for a Delicious 10-Minute Cranberry Sauce
This 10-minute cranberry sauce comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy holiday prep. Gather your ingredients, and let’s get started!
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Start by pouring 3/4 cup of white sugar over a 12 oz bag of fresh cranberries in a large bowl or directly in your saucepan. Add 1/2 cup each of freshly squeezed orange juice and water for a bright, zesty base. Grate in 1 teaspoon of fragrant orange zest using a zester or microplane to add a pop of citrus flavor. Finally, sprinkle in a pinch of Kosher salt and a pinch of cinnamon for that warm, spiced touch. If you have cinnamon sticks on hand, toss one in to simmer with the cranberries. It gives a more robust flavor than powdered cinnamon.
Step 2: Cook the Cranberry Sauce
Transfer all the ingredients to a large saucepan and heat them over medium heat. Stir frequently to keep the mixture from sticking or burning. Cook the cranberry sauce for about 10 minutes or until most of the cranberries have burst open. The popping sound is so satisfying, and I like to leave a handful of cranberries whole for added texture. You’ll notice the sauce thickening as it cooks. It smells heavenly, too!
Step 3: Refrigerate and Let It Set
Once the sauce is cooked, pour it into a dish and let it cool before refrigerating. I recommend refrigerating it for at least 3 hours to allow it to firm up and develop its flavors fully. This is one of my favorite dishes to make the day BEFORE Thanksgiving. It’s such a relief to have it ready to go when the holiday hustle begins, and it tastes even better the next day.
Step 4: Add a Decorative Touch
Right before serving, give your cranberry sauce a finishing touch by garnishing it with a thin orange slice or some extra orange zest. It adds a pop of color and makes the dish look even more festive. Seriously, how easy was that? It’s as beautiful as it is delicious!
A 10-Minute Cranberry Sauce That Completes Your Thanksgiving Meal
This 10-minute cranberry sauce has just the right amount of zip to perk up your turkey and add a burst of flavor to every bite. Its tangy-sweet balance and warm cinnamon notes make it the perfect companion to any Thanksgiving spread. Speaking of turkey, have you picked out your recipe yet? I personally adore this easy Tuscan-style roasted turkey. It’s full of bold, savory flavors that pair beautifully with the bright, citrusy twist of this cranberry sauce. Together, they’re a match made in Thanksgiving heaven.
Looking for more holiday inspiration? Browse my Tasty Thanksgiving board on Pinterest for side dishes, desserts, and more.
Wishing you and your loved ones a Thanksgiving filled with joy, laughter, and delicious food. May your table be full, your hearts even fuller, and your memories the sweetest part of the day. Thank you for letting me be a small part of your celebration. Happy Thanksgiving, y’all!
