If you want a sweet and tangy holiday side, this Paula Deen Cranberry Sauce Recipe is perfect. It is bright, fresh and full of flavor.
Many people enjoy it with turkey or festive meals. The Paula Deen Cranberry Sauce Recipe is simple and quick to prepare. If you want to learn How to make Paula Deen Cranberry Sauce, follow this easy guide.
Let’s explore the best Ingredients for Paula Deen Cranberry Sauce Recipe and make it at home.
The Secret Behind This Delicious
This recipe is inspired by Paula Deen, known for rich Southern cooking.
The secret is balancing sweetness with tart cranberries.
Cooking slowly allows the berries to burst and create a thick, glossy sauce.
Adding citrus like orange juice enhances flavor and freshness.
Recipe Card
- Recipe Name: Paula Deen Cranberry Sauce Recipe
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Course: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 150 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Zester (optional)
- Serving bowl
Ingredients You Need for Paula Deen Cranberry Sauce Recipe
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients
Add cranberries, sugar, orange juice, water and salt to a saucepan. Stir to combine. - Bring to Boil
Place saucepan over medium heat. Bring mixture to a gentle boil. - Cook Cranberries
Reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes. Cranberries will burst and soften. - Stir Occasionally
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. - Add Orange Zest
Stir in orange zest for extra flavor once cranberries are fully softened. - Cool Sauce
Remove from heat and let cool. Sauce will thicken as it cools. - Transfer and Chill
Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve. - Serve
Serve chilled or at room temperature alongside your favorite dishes.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Add cinnamon or nutmeg for warm spice flavor
- Use honey instead of sugar for natural sweetness
- Mix in chopped apples or pears
- Add chopped nuts for texture
- Use dried cranberries if fresh are unavailable (adjust liquid)
- Make ahead for better flavor development
- Adjust sugar based on tartness preference
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 5 mg |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this Paula Deen Cranberry Sauce Recipe with roast turkey, chicken or ham.
- It pairs well with stuffing, mashed potatoes and holiday meals.
- Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas or family dinners.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freezing is possible for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- No reheating needed; serve chilled or at room temperature.
Paula Deen Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon orange zest optional
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Combine Ingredients
- Add cranberries, sugar, orange juice, water and salt to a saucepan. Stir to combine.
Bring to Boil
- Place saucepan over medium heat. Bring mixture to a gentle boil.
Cook Cranberries
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes. Cranberries will burst and soften.
Stir Occasionally
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Add Orange Zest
- Stir in orange zest for extra flavor once cranberries are fully softened.
Cool Sauce
- Remove from heat and let cool. Sauce will thicken as it cools.
Transfer and Chill
- Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Serve
- Serve chilled or at room temperature alongside your favorite dishes.
Notes
- Add cinnamon or nutmeg for warm spice flavor
- Use honey instead of sugar for natural sweetness
- Mix in chopped apples or pears
- Add chopped nuts for texture
- Use dried cranberries if fresh are unavailable (adjust liquid)
- Make ahead for better flavor development
- Adjust sugar based on tartness preference
FAQs about Paula Deen Cranberry Sauce Recipe
1. Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, frozen cranberries work well. No need to thaw before cooking.
2. How do I thicken cranberry sauce?
It thickens naturally as it cools due to pectin in cranberries.
3. Can I reduce sugar?
Yes, adjust sweetness based on taste or use alternatives like honey.
4. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes better when made a day in advance.
5. Can I add other fruits?
Yes, apples, pears or raisins add extra flavor and texture.
Conclusion
This Paula Deen Cranberry Sauce Recipe is sweet, tangy and easy to make. Now you know How to make Paula Deen Cranberry Sauce step by step.
With simple Ingredients for Paula Deen Cranberry Sauce, you can prepare a fresh and delicious side dish at home.
Try this recipe today and enjoy a classic cranberry sauce your family will love.
Sofia Lane is a food lover who loves cooking and sharing easy, tasty recipes. She believes in making cooking simple and fun for everyone. On DiveCrave, Sofia shares her favorite meals, desserts and treats that anyone can make at home.