If you’re looking for the best cranberry sauce recipes for Thanksgiving, look no further! We’ve compiled a list of delicious and easy cranberry sauce recipes that are sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving table.
Thanksgiving is a time of year when families gather around the table to share delicious meals and create lasting memories. And what would Thanksgiving be without cranberry sauce?
This vibrant, tangy condiment has become an iconic part of the holiday feast, that perfectly complements the rich flavors of turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes. Whether you prefer it jellied or with whole slices of cranberries, there’s no denying that cranberry sauce is an essential Thanksgiving side dish.
Jump to:
- Homemade vs Store-Bought: Which is Better?
- Creative Uses for Leftover Cranberry Sauce
- Tips for Perfecting Your Cranberry Sauce
- The BEST Cranberry Sauce Recipes
- Homemade Gluten-Free Cranberry Sauce
- Apple Cranberry Sauce
- Cranberry Orange Sauce
- Spiced Ginger Cranberry Sauce
- Cranberry Pear Sauce
- Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce
- Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce
- Easy Cranberry Sauce
- Cranberry Sauce with Dried Cranberries
- Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce
- Cranberry Sauce with Orange Juice
- Spiced-Brandied Cranberry Sauce
- Cranberry Sauce with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon
- Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce
- Aperol Spritz Cranberry Sauce
- Pina Colada Cranberry Sauce
- Cranberry Raspberry Sauce
- Whiskey Cranberry Sauce
- Cranberry Sauce with Jalapeno
- Jellied Cranberry Sauce
- Keto Cranberry Sauce
- Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce
- Cranberry Sauce with Apple Cider
- Roasted Cranberry Sauce
- Instant Pot Cranberry Apple Sauce
- Maple Cranberry Sauce
- Roasted Apple & Cranberry Sauce
- AIP Cranberry Sauce
- Sugar Free Keto Cranberry Sauce
- Tipsy Cranberry Sauce
- Vegan Cranberry Sauce
- Organic Cranberry Sauce
- Whole Fruit Cranberry Sauce
- Maple Cinnamon Cranberry Pear Sauce
- Orange Cranberry Sauce
- Cranberry Pineapple Sauce
- Cranberry Raspberry Sauce with Pineapple and Grand Marnier
- Cranberry Sauce Recipe with Spices
- Low-Sugar Cranberry Sauce
- Vintage Cranberry Sauce Recipe (Semi-Homemade)
- Gluten Free Spiced Apple Cider Cranberry Sauce
- Orange Amaretto Cranberry Sauce
- Very Berry Cranberry Sauce
- Rosemary Cabernet Wine Cranberry Sauce
- Bourbon Cranberry Sauce
- Cranberry Grapefruit Sauce
- Paleo Orange Cranberry Sauce
- Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Sauce
- Canning Cranberry Sauce
- Citrus Infused Cranberry Sauce
Homemade vs Store-Bought: Which is Better?
When it comes to cranberry sauce, the age-old debate of homemade versus store-bought is one that can divide families and spark lively discussions around the Thanksgiving table.
Some argue that nothing compares to the taste and quality of a homemade cranberry sauce, while others appreciate the convenience and consistency of store-bought options.
Homemade cranberry sauce offers a level of customization and control that store-bought versions simply cannot match. You have the freedom to adjust the sweetness, tanginess, or even add unique flavors like orange zest or spices to suit your taste preferences.
On the other hand, there are undeniable benefits to opting for store-bought cranberry sauce. It saves time in an already busy holiday season where every minute counts. Store-bought options also offer consistent flavor profiles year after year, ensuring familiarity on the Thanksgiving table.
Whether homemade or store-bought is better depends on personal preference and time constraints. If you enjoy cooking in the kitchen and want a truly customized experience, making your own cranberry sauce is a rewarding option. However, if convenience is important or if cooking isn’t your strong suit, picking up a jar from the grocery store can be just as delicious. The choice is up to you!
Creative Uses for Leftover Cranberry Sauce
If you have leftover cranberry sauce after your Thanksgiving feast, don’t let it go to waste. There are lots of ways to use up leftover cranberry sauce. Here are some of our favorites.
- Topping for pancakes or waffles.
- Mix into yogurt or oatmeal.
- Add a dollop of cranberry sauce to muffins or scones before they go into the oven.
- Make a salad dressing by whisking cranberry sauce with balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard and olive oil together.
- Spread on sandwiches such as these leftover Thanksgiving sliders or Thanksgiving egg rolls.
- Serve as a dip for crackers by mixing cranberry sauce with cream cheese or goat cheese.
Tips for Perfecting Your Cranberry Sauce
- Choose the right cranberries: Select the freshest and ripest cranberries available that are plump and firm with a vibrant red color.
- Balance the sweetness: Add sugar to balance out their flavor but not too much. Taste as you go along and adjust the sweetness accordingly.
- Incorporate complementary flavors: Choose from orange zest or juice for a traditional flavor or experiment with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg or even a splash of brandy or maple syrup for an extra layer of complexity.
- Don’t overcook: Follow your recipe’s instructions precisely regarding cooking times and keep an eye on consistency throughout to avoid mushy texture.
- Add texture if desired: Consider adding chopped nuts or dried fruits like raisins or cherries towards the end of cooking time for added crunch or chewiness.
- Mix in some jellied slices if desired: Add some jellied slices into your homemade batch by simply slicing up prepared store-bought jellied canned cranberry sauce into thin pieces before serving alongside it.
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