The Best Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Classic Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce Recipe

If there’s one thing that always makes it to my holiday table, it’s this Classic Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce. It’s fresh, simple, and done in less than 20 minutes. With just three ingredients—cranberries, sugar, and water—you’ll have a dish that’s a must for every Thanksgiving or Christmas spread. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, so it checks all the boxes. I love cranberry sauce, not just because it’s a holiday tradition, but also because it brings that perfect balance of sweet and tart that complements hearty dishes. Whether you’re serving up Roasted Maple Brussels Sprouts or Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole, this cranberry sauce adds that essential pop of flavor. And guess what? It’s so easy to make!

Why I Love Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce Recipe

• Quick & Easy: You’re just 17 minutes away from homemade cranberry sauce!
• Diet-Friendly: Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan.To learn more about the health benefits of cranberries, visit WebMD.
• Perfect for the Holidays: No holiday meal is complete without it, and it’s great for leftovers too (think sandwiches or even cheesecake!).For more helpful Thanksgiving tips and recipes, refer to the Food Network.
• Customizable: You can easily switch it up with flavors like orange zest or spices, making it your own.

Ingredients 

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 12 oz Ocean Spray fresh whole cranberries (you can use frozen too!)
• 1 cup sugar (regular granulated white sugar)
• 1 cup water
  Pro Tip: Want to get creative? Try using honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a different twist.

How to Make Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce Recipe

1. Rinse the Cranberries: Give them a good rinse and remove any that don’t look right.
2. Combine Water & Sugar: In a saucepan, mix the water and sugar. Heat it over medium, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
3. Add the Cranberries: Toss the cranberries into the pot and bring everything to a boil.
4. Simmer: Lower the heat and let the cranberries cook for about 10-12 minutes. As they pop, you can help them along by pressing them against the side of the pot with a spatula.
5. Cool & Serve: Once they’re mostly popped, take the sauce off the heat and let it cool down. It thickens as it cools, but you can serve it warm if you prefer.

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Substitutions & Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are a few ways to make this cranberry sauce your own:

• Orange Zest: Add the zest of one orange for a bright citrusy flavor.
• Maple Syrup: Swap the sugar for 1 cup of maple syrup for a refined sugar-free version with a nice, rich flavor.
• Spiced Cranberry Sauce: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon each of cloves and allspice for a spiced holiday twist.
• Jalapeño Kick: Feeling adventurous? Add ½ a finely chopped jalapeño for a spicy cranberry sauce!

What to Do with Cranberry Sauce Leftovers

This cranberry sauce is so good, you’ll want to make extra just for the leftovers. Here’s what you can do with it:

• Cranberry Cheesecake: Try your leftovers in my Cranberry Cheesecake—trust me, it’s a game-changer.
• Turkey Sandwiches: Add it to your next turkey sandwich for that perfect sweet-and-savory combo.
• Cranberry Meatballs: Whip up some Cranberry Sauce Meatballs for an easy appetizer or main dish.
• Muffins: Stir it into your muffin batter for a burst of cranberry goodness.

Storage Tips

• Fridge: Store your cranberry sauce in an airtight container for up to 10 days. It keeps really well, thanks to the sugar.
• Freezer: Freeze it for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to use it.

Top Tip

Don’t worry if your sauce looks a bit runny when it’s hot—it thickens as it cools. I usually make mine about an hour before dinner, so it has time to set but is still slightly warm when served.

Serving Suggestions

This sauce is the perfect match for Roasted Maple Brussels Sprouts and Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole. It’s also a must-try with turkey or ham. I love spreading it on leftover turkey sandwiches or pairing it with a creamy dip like cream cheese for a quick appetizer.

Cost Breakdown (for 8 servings)

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Equipment Needed

• Saucepan
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon
• Measuring Cups

FAQ : Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce Recipe

• Can I make this cranberry sauce ahead of time? Yes! You can make it up to a week ahead and store it in the fridge.
• How do I thicken cranberry sauce? The sauce thickens naturally as it cools due to the pectin in the cranberries.
• Can I freeze cranberry sauce? Absolutely. Just pop it into an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months.

Final Thoughts

Cranberry sauce might seem like a small part of the meal, but trust me, it’s a powerhouse of flavor. Whether you’re making it for the holidays or just want a quick and easy side, this Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce is a must-try. It’s versatile, delicious, and pairs beautifully with both savory and sweet dishes. Try it with my Cranberry Cheesecake for a sweet twist, or spice it up with jalapeños for something a little different. Either way, this recipe is a keeper!