MSG Free Classic Cranberry Sauce
Tart, jewel-bright cranberries simmered with sugar, fresh orange juice, and a whisper of zest — this is the kind of sauce that makes people forget the canned stuff ever existed. The berries burst and collapse into a glossy, thick preserve that smells like the holidays and tastes even better. Store-bought cranberry sauces and pre-made condiments are notorious for sneaking in additives and flavor enhancers, so making your own from scratch is the cleanest, most satisfying route. Every ingredient here is whole and straightforward — fresh or frozen cranberries, citrus, sugar, water, and an optional pinch of cinnamon — nothing processed, nothing hidden. The orange zest is a small touch that makes a genuinely big difference, lifting the whole sauce with a bright, fragrant note that balances the tartness beautifully. Let it cool in the pan and it thickens up into that perfect spoonable consistency without any gels or thickeners needed. Whether you serve it alongside a holiday roast or spoon it over yogurt the next morning, this sauce earns a permanent spot in your rotation.
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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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