Basic cranberry sauce essentially contains cranberries, a liquid (usually water) and a sweetener but this apple cranberry sauce is nothing but basic!
Cranberry sauce is a low-maintenance side and will probably be the easiest thing you make for the Thanksgiving table in my opinion.
My mom has been making this cranberry sauce recipe for years now and it’s one of my favorite sides.
Some of my other favorite recipes using cranberries include my Cranberry Orange Bread (perfect for breakfast!), Cranberry Bliss Bars (a holiday fave!), and Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs (easy appetizer!).
It’s a classic homemade cranberry sauce recipe but with a few secret ingredients that make it next level.
I love that this recipe is the perfect combination of sweet, tart and has a citrusy kick from the orange. I know you guys will love it too!
Ingredients You Will Need:
Scroll down to the recipe card for the full list of ingredients and measurements.
- Cranberries : you can opt for fresh or frozen
- Sugar : Any granulated white sugar
- Orange Juice and Zest : freshly squeezed is best. If you purchase some make sure it is pulp free!
- White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay
- Cinnamon or Cinnamon Stick: 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon, if using
- Granny Smith Apples : The sweetness of the apples perfectly the tart cranberries!
- Fresh ginger: some fresh spicy ginger adds a subtle yet wonderful flavor.
- Chili flakes (optional)
How to Make Cranberry Sauce
Be sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full recipe instructions.
- In a medium sized saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, orange juice, white wine and cinnamon. Simmer for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
- Add in the cranberries, diced apple, ginger and chili flakes (if using).
- Simmer the mixture uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cranberries will begin to pop/burst and break down. You’ll notice the sauce thicken and get syrupy.
- Remove from heat, stir in orange zest and allow to cool.
Ways to Use Up Leftover Cranberry Sauce
Just about every year we have leftover cranberry sauce and I get excited because it can be used in so many ways! Here are some of my favorite ways to use it up:
- Top on your pancakes or waffles .
- Add to your morning yogurt bowl or stir into a steaming bowl of oatmeal .
- Stir or top on your favorite overnight oats.
- Add it to meatballs for a quick and easy appetizer.
- Spread it on your grilled cheese or leftover turkey sandwich.
- Dollop it on top of your favorite cheesecake or pound cake.
More Thanksgiving Recipes To Love
Cornbread and Sausage Stuffing
How To Make Homemade Apple Pie
Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
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Apple Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup Orange Juice fresh
- 1/2 cup white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay
- 1 stick cinnamon or 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 (12 oz.) package fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
- 1 1/2 tsp. fresh ginger, minced
- 1/8 tsp. red pepper chili flakes, optional
- 1 Tbsp. orange zest
Instructions
- In a medium sized saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, orange juice, white wine and cinnamon. Simmer for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves. 1 cup white sugar, 1/2 cup Orange Juice, 1/2 cup white wine, 1 stick cinnamon or 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
- Add in the cranberries, diced apple, ginger and chili flakes (if using). 1 (12 oz.) package fresh cranberries (about 3 cups), 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced, 1 1/2 tsp. fresh ginger, minced, 1/8 tsp. red pepper chili flakes, optional
- Simmer the mixture uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cranberries will begin to pop/burst and break down. You’ll notice the sauce thicken and get syrupy.
- Remove from heat, stir in orange zest. Transfer to a shallow dish or bowl and allow to cool before serving. Remove cinnamon stick prior to serving. Can be made 2 days in advance. 1 Tbsp. orange zest
