Ina Garten Make Ahead Cranberry Sauce Recipe

If you want a simple and tasty sauce for your holiday meal, this Ina Garten make ahead cranberry sauce recipe is perfect.

It is easy to make and you can prepare it a day or two early. This saves time on busy cooking days. The sauce is sweet, tangy and very fresh.

It pairs well with turkey, chicken or even desserts. You will love how it turns out every time.

My Experience With This Ina Garten Make Ahead Cranberry Sauce

I tried this recipe last Thanksgiving and it was a big hit. The sauce tasted bright and fresh. It was not too sweet or too sour.

The best part was that I made it the day before. On the day of the meal, I had one less thing to worry about.

My guests loved it, and I felt relaxed and happy. This is now my go-to cranberry sauce.

Recipe Card info

• Recipe Name: Ina Garten Make Ahead Cranberry Sauce
• Servings: 8
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Course: Side Dish
• Cuisine: American
• Calories: 80 kcal per serving

Equipment List

• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fine mesh strainer (optional)
• Airtight container

Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Make Ahead Cranberry Sauce Recipe

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tsp orange zest
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide

Rinse the Cranberries
Rinse cranberries in cold water and remove any soft ones.

Mix Sugar and Juice
In a saucepan, add sugar and orange juice. Heat until sugar dissolves.

Add Cranberries
Add cranberries and cinnamon stick. Stir gently.

Simmer the Sauce
Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer.

Cook Until Burst
Cook until cranberries burst and sauce thickens.

Add Zest and Salt
Stir in orange zest and salt. Mix well.

Cool the Sauce
Let sauce cool at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Chill in Fridge
Transfer to a container and chill for at least 4 hours.

Add Vanilla (Optional)
Stir in vanilla right before serving for extra flavor.

Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Make Ahead Cranberry Sauce Recipe

• Use fresh cranberries for best taste.
• Don’t overcook or it becomes too thick.
• Stir often to prevent burning.
• Let it cool before refrigerating.
• Make it 1–2 days ahead for deeper flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Adding too much sugar.
• Cooking on high heat.
• Skipping the orange zest.
• Not chilling enough time.
• Using frozen cranberries without thawing.

Serving Suggestions

This cranberry sauce is perfect with turkey or chicken. It also goes well with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes.

For a sweet twist, serve it with cheesecake or ice cream. You can also spread it on bread or use it in sandwiches. The bright flavor makes any dish feel festive.

Variations You Can Try

• Add a splash of red wine for deeper flavor.
• Mix in chopped walnuts for crunch.
• Use maple syrup instead of sugar.
• Add fresh ginger for a spicy kick.
• Stir in chopped apples or pears.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Keeps fresh for 5–7 days.
• You can freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw in the fridge overnight.
• Warm gently on low heat before serving.

Nutrition Information

Health Benefits

Cranberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. This sauce can support your immune system. It also helps digestion because of fiber. Using fresh fruit is always a healthy choice.

The orange juice adds extra vitamin C and a nice fruity flavor. Overall, this sauce is a healthy and delicious holiday side.

Ina Garten Make Ahead Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Emily Grace

If you want a simple and tasty sauce for your holiday meal, this Ina Garten make ahead cranberry sauce recipe is perfect.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 80 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tsp orange zest
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract optional

Instructions

 

Rinse the Cranberries

• Rinse cranberries in cold water and remove any soft ones.

Mix Sugar and Juice

• In a saucepan, add sugar and orange juice. Heat until sugar dissolves.

Add Cranberries

• Add cranberries and cinnamon stick. Stir gently.

Simmer the Sauce

• Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer.

Cook Until Burst

• Cook until cranberries burst and sauce thickens.

Add Zest and Salt

• Stir in orange zest and salt. Mix well.

Cool the Sauce

• Let sauce cool at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Chill in Fridge

• Transfer to a container and chill for at least 4 hours.

Add Vanilla (Optional)

• Stir in vanilla right before serving for extra flavor.

Notes

• Use fresh cranberries for best taste.
• Don’t overcook, or it becomes too thick.
• Stir often to prevent burning.
• Let it cool before refrigerating.
• Make it 1–2 days ahead for deeper flavor.

Keyword Ina Garten Make Ahead Cranberry Sauce Recipe

FAQs about Ina Garten Make Ahead Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Q1: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it 1–2 days ahead. The flavor becomes stronger after chilling.

Q2: Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, but thaw them first. Frozen berries can make the sauce watery.

Q3: How long does it last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for 5–7 days in an airtight container.

Q4: Can I make it without orange juice?
Yes, but orange juice gives the best flavor. You can use water too.

Final Thoughts

This Ina Garten make ahead cranberry sauce recipe is simple and delicious. It saves time and tastes fresh.

Making it ahead gives you a stress-free holiday day. Your family will love the bright and tangy flavor. Try it once and you will keep making it every year. Enjoy!

Emily Grace

Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!