Whether you’re preparing an intimate Thanksgiving dinner for two, hosting a small holiday gathering, or simply prefer to avoid excessive leftovers, this exquisite small batch Homemade Cranberry Sauce recipe is your perfect solution. Crafted with vibrant fresh orange juice and fragrant zest, it promises to be a dazzling and delicious addition that will truly brighten your dinner table.

Easy Small Batch Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Fresh Orange & Zest

The holiday season is almost here, and with it, the irresistible aroma of festive feasts! As you plan your menu, one question often arises: what kind of cranberry sauce will you serve? Will it be the classic, glistening fresh cranberry sauce, perhaps alongside a succulent stuffed turkey breast or a perfectly roasted stuffed Cornish hen?

We’re not talking about the can-shaped, wobbly jelly that often sits untouched on the side of the table. No, we’re celebrating something far superior: this incredible recipe for Homemade Cranberry Sauce. Made with plump, fresh cranberries and the bright, zesty notes of fresh orange juice, it’s cooked down into a small, perfectly proportioned batch that delivers an unforgettable pop of flavor in every spoonful.

While often called a “sauce,” its rich, slightly thick texture can certainly remind one more of a delightful jam. Names aside, this incredibly easy cranberry sauce serves as a wonderful counterpart to any savory meal, introducing a delicate touch of sweetness and vibrant acidity. Its tartness masterfully cuts through the richness of crispy turkey skin, the deep flavors of turkey gravy made from drippings, creamy stove top scalloped potatoes, and hearty green bean casserole without mushroom soup, balancing the entire plate.

Why Choose Small Batch Cranberry Sauce?

What truly sets this cranberry sauce apart is its thoughtful “small batch” design, yielding approximately 2-4 servings. This makes it absolutely ideal if you’re planning an intimate Thanksgiving dinner for two, a cozy Christmas dinner for two, or any holiday meal where you simply don’t want an abundance of leftovers. Perhaps only a select few at your table truly appreciate fresh cranberry sauce, or maybe you’re the sole connoisseur – in which case, consider it your perfect single-serving delight!

Beyond its perfect portion size, this recipe is remarkably simple to execute. The entire process involves little more than combining all the ingredients in a saucepan and boiling them until the sauce thickens, typically taking a mere 10-15 minutes. That’s it! Done. This makes it an incredibly convenient dish to whip up, whether you choose to prepare it while your main course is roasting, the day before for warming just before serving, or even days in advance – say, on a Monday for your Thursday feast. Talk about excellent holiday planning!

The Joy of Cooking With Fresh Cranberries

For many, the first experience with cranberries is often limited to the gelatinous, can-shaped variety. If you’re like me, you might recall childhood Thanksgivings where the cranberry “sauce” perfectly maintained the ridges of its container, a testament to its highly processed nature. It’s a world away from the vibrant, complex flavor of fresh cranberries.

Before discovering this recipe, my personal experience with cranberries was largely confined to that canned version, and perhaps an occasional glass of cranberry juice. I couldn’t truly describe the taste of a fresh cranberry – until now. Let me share a word of caution: if you’re tempted to pop a raw cranberry straight from the bag, prepare yourself! They are intensely tart, much like raw rhubarb. If you’ve never tasted raw rhubarb, trust me, you wouldn’t want to! While incredibly puckery on their own, the magic happens when cranberries are balanced with the right amount of sweetness. This transformation makes them not just palatable, but utterly delicious and wonderfully enjoyable.

Essential Ingredients for Your Fresh Cranberry Sauce

Crafting this fantastic small batch cranberry sauce requires a simple yet powerful lineup of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in the final flavor profile: fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, fresh oranges (for both juice and zest), a touch of ground cinnamon, and a big pinch of salt. The quality of these ingredients, especially the fresh ones, truly makes all the difference.

For the orange juice, I cannot stress enough the importance of buying whole oranges and freshly squeezing the juice yourself. The difference in flavor, brightness, and aroma compared to bottled juice is immense and instantly noticeable. It infuses the sauce with a fresh, vibrant citrus note that elevates the entire dish. However, if using bottled orange juice is your only option, ensure it is unsweetened. If it’s sweetened, you’ll need to significantly adjust the amount of sugar called for in the recipe to avoid an overly sweet sauce that lacks the desired tart balance.

The orange zest, derived from the outer peel of the orange, contributes aromatic oils that enhance the citrus flavor without adding extra liquid. Cinnamon adds a warm, comforting spice that perfectly complements the tart cranberries and sweet orange. Finally, a pinch of salt is essential, as it doesn’t just make the sauce “salty,” but rather enhances and brings out all the other flavors, making them sing louder and more harmoniously.

How to Master Homemade Cranberry Sauce in Minutes

Making your own homemade cranberry sauce with fresh orange juice is surprisingly effortless – truly as simple as boiling water! You’ll be amazed at how quickly and easily you can transform these simple ingredients into a gourmet-tasting condiment.

Here’s the straightforward process:

1. Gather your fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, vibrant orange zest, freshly squeezed orange juice, a whisper of ground cinnamon, and that all-important pinch of salt.
2. Combine all these wonderful ingredients in a medium to large saucepan. Give them a quick stir to ensure everything is well mixed.
3. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
4. Once boiling vigorously, reduce the heat slightly and continue to cook, stirring occasionally. During this time, the fresh cranberries will begin to burst, releasing their pectin, which naturally thickens the sauce. For a small batch like this, it typically takes about 10-15 minutes until the cranberries have broken down and the sauce reaches your desired consistency. You’ll notice it transform from a liquidy mixture to a thicker, jam-like texture.
5. Remove from heat and let it cool. As it cools, the sauce will continue to thicken.

Seriously, it’s that easy! In less than 20 minutes of active cooking, you’ll have a sensational, homemade cranberry sauce that far surpasses anything from a can.

Make Ahead and Storage: Your Cranberry Sauce Questions Answered

One of the many benefits of making fresh cranberry sauce from scratch is its excellent make-ahead potential, which significantly eases holiday stress. This small batch cranberry sauce is remarkably versatile when it comes to storage:

• Refrigeration: Once cooled to room temperature, transfer your homemade cranberry sauce to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. This means you can prepare it well in advance of your holiday gathering, freeing up valuable time on the big day.
• Freezing: Yes, you can absolutely freeze fresh cranberry sauce! If you have leftovers or want to prepare a larger quantity for future meals, simply transfer the cooled sauce to an airtight, freezer-safe container. It will maintain its quality in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply defrost it overnight in the refrigerator. You can gently reheat it on the stovetop or serve it chilled, depending on your preference.

Beyond Thanksgiving: Creative Ways to Enjoy Leftover Cranberry Sauce

While homemade cranberry sauce is an undisputed star on the Thanksgiving table, its vibrant flavor and versatile texture mean it has a life far beyond the holiday feast. Don’t let a single spoonful go to waste!

Here are some delicious and creative ways to utilize any leftover cranberry sauce:

• Cheese Pairings: Cranberry sauce is an exceptional companion to a variety of cheeses. It pairs wonderfully with creamy Brie, nutty Gouda, and soft cream cheese. Imagine spreading it over crackers with a dollop of cream cheese, or elevating a grilled cheese sandwich made with Gouda. For an elegant appetizer, consider my delightful Cranberry Baked Brie, perfect for snacking or a charcuterie board for two.
• Breakfast Enhancer: Brighten up your morning routine! Stir a spoonful into your yogurt or oatmeal for a burst of flavor. Drizzle it over pancakes or waffles instead of syrup, or spread it on toast or bagels for a festive start to your day.
• Dessert Topping: Cranberry sauce makes a fantastic topping for desserts. Spoon it over vanilla ice cream, use it as a filling for tarts or turnovers, or swirl it into cheesecake batter.
• Savory Applications: Don’t limit it to sweet dishes! Cranberry sauce can serve as a flavorful glaze for roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or even duck. Mix it into a sandwich spread for turkey or chicken sandwiches, or incorporate it into a savory sauce for roasted vegetables.
• Cocktails: A spoon of cranberry sauce can even be muddled into cocktails for a festive twist!

Tips for Success and Variations

• Adjusting Sweetness: Cranberries are naturally very tart. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add an extra tablespoon or two of sugar to taste. Conversely, if you enjoy a more tart profile, you can slightly reduce the sugar. Taste as you go!
• Consistency Control: For a thicker sauce, cook it for a few extra minutes until more liquid evaporates. For a slightly thinner sauce, you can stir in a tiny bit of hot water or orange juice until it reaches your preferred consistency. Remember, it will thicken significantly as it cools.
• Using Frozen Cranberries: Yes, you can absolutely use frozen cranberries! There’s no need to thaw them beforehand. Simply add them directly to the saucepan with the other ingredients and proceed with the recipe as instructed. The cooking time might increase by a minute or two as they come to temperature.
• Spice Variations: While cinnamon is classic, feel free to experiment with other warm spices like a pinch of ground cloves, nutmeg, or even a star anise during cooking (remove before serving). A tiny grating of fresh ginger can also add a delightful zing.
• Alcoholic Infusion: For an adult twist, a splash of Grand Marnier, Cointreau, or even a dry red wine can be added during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra layer of flavor.

How To Freeze Fresh Cranberries for Future Use

This small batch cranberry sauce recipe is designed to use only a portion of a standard bag of fresh cranberries, meaning you’ll likely have some leftover. Don’t let these vibrant berries go to waste! They’re incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of other delicious recipes, such as a comforting Cranberry Apple Crisp, a festive Cranberry Sangria, or even a savory Cranberry Goat Cheese Appetizer by Foxes Love Lemons.

However, if you’re not ready to use them immediately, freezing fresh cranberries is an excellent way to preserve their freshness for up to a year. Here’s how to do it properly:

1. Clean and Dry: First, gently wash your fresh cranberries and make sure they are completely dry. Any moisture can lead to ice crystals and freezer burn.
2. Single Layer Freeze: Lay the cranberries out in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet or plate. Ensure they aren’t touching each other.
3. Initial Freeze: Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about an hour, or until the cranberries are firm and frozen solid. This crucial step prevents them from clumping together into one giant frozen mass, allowing you to easily scoop out just the amount you need later.
4. Transfer and Seal: Once individually frozen, transfer the cranberries from the baking sheet into a heavy-duty freezer bag or an airtight freezer-safe container. Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
5. Store: Label the bag with the date and store in the freezer for up to 1 year.

When you need them for a recipe, you can usually add them directly from frozen; no thawing required for most cooking applications!

More Thanksgiving For Two Recipes

Now that you have your easy and delicious homemade cranberry sauce sorted, are you ready to complete the rest of your intimate Thanksgiving dinner menu? If you’re still planning your holiday feast, consider adding one of these fantastic Thanksgiving recipes tailored for smaller gatherings to your menu:

• Turkey Tenderloin
• Stuffed Butternut Squash
• Homemade Gravy Without Drippings
• Mushroom Gravy
• Au Gratin Potatoes For Two
• Cranberry Stuffing
• Small Pumpkin Pie
• Small Pecan Pie

Homemade Cranberry Sauce (Small Batch)

Yield:
6 ounces

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
10 minutes

Total Time:
25 minutes

Whether you’re making Thanksgiving for two or don’t want a ton of leftovers, this small batch Homemade Cranberry Sauce made with fresh orange juice and zest will brighten your dinner table.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, about 2-3 large oranges* (see Note)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, whisk together the cranberries, sugar, zest, juice, cinnamon, and salt. Bring to a boil.
2. Once boiling, cook for 10-15 minutes or until cranberries have burst and sauce has thickened. Cool to room temperature before serving. Store up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Notes

• For the orange juice, I highly recommend buying oranges then squeezing fresh juice from them. However, if you use bottled orange juice, make sure it’s either unsweetened or adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe.
• In addition to your Thanksgiving Dinner For Two, serve your cranberry sauce on top of some Cranberry Baked Brie.
• Use up leftover fresh cranberries with Cranberry Apple Crisp and Cranberry Sangria.

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First published November 10, 2016