Gluten Free Classic Cranberry Sauce
Tart, jewel-bright, and fragrant with orange and warm spice, this cranberry sauce is the kind of condiment that makes people go back for a second spoonful. Every ingredient here is naturally free of gluten, so there's no need to scrutinize labels or worry about hidden thickeners the way you might with store-bought versions. Fresh or frozen cranberries simmer down with sugar, water, and a hit of orange zest and juice until the berries burst and the whole thing transforms into a glossy, spoonable sauce. A pinch of cinnamon is optional but adds a subtle warmth that takes it from simple to genuinely special. The sauce thickens beautifully as it cools, so don't panic if it looks a little loose straight off the stove — patience is the secret step. It works just as well made ahead and served cold as it does spooned warm right from the pan, which makes it a low-stress addition to any big meal.
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Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the sugar, water, and orange juice in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves, about 2 minutes.
- 2
Add the cranberries and orange zest, then increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, 10–12 minutes. Watch the heat — the sauce can bubble up quickly once the berries break down.
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