Traditional Cranberry Sauce

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This is the best traditional cranberry sauce recipe for the holidays, perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas. I’ll show you how to make a classic homemade cranberry sauce with orange and warm spices that’s naturally sweetened, packed with flavor, and tart and delicious!

Traditional Cranberry Sauce Recipe

As a nutrition consultant and chef, I believe that every good holiday table deserves a splash of ruby red, a bowl of tangy, sweet, aromatic traditional cranberry sauce that wakes up the entire meal. In my Polish home, we called it żurawina, and we used it not only as a Christmas condiment but also kept it year-round, often spooning it over roasted meats, pancakes, or even breakfast porridge. We Poles love cranberries. Their tart brightness reminds me of chilly mornings in the Polish countryside, where I would forage or buy fresh cranberries from the market, then turn them into warm, spiced preserves.

Over the years, I’ve played with many variations, cranberry sauce with orange juice, maple syrup, apples, or warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. This traditional cranberry sauce recipe is one of my favorites because it’s simple, deeply flavorful, and makes your kitchen smell like the holidays. It’s the best traditional cranberry sauce to pair with roasted turkey, pork tenderloin, or even your holiday breakfast spread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It is quick to make, naturally sweetened, and so much better than anything from a can.
• It’s full of fresh fruit, zesty citrus, and cozy spices that make every bite sparkle.
• Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, planning your Christmas recipes, or just love classic fall recipes, this sauce will become your new go-to.
• It’s not just delicious, it’s good for you, too! Loaded with antioxidants and fiber, vitamin C, and cleansing brightness.
• It’s a cozy, nourishing condiment that complements your winter recipe lineup beautifully.
• Ready in under 30 minutes.

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Ingredient Substitutions

• Use honey or maple syrup, brown sugar instead of coconut sugar.
• Replace orange juice with apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar to enhance the flavor.
• Add ginger for extra spice.

Health Benefits (for Women’s Health)

• Cranberries support urinary tract health, balance gut flora, and provide antioxidants that fight inflammation, essential for hormonal balance.
• Apples help regulate blood sugar and support digestion due to their fiber and pectin content.
• Citrus is rich in vitamin C, which boosts immunity and supports collagen production.
• Cinnamon helps balance blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation, making it an ideal choice for women during hormonal shifts.
• Nutmeg can support digestion and calm the nervous system — perfect for the hectic holiday season!

This isn’t just a traditional Thanksgiving cranberry sauce recipe; it’s a nutrient-packed condiment for your whole family.

Chef Angie’s Tips

• Don’t skip the zest, it adds incredible fragrance.
• Taste as you go! Cranberries vary in tartness, so adjust the sweetness to your liking.
• The sauce will thicken as it cools, don’t overcook it. You can add more water in needed.
• Make it ahead; it tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.

Ways to Serve

• Serve with Thanksgiving turkey, Christmas ham or Cranberry meatballs.
• Use as a glaze with pork, meatballs, or baked chicken.
• Spread on toast, overnight oats, or yogurt for a festive breakfast.
• Use as a topping for pancakes or waffles.
• Use it as a layer with chia seed pudding or yogurt parfait.
• Stir into roasted vegetables or grain bowls.
• Pair with baked brie, cheese boards, or even roast pork.

It’s a beautiful, jewel-toned accent for any holiday recipes.  

Storage

Store your cranberry sauce with orange in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. You can even try carnberry sauce canning if you want to enjoy it all winter long.

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• Zester or microplane
• Airtight glass jar or container

FAQ

Can I make cranberry sauce ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, it’s better that way. The flavors deepen as it chills.

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Absolutely, no need to thaw. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Now it’s your turn! Make this traditional cranberry sauce recipe for Thanksgiving, share it at your table, and tag me when you do. Don’t forget to pin it, share this blog with a friend, or add it to your holiday recipe board, because everyone deserves a spoonful of this ruby-red joy on their plate!

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