Quick and Easy Microwave Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Homemade cranberry sauce doesn’t have to be complicated! This simple 3-ingredient sauce comes together in just minutes using the microwave. With fresh cranberries, sugar, and a splash of brandy, this tangy-sweet sauce is the perfect accompaniment to your holiday meals—or any time you want a little burst of cranberry flavor.
Forget the canned cranberry sauce this holiday season—once you try this simple recipe, you’ll never return to the store-bought stuff! Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas dinner, or just enjoying a cozy meal, this homemade cranberry sauce recipe will elevate your table with minimal effort.
This 3-ingredient cranberry sauce is one of my favorite things to serve with our Thanksgiving meal. On the days when you’re juggling so many things, this easy recipe is one less than you have to worry about.
Don’t let this classic Thanksgiving recipe get away from you. I get so many requests for this recipe. BONUS, I use any leftovers to make my Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Versatile: Serve at your next holiday meal. Use it on turkey, sandwiches, desserts, or even as a glaze for meats.
- Super Simple: Only 3 ingredients and 10 minutes of your time.
- Microwave Magic: No stovetop or extra dishes—just mix, heat, and serve.
- Perfect Balance: The fresh cranberries provide a tart punch, the sugar adds sweetness, and the brandy gives it a rich depth of flavor.
Ingredients for Microwave Cranberry Sauce
- 1- 12-ounce bag of cranberries
- 1 cup granulated white sugar
- 2 tablespoons brandy
How to Make Cranberry Sauce in the Microwave
Prep Your Ingredients
- Rinse the fresh cranberries and discard any that are soft or damaged.
Combine in a Microwave-Safe Dish
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the cranberries and sugar. Stir until the cranberries are evenly coated with sugar.
- Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap.
Cook in the Microwave
- Microwave the mixture on high for 10 minutes. The cranberries will burst, creating a thick, syrupy sauce.
- Remove from the microwave.
- Carefully remove the plastic wrap. The sugar is molten hot right now.
- Add the brandy immediately. Stir to blend.
Cool and Serve
- Let the sauce cool for 5–10 minutes to thicken further. Depending on your preference, serve warm or chilled.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cranberry Sauce
- Make Ahead: This sauce stores well in the fridge for up to a week, making it a stress-free addition to your holiday prep.
- Choose the Right Dish: Use a large microwave-safe bowl to prevent spills—cranberries can splatter as they cook.
- Use Grand Marnier: Do you like an orange twist? You can substitute Grand Marnier for brandy in this recipe.
- Alcohol-Free Option: Replace the brandy with orange juice or apple cider for a non-alcoholic version.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Pairing: Serve alongside roast Thanksgiving turkey, ham, or pork.
- Sandwich Spread: Add a spoonful to turkey sandwiches for a tangy twist.
- Dessert Topper: Drizzle over vanilla ice cream, cheesecake, or pancakes.
- Glaze: Use as a glaze for roasted chicken, pork chops, or salmon.
Variations to Try
- Citrus Cranberry Sauce: Add the zest of an orange or lemon for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Spiced Cranberry Sauce: Stir in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, festive touch.
- Berry Mix: Combine fresh cranberries with raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry sauce.
- Nutty Finish: Top the sauce with toasted pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
FAQs About Cranberry Sauce
Yes! Frozen cranberries work just as well. No need to thaw them—just increase the cooking time by 1–2 minutes.
Absolutely! This fresh cranberry sauce tastes even better the next day after it’s had time to chill and the flavors meld together.
Yes, the heat of the sugar will burn off the alcohol quickly as long as you add the brandy right away.
More Holiday Cranberry Recipes
- Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake– Sweet, moist coffee cake with cinnamon streusel. Add a ribbon of tangy cranberry sauce for the perfect holiday treat.
- Cranberry Apricot Bars – On the go or even at home these crunchy, sweet crannberry oat bars ar a decadent Fall treat.
- Cranberry Champagne Cocktail – uses fresh cranberries.
More Thanksgiving Recipes
- Spatchcock Turkey – Dry rubbed, extra juicy, and cooks in half the time.
- Sausage Stuffing – This Sage Sausage and Apple Stuffing is the perfect Thanksgiving side dish.
- Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Low sugar and super delicious.
- Green Bean Casserole – From scratch!
- Dinner Rolls – Fluffy and buttery homemade dinner rolls. What’s better for sopping up all of that turkey gravy.
- Turkey Gravy – Made with turkey drippings or turkey broth. Perfect homemade gravy every time.
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Easy Microwave Cranberry Sauce
Equipment
- large microwave safe bowl
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries, 1 package of Ocean Spray cranberries
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brandy, or grand marnier
Instructions
- Rinse the cranberries in a colander, drain and spread to dry on a lint towel.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine berries with sugar and mix to coat.
- Cover the sugar and cranberries with plastic wrap. Make sure it sealed well.
- Microwave on high for 10 minutes.
- Remove from the microwave.
- Carefully remove the plastic wrap. Be careful, the sugar is molten hot right now.
- Add brandy immediately. Stir to blend.
- Let Cool. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
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