Making your own cranberry sauce is such a rewarding part of any holiday meal, or even just a nice Sunday dinner. Forget the can – homemade cranberry sauce tastes so much better and it’s surprisingly easy to make. I promise, once you try these simple recipes, you won’t go back.
Today, I’m sharing two fantastic homemade cranberry sauce ideas that bring fresh flavors to your table. Whether you like something bright and fruity or a sauce with deep, rich notes, I have a recipe for you. Let’s get cooking!
Jump to Recipe:
Bright Cranberry Mango Sauce Recipe
This Cranberry Mango Sauce recipe brings a sunny, sweet-tart taste to your meals. It’s a wonderful alternative to traditional cranberry sauce, offering a tropical note that brightens up any plate.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Mango Cranberry Sauce
- Choose Ripe Mango: A ripe mango will be slightly soft to the touch and smell fragrant at the stem. This gives the best natural sweetness to your sauce.
- Fresh Cranberries are Best: Using fresh cranberries ensures the classic tartness and allows them to burst and release their juices properly during cooking.
What You Need for Cranberry Mango Sauce
- 12 oz (about 3 cups) fresh cranberries
- 1 large ripe mango, peeled and diced
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
⏱️ Time: 20 minutes🍽️ Yields: About 2.5 cups
How to Make Cranberry Mango Sauce
Step 1: Combine and Simmer Cranberries
In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, sugar, water, and orange juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
Step 2: Cook Until Berries Burst
Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 8-10 minutes. The cranberries will begin to burst, and the sauce will start to thicken. Stir gently during this time.
Step 3: Add Mango and Finish
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the diced mango and orange zest (if using). The heat from the sauce will slightly soften the mango without making it mushy.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
Transfer the sauce to a bowl and let it cool completely at room temperature. The sauce will thicken more as it cools. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
📝 Final Note
You can make this cranberry mango sauce up to 5 days ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
Rich Cranberry Red Wine Sauce Recipe
This Cranberry Red Wine Sauce is a sophisticated take on a classic, perfect for those who enjoy deeper, more complex flavors. The red wine adds a beautiful richness that pairs wonderfully with roasted meats.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Red Wine Cranberry Sauce
- Pick a Good Red Wine: You don’t need an expensive bottle, but choose a red wine you would enjoy drinking. A Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot works nicely here.
- Simmer Gently: Letting the sauce simmer slowly helps the cranberries release their pectin, which naturally thickens the sauce without needing extra thickeners.
What You Need for Cranberry Red Wine Sauce
- 12 oz (about 3 cups) fresh cranberries
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup dry red wine
- ½ cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Pinch of ground cloves (optional)
⏱️ Time: 25 minutes🍽️ Yields: About 1.5 cups
How to Make Cranberry Red Wine Sauce
Step 1: Combine Liquids and Spices
In a medium saucepan, combine the red wine, water, sugar, cinnamon stick, and ground cloves (if using). Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves.
Step 2: Add Cranberries and Simmer
Add the fresh cranberries to the saucepan. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes. The cranberries will soften and burst, and the sauce will start to thicken nicely.
Step 3: Remove Spices and Cool
Once the sauce has thickened and most of the cranberries have burst, remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully take out the cinnamon stick. Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Allow the cranberry red wine sauce to cool completely at room temperature. It will thicken further as it chills. Serve it cool or at room temperature with your favorite dishes.
📝 Final Note
This cranberry sauce is great with roasted turkey, chicken, or pork. You can store it in the fridge for up to a week in a sealed container.
