Making your own cranberry sauce is so simple, and the fresh taste is truly worth it. Today, I’m sharing two fantastic cranberry sauce recipes that will make your meals shine, especially as the holidays get closer. You’ll love how easy they are to prepare!
Both of these homemade cranberry sauces are perfect for adding bright, fruity flavors to your table. Whether you like something tropical or something with a bit more depth, I’ve got you covered. Let’s get cooking!
Jump to Recipe:
Sweet & Tangy Cranberry Mango Sauce Recipe
This vibrant sauce brightens any meal with its tropical sweetness. It’s a simple way to add a fruity side to your holiday spread or everyday dishes.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Cranberry Mango Sauce
- Fresh Mango: Use ripe mango for the best natural sweetness and flavor. A slightly firm but giving mango is ideal.
- Orange Zest: A little zest brings a lovely bright note and really complements the fruit. Make sure to only get the colored part of the peel.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the sauce after it cools a bit. You can add a little more sugar if your mango isn’t very sweet or if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
What You Need for Cranberry Mango Sauce
- 1 bag (12 oz) fresh cranberries
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
⏱️ Time: 25 minutes🍽️ Yields: About 2 cups
How to Make Cranberry Mango Sauce
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, mix the fresh cranberries, diced mango, granulated sugar, and water. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything.
Step 2: Cook Until Soft
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 15-20 minutes. Stir it sometimes until the cranberries pop and the mango softens nicely.
Step 3: Finish with Zest
Take the sauce off the heat. Stir in the orange zest. If you like a smoother sauce, you can mash it a little with a fork or potato masher. Let it cool before serving.
📝 Final Note
This cranberry mango sauce tastes great warm or chilled. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Rich & Bold Cranberry Red Wine Sauce Recipe
This rich sauce offers a deeper berry flavor that pairs wonderfully with many main dishes. It’s a more grown-up version of your classic cranberry sauce.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Cranberry Red Wine Sauce
- Good Red Wine: Choose a dry red wine you enjoy drinking, like a Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Pinot Noir. The wine’s quality will affect the sauce’s flavor.
- Don’t Overcook: Simmer until the sauce thickens to your liking, but be careful not to let it get too jam-like. It will thicken more as it cools.
- Herb Addition: For extra warmth and aroma, add a sprig of fresh rosemary or a cinnamon stick while the sauce simmers. Remove it before serving.
What You Need for Cranberry Red Wine Sauce
- 1 bag (12 oz) fresh cranberries
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- Optional: 1 cinnamon stick or a sprig of rosemary
⏱️ Time: 30 minutes🍽️ Yields: About 1.5 cups
How to Make Cranberry Red Wine Sauce
Step 1: Mix Everything
Put the fresh cranberries, red wine, granulated sugar, and water into a medium saucepan. If you’re using a cinnamon stick or rosemary sprig, add it now.
Step 2: Simmer and Thicken
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring sometimes. The cranberries will burst, and the sauce will thicken.
Step 3: Remove Aromatics
Carefully remove the cinnamon stick or rosemary sprig from the sauce. Let the sauce cool a bit before you serve it, as it will thicken even more as it cools.
📝 Final Note
For a very smooth sauce, you can carefully blend it in a blender after it has cooled slightly. Remember to be careful when blending hot liquids!
