Cranberry Sauce Recipe 3-Ingredient (So Easy, So Fresh!)

You really don’t need a long grocery list to make something special. This cranberry sauce recipe proves it—just three ingredients, one pot, and 15 minutes on the stove. That’s it.

Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even your weeknight roast, this sauce brings that sweet-tart pop your meal might be missing. No need for orange juice or fancy spices (unless you want to). Just real cranberries, sugar, and water. It doesn’t get simpler—or better—than this.

🫐 What You’ll Need (Just 3 Ingredients)

• 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries (about 3 cups)
• ¾ cup sugar (you can swap for honey, maple syrup, or another sweetener)
• 1 cup water

That’s all you need. If you like experimenting, you can always add extras later. But this right here? This is the base that never fails.

👩‍🍳 How to Make 3-Ingredient Cranberry Sauce

1. Add to Pot:
   Toss the cranberries, sugar, and water into a medium saucepan.
2. Bring to Boil:
   Heat on medium-high until it starts boiling, then lower the heat.
3. Let It Simmer:
   Stir occasionally. You’ll hear the cranberries pop—that’s when the magic’s happening. Simmer for about 10–12 minutes until it thickens.
4. Cool and Serve:
   Remove from heat and let it cool. It’ll thicken more as it sits.

And that’s it. No zesting. No extra steps. Just a bright, fresh sauce in less time than it takes to roast a chicken.

🕰️ Time & Serving

• Prep Time: 2 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: ~15 minutes
• Servings: 6–8 people

🧊 Storage Tips

• Refrigerator: Store in a sealed container for up to 10 days.
• Freezer-Friendly: Freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and stir before serving.
• Best Flavor Tip: Make it a day ahead—the taste gets even better.

🥄 Recipe Notes

• If using frozen cranberries, no need to thaw them first.
• For less sugar, reduce to ½ cup and adjust to taste.
• Want it smoother? Use a fork to mash the berries or blend briefly.
• If it feels too runny, let it simmer a little longer.

🍽️ How to Serve It

This 3-ingredient cranberry sauce pairs beautifully with more than just turkey. Here are some favorite ways to enjoy it:

• With roasted chicken or pork
• Slathered on toast or biscuits
• Mixed into yogurt or oatmeal
• On top of cheesecake (yes, seriously!)
• As a glaze for meatballs or sausages

🧂 Extra Tips to Make It Just Right

• Cranberries are naturally tart—taste and adjust the sweetness if needed.
• If it gets too thick after chilling, stir in a splash of water.
• Let it cool uncovered before storing—it helps avoid condensation.

🌟 Simple Ways to Add Flavor (Use Just One!)

This cranberry sauce is delicious as-is, but if you want to add a little twist, here are a few easy upgrades. You don’t need all of them—just pick one that fits your mood or meal.

• Orange Zest: Adds a fresh citrusy kick—just grate a little right into the pot.
• Cinnamon (ground or a stick): Gives it a warm, cozy flavor that feels like fall.
• Vanilla Extract: Just ¼ tsp adds a soft, sweet roundness to the sauce.
• Pinch of Salt: Sounds small, but it brings out all the other flavors.
• Fresh Grated Ginger: A little heat and zing if you like bold flavors.
• Chopped Apple or Pear: Toss in for extra texture and natural sweetness.
• Splash of Red Wine or Port: Swap in for a bit of the water for a rich, elegant vibe.

👉 Just one or two is all you need. Taste as you go and see what works best for you!

🛠️ Kitchen Tools Needed

• Medium saucepan
• Measuring cups
• Stirring spoon
• Airtight container for storage

Nothing fancy required.

🥗 Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

(Based on 8 servings. May vary slightly depending on sugar type.)

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been relying on canned cranberry sauce, this might just be your switch moment. It’s easy, fast, and tastes like it was made with love—because it was.