If you are looking for an easy recipe for homemade cranberry sauce, this is it! If you've been around for a while, you know I'm a HUGE fan of three (sometimes four) ingredient recipes. This delicious dish is made with fresh cranberries, sugar and some water. It's delicious, easy and back to basics.
Are you looking for some other traditional things to serve at or around Thanksgiving? How about these pumpkin bars with traditional cream cheese frosting? Easy to make and makes a big batch! If you are craving apple pie flavor but want less work, make this simple 3 ingredient apple dump cake! So good!!!
Table of contents
Why I love this Cranberry Sauce Recipe
My parents were German and all our meals were made from scratch. A lot of the food we ate came from the garden. It took me a long time to understand that many families really, really love the cranberry sauce that comes out of a can. And serving it with the shape of the can visible was the norm.
I prefer the homemade version. It is fresh. I love that the cranberries are grown and harvested in my home state of Wisconsin.
This recipe is easy to make and does not require a lot of ingredients. Sugar and cranberries, plus a splash of water.
This holiday side is also quick to make. I often make it the night before.
3 Ingredients
This is such a basic, simple and homemade sauce! It's hard to beleive that there are so few ingredients!
Small bag of cranberries (12 oz)
Sugar - plain white sugar.
Water - yes, I'm including the water!
Instructions
Step 1
Mix water and sugar together in a saucepan and bring to a slow boil.
Step 2
Add the bag of cranberries. Be warned, after about a minute, it might sound like you are making popcorn. The cranberry skin starts to crack and it makes a popping sound. Do you see the cracks in the cranberries below? It's amazing how loud it is when the cranberry skin pops. It's part of the fun of making this seasonal sauce.
Step 3
Gently simmer for about 10 minutes. It will start having a jam-like consistency.
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Pour into a serving dish or bowl and cool in the refrigerator. This is actually very similar to fruit preserves. It reminds me of when I'm preserving strawberries.
Just as an FYI, the cranberry sauce will set when it cools. It will have more of the jelly-like consistency you are used to.
I'd recommend making this the day before or in the morning. No need to try to add this to the chaos of all the sides you are trying to make Thanksgiving day. Spend 15 minutes the day before, and it's ready and waiting for you when you need it.
FAQs
It's part of the holiday tradition in many parts of the US to have that canned cranberry sauce on a plate. But, maybe it's time to tweak this tradition?
Cranberries have natural pectin. It's like a cranberry jam : ). I freeze any leftovers like I would strawberry jam. It's also great to have when you have a roasted chicken!
Storage
This stores well in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, when cooled place in a covered container.
I also freeze this in mason jars. It keeps well for up to 3 months. Sometimes it's a little more runny when thawed. If you would like to thicken it up, just simmer it for a few minutes.
Other Delicious Fall Sides
Printable Recipe
Homemade 3 Ingredient Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 12 oz cranberries 12 oz bag
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Mix water and sugar together in a saucepan and bring to a slow boil.
- Add the bag of cranberries. Be warned, after about a minute, it might sound like you are making popcorn. The cranberry skin starts to crack and it makes a popping sound.
- Gently simmer for about 10 minutes. It will start having a jam-like consistency.
- Pour into a serving dish or bowl and cool in the refrigerator.
Notes
This stores well in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. When cooled place in a covered container.
I also freeze this in mason jars (or other sealed containers). It keeps well for up to 3 months. Sometimes it's a little more runny when thawed. If you want to thicken it up, simmer it for a few minutes.
Nutrition (I am not a nutritionist. These are estimates only)
Hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner!
Patti @ Garden Matter
Hi Susan,
We love cranberry sauce and are hosting dinner for 13 this Thursday so anything I can do to make it easier it helpful. This recipe for three ingredient cranberry sauce is just the trick. Thanks.