Step aside
Turkey stuffing and mashed potatoes — these cranberry sauce recipes will be the real stars of Thanksgiving this year. Although you can buy some really tasty canned cranberry sauces (especially if you’re craving the classic jelly), your family and friends will be seriously impressed with any of these gourmet cranberry sauce recipes. And making this flavor-packed Thanksgiving side from scratch makes for an even better turkey.
While it’s hard to conceive of adding yet another recipe to your Thanksgiving dinner menu (you’re making a turkey, stuffing, potatoes and vegetable side dishes all from scratch, after all), most of these cranberry sauce recipes take only 30 minutes to make, and can be made a few days in advance and kept in the fridge until the big day. From healthy cranberry sauce to a decadent fruit-filled mostarda, it’s worth taking 30 minutes to simmer a super-simple sauce to make Thanksgiving dinner even tastier.
Jellied or whole, spiced or simple, these tangy, sweet cranberry sauce recipes are undoubtedly the ultimate condiments during the holiday season. And we have plenty of favorite homemade options, with loads of flavor combinations. Fruity and sweet or savory and a little spicy, these cranberry sauce recipes will make for the perfect partner to a Thanksgiving bird.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
1
Fig and Rosemary Cranberry Sauce
Dried figs add extra sweetness and great texture to this unique cranberry sauce that'll wow on Turkey Day.
Get the recipe for Fig and Rosemary Cranberry Sauce »
RELATED: 40 Easy Thanksgiving Appetizers to Win Turkey Day
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
2
Raw Cranberry Relish
Pulse cranberries in a food processor for a texture and flavor unlike any other sauce. Orange marmalade mixed with the tangy fruit provides just the right amount of sweetness.
Get the recipe for Raw Cranberry Relish »
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
3
Roasted Cranberry Sauce
This hands-off recipe is a huge help during Turkey Day chaos: Just toss cranberries, sugar, orange zest and juice together on a baking sheet, transfer to the oven, and walk away.
Get the recipe for Roasted Cranberry Sauce »
RELATED: 85 Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes That Steal the Show
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
4
Citrusy Cranberry-Apricot Compote
Make this tangy side ahead of time (up to 2 months in advance!), and then take it out of the freezer and heat it up on the big day.
Get the recipe for Citrusy Cranberry-Apricot Compote »
RELATED: 40 Easy Thanksgiving Appetizers to Win Turkey Day
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
5
Cranberry Mostarda
Loaded with yellow mustard seeds, this cranberry sauce has a unique jam-like consistency.
Get the recipe for Cranberry Mostarda »
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
6
Instant Pot Orange-Cranberry Sauce
Free up much needed stove space and make your cranberry sauce in your Instant Pot instead!
Get the recipe for Instant Pot Orange-Cranberry Sauce »
RELATED: 18 Genius Instant Pot Thanksgiving Recipes for the Easiest Turkey Day Ever
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
7
Cranberry-Orange Sauce
Bright citrus zest and juice give this cranberry orange sauce a little extra zip.
Get the recipe for Cranberry-Orange Sauce »
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
8
Spiced Cranberry Sauce With Orange and Star Anise
Thanks to the citrus and anise, this gorgeous sauce tastes like Christmas (or Thanksgiving dinner) in a bowl.
Get the recipe for Spiced Cranberry Sauce with Orange and Star Anise »
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
9
Maple-Orange Cranberry Sauce
Sugary maple syrup and orange zest add fragrance and sweet flavor to this simple but classic condiment.
Get the recipe for Maple-Orange Cranberry Sauce »
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
10
Cranberry Fruit Conserve
Dress up your tried-and-true cranberry sauce with a helping of apples, raisins and nuts.
Get the recipe for Cranberry Fruit Conserve »
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
11
Ginger and Pear Cranberry Sauce
Take a walk on the spicy side this season and add a little ginger to your classic sauce.
Get the recipe for Ginger and Pear Cranberry Sauce »
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
12
Citrus-Apricot Cranberry Sauce
A single saucepan and some time to simmer is all it takes to make this flavor-packed sauce.
Get the recipe for Citrus-Apricot Cranberry Sauce »
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
13
Orange-Cranberry Sauce
Fresh OJ adds a fruity sweetness to tart cranberries and makes for a sauce that pairs perfectly with any turkey recipe.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
14
Cranberry Chutney
So, what exactly is chutney? An elegant blend of fruit and spices (a.k.a. delicious) that really improves your Thanksgiving dinner spread.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
15
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Quit fussing around with the can opener and whip up this five-ingredient sauce in just 10 minutes.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
16
Cranberry Port Gelée
This jewel-colored jelly gets its depth of flavor from allspice and a cup of Port.
Get the recipe for Cranberry Port Gelée »
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
17
Cranberry-Apple Chutney
This sweet, savory and sour chutney is the fruity condiment you never new you needed on your Thanksgiving dinner table.
Get the recipe for Cranberry-Apple Chutney »
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
18
Cabernet Cranberry and Blueberry Sauce
Fresh cranberries and frozen blueberries make for the perfect sour and sweet duo.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
19
Red Wine Cranberry Sauce
If you're going to drink a glass of wine while eating your Thanksgiving feast, you might as well infuse your food with it, too.
