Easy Cranberry Sauce is a simple and flavorful side dish that combines the natural tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of pineapples and a hint of citrus from orange zest. It is a flavorful upgrade from canned sauce, making it a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving Menu or any holiday feast! I also have a homemade cranberry sauce made with fresh cranberries that you will love!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberry Sauce: Look for two cans of whole-berry cranberry sauce for this recipe.
Crushed Pineapple: The drained crushed pineapple adds a touch of sweetness to the sauce that balances out the tartness of the cranberries. You could substitute fresh pineapple, finely chopped if that is what you have.
Orange Zest: Orange zest is the outer part of the orange peel, the top layer. It gives the sauce a bright, citrusy flavor. If you don’t have an orange, lemon zest could substitute. However, it will change the flavor profile a bit.
How To Serve Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry Sauce can be served warm or cold, per your personal preference. Some people prefer the warm sauce for holiday dinners alongside roast turkey or other warm dishes. On the other hand, this sauce is also delicious cold. When chilled, it will thicken up and the flavors may be slightly more pronounced. Serve it as a side dish or enjoy the chilled cranberry sauce as a condiment for leftover turkey sliders or on sandwiches and wraps.
Can I Add Other Flavors To The Sauce?
Yes, you can customize this simple sauce to suit your tastes. You can try adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, or allspice. Or, add chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or slivered almonds for a crunchy texture. Looking to add a little heat to the sauce? Add a small amount of finely chopped jalapeno pepper or red pepper flakes.
How To Store Easy Cranberry Sauce
To store the cranberry sauce, first, let it cool completely. Next, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last up to 7-10 days. This sauce can be served warm or cold. If serving warm, simply heat up the sauce on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired serving temperature.
Can I Freeze Cranberry Sauce?
Sure! For longer storage or to get it made in advance, freeze the sauce. To freeze, first, let it cool completely. Then, store it in airtight freezer-safe containers or freezer-safe bags. It will last up to 2-3 months. When ready to serve, let the sauce thaw slowly in the refrigerator, which can take a few hours up to overnight. Then, enjoy it cold or heat it up in a saucepan on the stovetop.
Easy Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 cans (14 ounces) whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan or medium-low heat, combine cranberry sauce, pineapple, and orange zest. Simmer, stirring often, until the mixture is slightly thickened (15-20 minutes).
- Serve warm or cold. The mixture will thicken as it cools.
Did you make this recipe?
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What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
Simple and delicious, the perfect last-minute addition to the holiday menu!
Elizabeth
This cranberry sauce is super simple, but so refreshingly flavorful! It is the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. Yum!
Annabelle
Not only is this a simple recipe, but also a delicious one! It comes together quickly and is sure to impress the whole family!
Selena
I really liked this! Super yummy and sweet and the addition of the pineapple was just lovely.
Great hack for canned cranberry sauce. The pineapple and orange really take it to the next level. You are so good at what you do! Keep the great ideas coming!