I never really got why people liked cranberry sauce at Thanksgiving. We always had the gelatinous, canned kind that was served in slices and I was not a fan. I made homemade cranberry sauce for the first time last year and I am never going back. It is so simple to make, you barely need an actual recipe. I started with this version and then tweaked some things. Some people have a nostalgic connection to the jiggly cranberry sauce of their youth, but if that’s not you I hope this helps.
Easy Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients:
- 12 oz. bag of cranberries (rinsed)
- ½ C. orange juice
- ½ C. water
- Zest of 1 orange
- ½ C. of sugar (to taste)
- 1 tsp. ginger
- Pinch of cinnamon
- Pinch of ground cloves
Instructions:
Throw everything into a crockpot and cook on low for 3 hours. Thaaaat’s pretty much it.
You could do it on the stovetop too, but that can take up valuable kitchen real estate in the pre-Thanksgiving meal rush. This can also be made beforehand and heated back up. Add more sugar to taste, I start off with a little and then add more so it doesn’t get too sweet.
You can use a wooden spoon to smash down the cranberries into your desired consistency. Makes about 3 cups of sauce
Originally published November 19, 2015
Jenine
Tuesday 8th of November 2016
Honestly, I dont think I've ever had freshly made cranberry sauce like this. It looks way yummier than the nasty stuff in a can.
Rachel | The Analytical Mommy
Monday 7th of November 2016
This sounds so yummy! I already got cranberries and haven't decided yet what to do with them! I can't wait!
Rebecca Hicks
Monday 7th of November 2016
Holy cow this looks SO good. I'm totally making this cranberry sauce for Christmas this year. I strongly dislike the canned stuff we always have!
Sarah Jean Althouse
Monday 7th of November 2016
No canned in my house growing up. My mom always made the real thing and I've never looked back!
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More
Monday 7th of November 2016
Yum!! I love cranberry sauce! I've made my own a few times and as much as I try not to eat processed foods, I can't help but love the jellied stuff that comes in a can. I think it's more "comfort" from having it as a kid than anything else. haha Well...and the sugar. ;)