3 Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipes for Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones, sharing memories, and indulging in a feast that celebrates the harvest. While many classic dishes grace the Thanksgiving table, few are as eagerly anticipated as cranberry sauce. Whether you're a traditionalist who loves the classic jellied variety or someone looking to impress with something new, here are three delectable cranberry sauce recipes that will add a burst of flavor and color to your Thanksgiving dinner.

Recipe 1: Classic Jellied Cranberry Sauce

For many, Thanksgiving isn’t complete without the iconic jellied cranberry sauce. This recipe offers a homemade twist on the canned favorite, bringing both nostalgia and a touch of gourmet to your dinner:

• 1 bag (12 ounces) fresh cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• Optional: 1 tbsp of orange zest for an extra kick

Instructions:

1. Rinse the cranberries under cold water, discarding any that are overripe or damaged.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and orange zest (if using). Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
3. Add the cranberries to the pan. Return to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for about 10 minutes, or until most of the cranberries have popped.
4. Once cooked, strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a container. Do not press down as you want the sauce to retain its clear, jellied texture.
5. Chill in the refrigerator until set, which takes about 4 hours.
6. To serve, slide a knife around the inside of the container to loosen the jellied sauce, then turn out onto a plate or straight onto the turkey platter.

🎈 Note: The key to achieving the iconic jiggle of classic jellied cranberry sauce is patience in chilling and not pressing down while straining.

Recipe 2: Cranberry Orange Relish

Adding a fresh, zesty twist to your Thanksgiving table, this cranberry orange relish brings a bright and bold flavor:

• 1 navel orange, washed well and cut into quarters
• 1 bag (12 ounces) fresh cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon Grand Marnier or orange liqueur (optional for an adult twist)

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, pulse the orange quarters, removing any seeds, until coarsely chopped.
2. Add cranberries and sugar, pulsing until the mixture is well combined but still has some texture.
3. If using, add the Grand Marnier or liqueur and pulse once or twice to incorporate.
4. Transfer to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for flavors to meld.

🌿 Note: For a smoother relish, process the mixture longer; for a chunkier texture, pulse briefly.

Recipe 3: Savory-Spiced Cranberry Sauce

If your Thanksgiving meal leans towards adventurous flavors, this savory-spiced cranberry sauce could be the perfect complement:

• 1 bag (12 ounces) fresh cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 star anise
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, cinnamon, star anise, coriander, cardamom, and lemon zest. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for 5 minutes to infuse spices.
2. Add cranberries, simmer for another 10-12 minutes or until most cranberries have burst.
3. Remove from heat, stir in balsamic vinegar. Allow to cool, then fish out the cinnamon stick and star anise.

📝 Note: This sauce can be made a day or two in advance to allow flavors to deepen.

In summing up, these three cranberry sauce recipes provide options for every palate at your Thanksgiving dinner, from the familiar and comforting to the bold and exciting. Each brings its unique touch to the table, enhancing the flavors of turkey, stuffing, and all the classic sides. Whether you choose the jellied elegance, the zesty relish, or the spiced complexity, your holiday meal is sure to be elevated by these homemade delights.

Now, explore how these recipes can enhance your Thanksgiving experience:

Can I prepare these cranberry sauces in advance?

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Yes, you can prepare all these sauces a few days in advance. Both the Classic Jellied Cranberry Sauce and the Savory-Spiced Cranberry Sauce will benefit from sitting overnight or even longer to deepen their flavors. The Cranberry Orange Relish should also be chilled for at least 4 hours before serving to meld the flavors.

Are there any health benefits to eating cranberry sauce?

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Cranberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber. They’ve been associated with preventing urinary tract infections, reducing inflammation, and possibly promoting heart health. However, when making cranberry sauce, the sugar content is usually high, so moderation is key to enjoying its health benefits.

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh for these recipes?

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Absolutely. Frozen cranberries can be used in all these recipes. Just ensure they are thawed first, or add a couple of extra minutes to your cooking time if you’re using them frozen.

How can I store leftover cranberry sauce?

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Store your cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze it; it will keep for up to two months. When thawing, gently reheat or let it come to room temperature.