Skip the canned cranberry sauce this Thanksgiving and elevate your holiday meal with a fresh, homemade version that takes just 15 minutes to make! With only a handful of ingredients—fresh cranberries, sugar, and orange juice—this cranberry sauce is a must-have for your Thanksgiving spread. 

Ingredients: 

• 12 oz fresh cranberries (about 3 cups) 

• 1 cup sugar 

• 1/2 cup orange juice 

• 1/2 cup water

Start by rinsing the cranberries under cold water and picking out any soft or damaged ones. 

In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and water. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. 

Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll hear the cranberries popping as they cook and release their natural pectin, thickening the sauce. 

Once the sauce reaches your desired thickness, remove it from the heat. Allow it to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 1 week. 

Why This Recipe Works: 

• Super Quick: Done in just 15 minutes from start to finish. 

• Simple Ingredients: Just fresh cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and water! 

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep this cranberry sauce up to a week in advance, so it’s ready to go when your Thanksgiving feast rolls around. 

Pro Tip: 

Customize Your Cranberry Sauce! 

• Add Zest: Throw in some orange zest for an extra citrus punch. 

• Sweeten It Up: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add an extra tablespoon or two of sugar. 

• Spice It Up: For a festive twist, stir in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. 

Serve It With: 

This tangy, vibrant cranberry sauce pairs beautifully with your Thanksgiving turkey, stuffing, and even as a spread for leftover turkey sandwiches! 

By making your own cranberry sauce, you’ll bring a fresh, tangy pop of flavor to your Thanksgiving dinner that beats anything out of a can. Plus, it only takes 15 minutes! 

Need help getting your kitchen ready for Thanksgiving? Check out Wheatley Creek’s professional cleaning services to ensure your home sparkles just in time for the holiday season!