Cranberry Sauce from Dried Cranberries

Jump to Recipe

My delicious Cranberry Sauce from Dried Cranberries is the perfect addition to your holiday table, offering a delightful blend of dried cranberries and a hint of orange zest for a burst of fruity flavors. Simmered in cranberry juice with a touch of brown sugar, this easy recipe brings out the natural tartness of the cranberries, perfectly balanced with the sweetness of orange juice. Whether you're preparing for a Thanksgiving meal or a cozy Christmas dinner, this sauce is a great way to elevate your favorite dishes. With simple ingredients and a quick prep time, it’s a great recipe to make ahead and store in an airtight container.

cranberry sauce from dried cranberries served in bowl with spoon.

This cranberry sauce from dried cranberries has become a staple at my holiday table. I love how the dried cranberries absorb the cranberry juice and orange juice, creating a rich, tangy-sweet sauce that perfectly complements all the savory dishes at a Thanksgiving meal or Christmas dinner. It's a great recipe for when fresh cranberries aren’t available, and the addition of orange zest gives it a bright, citrusy note that I can't get enough of. The best part is how easy it is to make ahead and store in an airtight container—one less thing to worry about on the big day!

Looking for more Thanksgiving recpies? Try my Chorizo Cornbread Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole Mac n’ Cheese, Roasted Squash, Croissant Stuffing Recipe, Onion and Sage Stuffing, Parker House Rolls, Sourdough Stuffing, and Turkey Gravy. Make sure to save leftovers for my Thanksgiving Leftover Pizza.

cranberry sauce from dried cranberries with spoon.

Jump to:

🌟 Why You'll Love this Recipe
🥘 Ingredients
🔪 Step by Step Instructions
👩🏼‍🍳 Chef's Tips
📖 Substitutions & Variations
🍴 Serving Suggestions
💭 Recipe FAQs
🥣 Storage & Reheating
🌿 Related Recipes
🥗 Pairing Recommendations
📋 Recipe
🌡️ Food safety
💬 Reviews

🌟 Why You'll Love this Recipe

Bursting with Fruity Flavors: This cranberry sauce from dried cranberries combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of cranberry juice and orange juice, delivering a perfect balance of flavors that will brighten up any holiday meal. The hint of orange zest adds an extra layer of citrusy goodness that complements the sauce beautifully.
Quick and Easy to Make: Using simple ingredients like dried cranberries and basic pantry staples, this recipe comes together in just minutes. It's a great option for busy holiday preparations, requiring minimal effort while still producing a delicious, homemade cranberry sauce that everyone will love.
Perfect for Any Holiday Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or Christmas, this cranberry sauce is a fantastic addition to any holiday table. Its vibrant color and fresh, fruity taste make it a standout side dish that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Plus, it can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container, making holiday prep even easier!

🥘 Ingredients

Dried Cranberries – The base of this cranberry sauce, offering a concentrated, tangy flavor. As they simmer, they absorb the cranberry juice and orange juice, plumping up beautifully and adding a chewy texture to the sauce.
Cranberry Juice – Infuses the sauce with extra cranberry flavor, enhancing the tartness of the cranberries and giving the sauce a rich, fruity base. It also helps balance the sweetness from the sugars and orange juice.
Orange Juice – Adds a bright, citrusy note to the sauce, complementing the cranberries and giving it a subtle hint of orange flavor. It helps bring out the fruity essence of the cranberries while balancing their tartness.
Brown Sugar – Provides a deeper sweetness that pairs well with the tartness of the cranberries and the tang of the citrus. Its molasses-like undertones enhance the richness of the sauce.
White Sugar – Adds a lighter, more straightforward sweetness that balances the tart cranberries, contributing to the smooth, sweet flavor of the sauce.
Water – Used to create the right consistency and help the dried cranberries rehydrate, making the sauce luscious and flavorful as it thickens while cooking.
Juice of Half an Orange – Enhances the citrus flavor in the sauce, bringing a fresh, zesty note that pairs perfectly with the tart cranberries and cranberry juice.
Orange Zest – Sprinkled on top before serving, this adds a fresh burst of citrus aroma and a pop of color, complementing the fruity flavors of the sauce.

See recipe card for quantities.

🔪 Step by Step Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Measure out 6 ounces of dried cranberries, ½ cup of cranberry juice, 1 cup of water, ½ cup of white sugar, ½ cup of brown sugar, and juice half an orange.

Heat the Saucepan: Place a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the dried cranberries, cranberry juice, water, white sugar, brown sugar, and orange juice to the pan.

Bring to a Simmer: Stir the ingredients together and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Cook the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer on medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The dried cranberries should plump up, and the sauce will start to thicken as it cooks.

Remove from Heat: Once the cranberries have softened and the sauce has reached your desired consistency, remove the saucepan from the heat.

Let Cool: Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.

cranberry sauce from dried cranberries in bowl.

Add Orange Zest: Before serving, sprinkle orange zest over the sauce for a bright citrusy finish.

👩🏼‍🍳 Chef's Tips

Soak Dried Cranberries for Extra Plumpness: If you want even plumper cranberries, consider soaking the dried cranberries in the cranberry juice for 10–15 minutes before cooking. This step allows them to absorb more liquid and soften faster during cooking.
Use Fresh Orange Zest for Maximum Flavor: For the best citrusy flavor, always use fresh orange zest. It adds a bright, aromatic note that complements the sweetness and tartness of the sauce beautifully.
Monitor the Thickness: The sauce will thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit thin right off the stove. If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it a little longer, but keep an eye on it to prevent over-reduction.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you like your cranberry sauce sweeter, feel free to add a little more brown or white sugar. If you prefer less sugar, start with half the amount and taste as you go.
Make Ahead for Convenience: This cranberry sauce stores well in an airtight container, making it a perfect make-ahead dish. You can refrigerate it for up to a week, which allows the flavors to develop even more.

📖 Substitutions & Variations

Fresh Cranberries: If you prefer a fresher taste, you can swap the dried cranberries for fresh cranberries. Just reduce the simmering time slightly since fresh cranberries will cook down faster, but you may need to adjust the sweetness since fresh cranberries are more tart.

Different Sweeteners: Instead of using white and brown sugar, try substituting with maple syrup or honey for a natural sweetness and a richer depth of flavor. These alternatives will add a different kind of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the cranberries.

Spice Variations: Add a cinnamon stick to the sauce while it simmers for a warm, holiday flavor. You can also try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves for extra warmth and complexity.

Citrus Substitutions: If you don't have orange juice or zest, you can use lemon juice or zest for a tangier twist. Lime juice could also work for a more tropical flavor, though it will give the sauce a unique citrus profile.

Add a Splash of Alcohol: For a more sophisticated flavor, add a splash of orange liqueur like Grand Marnier at the end of cooking. This will enhance the citrus notes and provide a subtle depth to the sauce.

Make it Less Sweet: If you prefer a less sweet cranberry sauce, reduce the amount of sugar and let the natural tartness of the cranberries shine through. You can also balance the sweetness with a touch more orange juice or add more dried cranberries for a chewy texture.

🍴 Serving Suggestions

Turkey Pairing: This cranberry sauce from dried cranberries pairs perfectly with roasted turkey or turkey breast, making it a great addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas meal. The tartness of the cranberries balances the savory flavors of the turkey, adding a fruity, tangy contrast to the rich meat. Also so great served with my Chicken Sausage Stuffing.

Cheese Board: Serve this sauce alongside a selection of cheeses on a holiday cheese board. The sweet and tart flavors complement sharp cheeses like aged cheddar, gouda, or brie. Spread the cranberry sauce over a cracker with cheese for a delightful bite.

Spread on Sandwiches: Use leftover cranberry sauce as a spread for turkey sandwiches or wraps. Its sweet-tart flavor enhances the richness of the turkey, making for a delicious post-holiday snack.

Pair with Pork: This sauce also pairs wonderfully with pork, such as roasted pork loin or grilled pork chops. The fruity flavors of the cranberry sauce bring out the natural sweetness of the pork and create a balanced, flavorful meal.

Dessert Topping: For a fun twist, try using the sauce as a topping for vanilla ice cream or cheesecake. The contrast between the cold, creamy dessert and the sweet-tart sauce creates a unique and indulgent dessert option.

💭 Recipe FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute fresh cranberries for dried cranberries. Just reduce the cooking time, as fresh cranberries will break down and soften faster. You may also want to adjust the sweetness since fresh cranberries are more tart.

How can I make the cranberry sauce less sweet?

To make the cranberry sauce less sweet, reduce the amount of white and brown sugar in the recipe. You can also add a little more orange juice or a touch of lemon juice to balance the sweetness with extra tartness.

🥣 Storage & Reheating

Storage: Store your cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This allows the flavors to deepen and makes it an easy make-ahead dish.

Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the cranberry sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a little water if needed to adjust the consistency.

Freezing: Freeze leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and stir well before serving.