Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce Recipe

This Ocean Spray cranberry sauce is the ultimate Thanksgiving side dish — tangy, sweet, and perfectly balanced with a hint of fresh orange. Made with just three ingredients — frozen Ocean Spray cranberries, sugar, and orange juice — this easy recipe comes together in 15 minutes and tastes a hundred times better than canned cranberry sauce. 

The Best Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce Recipe

This cranberry sauce is a staple at my family's Thanksgiving dinner table every single year. If you're planning on serving cranberry sauce this year, you have to make this recipe! 

This Ocean Spray cranberry sauce is so much better than the store-bought kind. I mean, there's really no comparison. There is no high fructose corn syrup, preservatives, or any other filler ingredients in this homemade version. It's seriously as fresh as it gets!

I love that this recipe is made with only three ingredients and can be prepared in just a couple of minutes. So it doesn't take any time away from making the rest of the components for a delicious Thanksgiving dinner.

Speaking of Thanksgiving, a few recipes I always make to go along with this cranberry sauce are this pioneer woman stuffing, these red skin mashed potatoes, and this brown gravy recipe.

Then, to finish off the meal, this no bake pumpkin pie, pumpkin custard pie, or old fashioned sweet potato pie are some of the best desserts you can make. Honestly, we make all three for dessert at our house.

Ingredients

As I mentioned before, you only need 3 simple ingredients to make this homemade cranberry sauce!

Also, just so you know ahead of time, these measurements will make one large cup worth. So, if you think you'll need more than that, just double or triple the ingredients below.

Here's everything you'll need to make this Ocean Spray cranberry sauce:

• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 8 oz. frozen Ocean Spray cranberries

Super simple, right?

So, as far as cranberries go, they can be either frozen or fresh cranberries. But, honestly, when they're not in season, I just use frozen. They make a sauce that tastes just as fresh!

With that said, though, I highly recommend using Ocean Spray cranberries to make this sauce. I know there are a lot of imitators out there, but none taste as good as Ocean Spray. At least, I don't think they do.

By the way, you can also use the cranberries to make this Ocean Spray cranberry bread, so you'll definitely want to grab some extra!

How To Make Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce

Step 1: Boil The Juice and Sugar

First, you're going to combine the sugar and orange juice in a small - or medium - saucepan. Then, bring the mixture to a boil on medium-high heat. Once it's boiling, lower the heat and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved in the orange juice. 

Step 2: Add The Cranberries

Next, you're going to add the cranberries to the saucepan and simmer for about 12 minutes or until the mixture thickens. Also, you'll want to make sure to stir the sauce occasionally as it's cooking to avoid burning it.

Once it thickens, you can either leave the whole cranberries as is or you can make it more like a jellied cranberry sauce by breaking the cranberries down with a wooden spoon. After that, remove the saucepan from the heat, let it cool for a few minutes, and then transfer the cranberry sauce to a bowl. Finally, serve and enjoy!

Flavor Variations To Try

One of the best things about this Ocean Spray cranberry sauce recipe is how easy it is to customize. The classic version is perfectly balanced — sweet, tart, and citrusy — but you can easily switch it up with these flavorful variations to match your holiday menu or personal taste:

• Warm Spiced Cranberry Sauce: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg and cloves for cozy, aromatic flavor. This version tastes like the holidays and pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, ham, or pork tenderloin.
• Citrus Cranberry Sauce: Stir in fresh orange zest or a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavor. The extra citrus makes the sauce sparkle and adds a tangy twist that complements rich dishes like stuffing and gravy.
• Festive Cranberry Sauce with Liqueur: For a grown-up holiday touch, add 1 tablespoon Grand Marnier, orange liqueur, or brandy just after removing the sauce from the heat. It enhances the orange flavor and gives the sauce a sophisticated, festive aroma.
• Nutty Cranberry Sauce with Texture: Mix in ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts after the sauce cools slightly for added crunch and nuttiness. You can also add dried cranberries or raisins for a chewy, sweet contrast that makes the sauce feel extra special.
• Maple Cranberry Sauce: Replace half the sugar with pure maple syrup for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness. It’s a great option if you love natural sweeteners or want a more rustic, New England-style cranberry sauce.

Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce FAQS

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of frozen?

Yes — this recipe works well with fresh Ocean Spray cranberries too. The cooking time will be about the same (10–12 minutes), and you’ll get that same bright, tart flavor. If you’re using fresh cranberries, rinse them well and remove any soft or shriveled ones before adding them to the pot.

Can I make cranberry sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! Cranberry sauce actually tastes better the next day. The flavors deepen and the texture thickens as it chills. You can make it up to 3 days ahead for the best make-ahead results. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and serve it cold or at room temperature.

How long does homemade cranberry sauce last in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, it will keep in the refrigerator for 7–10 days. Make sure it’s fully cooled before storing, and always use a clean spoon to avoid introducing bacteria.

Can I freeze cranberry sauce?

Yes — homemade cranberry sauce freezes great. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving, and give it a quick stir to bring it back to a smooth consistency.

Can I reheat cranberry sauce?

Your cranberry sauce doesn't have to be enjoyed warm. It can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. However, if you'd like to reheat your cranberry sauce, my favorite method is to warm it up in the microwave in 20-second increments. Alternatively, you can place your leftover cranberry sauce in a medium saucepan and heat on medium until thoroughly warmed. By the way, if you choose to freeze it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Why did my cranberry sauce turn out too thin?

If your cranberry sauce seems too thin after cooking, it probably just needs a little more time on the stove. Continue simmering it uncovered for a few extra minutes — it will thicken as it reduces. Remember, cranberry sauce thickens even more as it cools, so avoid overcooking it while hot.

What if my cranberry sauce is too thick?

If it thickens too much after cooling, just stir in a tablespoon or two of orange juice or water until it reaches your desired consistency. It’s an easy fix!

Do I need to add water to this recipe?

No — the orange juice in this recipe provides the perfect amount of liquid and adds flavor at the same time. The cranberries also release juice as they cook, so you don’t need to dilute the sauce with extra water.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, but reducing the sugar will make the sauce much more tart. For a lightly sweet version, start with ⅓ cup sugar, then taste after 10 minutes and add more if needed. You can also swap part of the sugar for honey, maple syrup, or agave for a natural sweetness.

Can I double this cranberry sauce recipe for Thanksgiving?

Yes — you can easily double or triple this recipe! Just use a larger saucepan to prevent overflowing as the cranberries burst. The cooking time will increase slightly (about 15–18 minutes total), but it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or saving leftovers.

What do I serve cranberry sauce with?

Cranberry sauce isn’t just for turkey! Try it with roast chicken, ham, pork tenderloin, or even brie cheese. It’s also amazing as a spread on Thanksgiving leftover sandwiches or spooned over Greek yogurt, oatmeal, or pancakes for a sweet-tart breakfast.

More Thanksgiving Recipes To Make

If you're looking for some more Thanksgiving recipes to make your holiday meal even better, we have a ton on the blog that you can try!

Check one of these out next:

• Seafood stuffing
• White gravy
• Sweet corn cake
• Cheesy mashed potatoes
• Twice baked mashed potatoes
• Sweet potato cobbler
• Jello pudding pie