I’ve at all times thought homemade versions of basic recipes style significantly better than store-bought variations. Cranberry sauce is a excellent instance of this. Although I liked the canned cranberry sauce we at all times ate on Thanksgiving once I was younger, after I attempted making cranberry sauce from scratch one yr I used to be hooked.

Now I’ve a complete record of healthy Christmas and Thanksgiving recipes. These re-invented new recipes characteristic complete food substances, little prep, and far much less sugar. You gained’t even miss the canned stuff!

The Best Cranberry Sauce (Naturally Sweetened)

Most selfmade cranberry sauce recipes call for a lot of sugar… enough that I’d classify cranberry sauce as a dessert and never a Thanksgiving aspect dish!

For those that haven’t tried them, plain cranberries are very tart. I wasn’t sure how a lot it will be doable to scale back the white sugar and nonetheless have an fulfilling sauce. I shouldn’t have frightened, as a result of unrefined natural sweeteners (honey) and scrumptious applesauce fill within the gaps.

This recipe nonetheless has more natural sugars than we usually eat. However, it’s a a lot more healthy option than those with refined sugar and is a scrumptious deal with for Thanksgiving dinner.

How to Make an Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Simply dump the substances collectively and cook dinner till thick. It actually is that straightforward! I add the orange zest later on within the recipe so the flavorful risky oils don’t degrade an excessive amount of. Many sauces call for thickeners like cornstarch or flour. However, recent cranberries include natural pectin that breaks down as they cook dinner.

The juice and applesauce add a natural sweetness so that you don’t need brown sugar or different unhealthy sweeteners. I just like the recipe as is, however you possibly can additionally add a cinnamon stick or two for more taste.

Homemade cranberry sauce makes the proper make-ahead dish too. Make it a day or two earlier than the large day and retailer it within the fridge. I’m all for simpler (however nonetheless healthy!) vacation meals. And in case you make a huge batch and have leftovers there are lots of tasty methods to make use of them (see beneath the recipe for concepts).

If you’re internet hosting Thanksgiving this yr, additionally take a look at my healthy variations of green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, butternut squash soup, and root vegetable stuffing.

Cranberry Sauce Recipe

A selfmade different to store-bought cranberry sauce with scrumptious hints of pineapple and orange to enhance the flavour!

  • Put cranberries, pineapple or orange juice, applesauce, and water in a medium saucepan and produce to a boil over medium-high warmth.

  • Reduce to medium warmth and stir continuously till the cranberries begin to explode (about 10-Quarter-hour).

  • Reduce to a simmer and add the recent orange juice and orange zest to the cranberry combination.

  • Simmer for one more 10-Quarter-hour and take away from warmth.

  • Let sauce cool to room temperature and retailer within the fridge for not less than 4 hours, ideally in a single day earlier than serving.

Nutrition Facts

Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Amount Per Serving (0.5 cup)

Calories 86
Calories from Fat 1

% Daily Value*

Fat 0.15g0%

Saturated Fat 0.01g0%

Monounsaturated Fat 0.02g

Sodium 3mg0%

Potassium 139mg4%

Carbohydrates 23g8%

Fiber 3g13%

Sugar 15g17%

Protein 1g2%

Vitamin A 93IU2%

Vitamin C 23mg28%

Calcium 17mg2%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are primarily based on a 2000 calorie diet.

  • This shouldn’t be as candy as store-bought variations! Taste on the finish of cooking. It’s naturally candy from the fruit juice and applesauce however you may add more honey or stevia to style if needed.
  • Store any leftovers in an hermetic container within the fridge for up to a week.

How to Use Leftover Cranberry Sauce

You might not have any recent cranberry sauce left after eating it with the Thanksgiving turkey. In case you do although, listed here are some methods to repurpose the leftovers.

Do you eat cranberry sauce? What meals do you at all times have at Thanksgiving? Share beneath!

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Healthy Cranberry Sauce Recipe