Indulge in the vibrant goodness of our Fresh Cranberry Sauce Recipe. It’s the perfect accompaniment to elevate your holiday feast.
Type of Cuisine:
American
Prep Time: 5 minutes.
Cook Time: 15 minutes
How Many Servings?
4-6 servings
Table of Contents
When it comes to cranberries, there’s nothing quite like the irresistible charm of a homemade fresh cranberry sauce. Instead of reaching for the canned options, I always turn to fresh cranberries to unlock the true essence of their vibrant tartness and complex flavors.
Creating your fresh cranberry relish is a culinary adventure and a chance to infuse your unique twist. My personal touch? A zesty blend of orange zest and freshly grated ginger creates a delightful fusion of sweet and spicy undertones. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon and a splash of applet festive flair juice, for an ex. This versatile recipe will be a star on your Thanksgiving table, whether complementing mashed potatoes, stuffing, your perfectly roasted turkey, or even gracing a post-feast sandwich.
Ingredients for Fresh Cranberry Sauce Recipe
- Fresh Cranberries or Frozen: The star of the show, fresh cranberries or frozen cranberries, are the foundation of this sauce. They provide the delightful tartness and vibrant color that cranberry sauce is known for. You can use fresh cranberries during harvest or frozen ones for year-round enjoyment.
- Fresh Grated Ginger (or Crystalized Ginger): Freshly grated ginger adds a spicy and aromatic kick to the sauce. It pairs wonderfully with the tartness of the cranberries and provides a delightful depth of flavor. Alternatively, crystallized ginger can infuse a sweet and spicy note.
- Orange Zest and Juice: Oranges bring the sauce a bright and citrusy flavor. The zest provides aromatic oils and a fragrance, while freshly squeezed orange juice contributes natural sweetness and tanginess that complements the cranberries beautifully.
- Light Brown Sugar (or Regular Sugar): Sugar is essential to balance the tartness of the cranberries. Light brown sugar adds a subtle caramel-like flavor, while regular sugar provides a clean, sweet taste. Adjust the amount to achieve your preferred level of sweetness.
- Dried Apricots (Optional): For those looking to add an extra layer of flavor and texture, thinly sliced dried apricots can be incorporated. They infuse a subtle sweetness and chewiness to the sauce, creating a delightful contrast to the cranberries. This addition is optional, but I highly recommend it for a unique twist on traditional cranberry sauce.
Customizing Your Fresh Cranberry Sauce
Feel free to explore various flavors and sweetness levels to create a cranberry relish that suits your taste preferences. While my classic recipe includes a combination of ¾ cup each of brown sugar and regular sugar for 2 lbs. of cranberries, you can adjust the sweetness. If you prefer a less sweet relish, reduce the sugar. Use maple syrup or honey as excellent alternatives to add a natural touch. Don’t hesitate to include slices of dried apricot for an extra burst of flavor and texture. Your fresh cranberry relish can be uniquely yours.
Prepping Your Relish Ahead of Thanksgiving
Understandably, Thanksgiving can be a whirlwind of preparations. So, having dishes you can prepare in advance is a godsend. This fresh cranberry relish fits the bill perfectly. Whip it up a few days ahead, and it’ll keep beautifully in the refrigerator. If you’re planning even further ahead, you can freeze the relish. When serving, simply thaw it to room temperature before transferring it to the fridge until your festive feast.
Explore Other Thanksgiving Recipes
In addition to this delightful fresh cranberry relish, consider expanding your Thanksgiving menu with other mouthwatering dishes. Pair your turkey with a rich homemade turkey gravy, or try your hand at sugared-coated cranberries for a sweet-tart treat. Indulge in a comforting turkey stuffing casserole for a twist on traditional stuffing. And if you’re in the mood for a standout centerpiece, our herbed turkey recipe will impress your guests. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to savor various flavors and create cherished culinary traditions.
Preparation
Fresh Cranberry Relish with Ginger: A zesty twist on a classic, this relish combines the tartness of cranberries with the warmth of ginger. It’s the perfect vibrant side for your holiday table
Type of Cuisine:
American
Prep Time: 5 minutes.
Cook Time: 15 minutes
How Many Servings?
4-6 servings
Ingredients:
Adjust Servings
| 2 lbs. fresh cranberry (washed and dry) | |
| 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger (about 2 inches) | |
| 3 oranges (zest and juiced) | |
| ½ cup water | |
| ¾ cup light brown sugar | |
| ¾ cup regular sugar | |
| ½ teaspoon salt | |
| 3 oz dry apricots sliced thin (optional) |
Preparation
Nutrition Information
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.
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I would love to hear your experience!
Have you given this zesty cranberry relish a try? We’d love to hear your thoughts! If you’ve made it, please leave a comment below and share your experience. Your feedback helps us create even more delicious recipes for future holidays!