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New England Cranberry Sauce

Fresh cranberries simmered with sugar and orange zest into a tart-sweet sauce, a Thanksgiving table essential.

⏱ 5 minPrep time
🔥 15 minCook time
🍽 8Servings
🏷 New England KitchenCategory
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Fresh cranberries simmered with sugar and orange zest into a tart-sweet sauce, a Thanksgiving table essential.

From the bogs of Massachusetts

Made in minutes from the region’s native fruit, this glossy sauce beats anything from a can — tart, bright, and faintly orange.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Combine the cranberries, sugar, water, orange juice, and salt in a saucepan.
  2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce and simmer 10-12 minutes until most berries pop.
  3. Stir in the orange zest and cinnamon, then remove from heat.
  4. Cool completely — the sauce will thicken as it chills. Serve cold or at room temperature.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Simmer just until most of the berries pop for the best texture. Make it up to a week ahead — it keeps beautifully in the fridge.

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Recipe details

Prep5 min
Cook15 min
Servings8
CategoryNew England Kitchen
PublishedAugust 16, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →