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Easy Cranberry Sauce

2 reviews
4.5 2
Cranberry Sauce made and served in the glass Anyday dish, featuring a vibrant and tangy blend of cranberries with a hint of sweetness.
Easy Cranberry Sauce
PT4M PT3M

Prep Time

4 mins

Cook Time

3 mins
2 reviews

Free Time

to read a book

Transform your holiday spread with this vibrant, homemade cranberry sauce made right in the microwave. Skip the stovetop and get perfectly cooked cranberries with minimal prep, using only fresh berries, sugar, and a touch of orange zest for that festive flavor. In under 10 minutes, you’ll have a sweet-tart sauce that complements everything from roasted turkey to creamy mashed potatoes.

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

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What You’ll Need

What You’ll Need

The Medium Deep Dish

The best dish for 1-2 portions of grains, veggies, mac and cheese, ramen, and more.

The Medium Shallow Dish

Look no further for making poached eggs, desserts, dips, and small portions of meat or fish.

The Anyhand Mitts

Handle hot Anyday dishes with care with these microwave mitts that double as trivets!
Try Anyday

Select your serving size and microwave wattage in the dropdown. The recipe will change accordingly.

2-4
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Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

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To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

700w

Recommended 

Dish

The Medium Deep Dish

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (100g) fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup (50g) sugar
  • ½ teaspoon orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Preparation

  1. Add all the ingredients to an Anyday dish and stir to combine. Cover with the lid )knob lifted).
  2. Cook in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, then stir well. Use a spoon or fork to gently smash the berries for a chunky texture.
  3. Cover again and microwave for another 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened.
  4. Let the sauce cool completely before serving. (Note: The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.)

Serving suggestions & tips

  • Sage and cranberry: Stir in finely chopped sage for a subtle, earthy flavor that complements the tart cranberries.
  • Apple-cranberry blend: Replace a quarter of the cranberries with peeled, diced apples for a sweet, fruity variation with added texture.
  • Smoky spice twist: Mix in a splash of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a bold, smoky, and spicy kick.
  • Vegan-friendly option: Use olive oil instead of butter and beet sugar in place of granulated sugar to keep the sauce entirely vegan.
  • Discover more sauce recipes by exploring our collection here!

Recipe notes

  • To reheat, add 1 tablespoon of water per cup of sauce to loosen the texture, then reheat in the microwave until warmed through.
  • Adjust sweetness to your liking by reducing the sugar amount by half. Then if needed ad more to taste.
  • The sauce naturally thickens as it cools, so adjust consistency as needed before serving.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

All You Need to Know About Making Cranberry Sauce in the Microwave

What is cranberry sauce?

Cranberry sauce is a tangy, sweet condiment typically served alongside savory dishes like roasted meats or holiday meals. Made with fresh or frozen cranberries, sugar, and a touch of citrus zest or spice, it’s a flavorful upgrade from jarred or canned versions. Discover more holiday recipes by exploring our collection here!

Can I make cranberry sauce in the microwave?

Absolutely! An Anyday dish makes it incredibly easy to prepare cranberry sauce in the microwave. The cranberries cook evenly, and the dish allows you to mix and mash the berries without needing a stovetop.

How long can I store cranberry sauce in the fridge?

Cranberry sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week  using an Anyday dish. Once cooled, cover the cranberry sauce with the air-tight lid and store in the refrigerator. The lid helps to maintain freshness, so the sauce is ready whenever you need it.

Can I freeze cranberry sauce?

Yes, cranberry sauce freezes well! Portion the cooled sauce into Anytime Freezer Trays and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to use, simply transfer the frozen portions into an Anyday dish and reheat at full power for 1-2 minutes per portion, or until heated through—no thawing needed!

Why does cranberry sauce thicken as it cools?

The sauce may look thin when hot, but it'll reach the perfect consistency once it's completely cooled. This is due to the addition of cornstarch in the recipe, as well as the natural pectin in cranberries. Both ingredients act as thickening agents to achieve the perfect texture for this condiment.

How is this cranberry sauce different from the canned version?

Unlike canned cranberry sauce, this homemade version has a fresh, tangy flavor and a chunky texture. It’s enhanced with orange zest and butter, making it rich and vibrant—nothing like the gelatinous consistency of the canned variety.

Can I adjust the sweetness of cranberry sauce?

Yes! Adjusting the sugar levels is the best way to control the tartness of the sauce. For a tart sauce, reduce the sugar to the lowest suggested amount in the recipe or add a splash of orange juice for a bright, tangy flavor. For a sweeter sauce, stir in an extra tablespoon or two of sugar.

Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?

Yes, frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. Simply add them to the Anyday dish straight from the freezer without thawing and follow the recipe as directed.

How do I get a smoother texture for cranberry sauce?

For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture after cooking. You can also strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve to remove any remaining skins, resulting in a velvety consistency.