Call it nostalgia or call it laziness , but there ’s something iconic about that can - shape jelly blob often found plump down on a plate next to theThanksgiving turkey . Cranberry sauce is a classic addition to the holiday feast , sure — but it does n’t have to bet like it come from a can . And while it ’s pretty easy to makecranberry saucefrom scratch , you might prefer the convenience of canned cranberry sauce .

But , before you serve slices of the jellied sauce or just knock down it in a bowl , we have a few bakshis to improve that canned cranberry sauce so it   couple absolutely with your blue turkey . Plus , with a little tweaking , the fresh - tart side makes a pretty ( and delicious ) summation to sweet and savory dishes throughout the twelvemonth .

Getty Images / bhofack2

bowl of cranberry sauce

Credit:Getty Images / bhofack2

Cranberry Sauce Mix-Ins

Because cranberry have so much rude pectin , there ’s typically no gel call for in either the store - buy canned cranberry sauce or homemadewhole cranberry sauce — and that makes it easy to interpolate . If using the thicker canned cranberry sauce , stir it with a wooden spoon to break it down or warm up it up in a small saucepan over medium - low heat . Then , stir in one ( or more ) of the undermentioned attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - ins to one can of whole or jellify cranberry sauce :

Cranberry Sauce Toppings

Our solid food team partake in their favorite ways to top a bowl of canned cranberry sauce . Try one of these originative topping mind for Thanksgiving this twelvemonth .

Now that you have your jazzed - up displace cranberry sauce , dish it into a fancy serve bowl and head up to the dinner party board . When the meal is over ( or if you have supererogatory can cranberry sauce lie around ) turn your kicked - up cranberry sauce into a mouthwateringmeatball appetizerthat will have everyone require for the recipe .

Frequently Asked Questions

Homemade cranberry sauce and send away sauce that has been vary will keep in the refrigerator for about a hebdomad .

A traditional serving of cranberry sauce is 1/4 cup to a 1/2 cup , but not everyone is a buff . So , it ’s secure to plan on about 1/4 cup per person .

Cranberry sauce is typically cooked until the berry violate down into a fluent , jelly - like texture . Compoteis typically heavyset , chunkier , and contains visible pieces of fruit .

Cranberry sauce is cooked whilecranberry relishis typically made with unsanded cranberries that have been chopped or ground and mixed with other ingredients ( like citrus zest , sugar , and nuts ) . However , the full term " cranberry relish " is often used interchangeably with " cranberry sauce " and " cranberry compote " . All are considered traditional sides to Thanksgiving and other holiday meal .