Everyone always has an opinion on how cranberry sauce should be, whether that’s jellied, homemade, or something totally unique. My biggest concern is that I want it to be easy, and that’s why I made this microwave cranberry sauce recipe! Simple, customizable, delicious, and perfect for Thanksgiving or the holidays.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Microwave cranberry sauce is the definition of a holiday lifesaver, giving you all the flavor of a homemade sauce with a fraction of the time and effort.
Instead of babysitting a pot on the stove, the microwave does all the work in minutes while still creating that glossy, ruby-red texture everyone expects on the table! It’s perfect when oven and stovetop space are already in high demand during holiday cooking chaos.
You also get complete control over sweetness, spices, and mix-ins, so you can tailor it to your taste. I use blueberries, orange zest, and liqueurs to create a delicious combination, but you can try other fruits, cinnamon or similar spices, and more!
Since it’s made fresh, it still delivers that tart-sweet pop that cuts through rich holiday dishes at Thanksgiving and Christmas beautifully. Whether you’re hosting or bringing a side to a party, microwave cranberry sauce is fast, simple, delicious, and feels homemade (because it is)!
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Ingredients List
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- ½ cup dried blueberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar (or more to taste)
- ¼ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup orange liqueur (like Grand Marnier)
- 1 Tbsp grated orange rind
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- You can also use frozen cranberries if preferred, but it may take a minute or so longer to cook
- The granulated sugar can be swapped for brown sugar if desired. You can alternatively substitute honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, apple juice, or sugar substitutes like stevia or monk fruit. Liquid sweeteners may take an extra couple minutes to cook down and thicken
- Instead of blueberries, try other fruits like cherries, apples, pears, or anything else you might enjoy! They don’t have to be dried, you can use fresh or frozen as well (it just makes the dish a little runnier overall)
- The alcohol does not completely cook out here, so use extra orange juice or water instead if you’ll be serving kids or non-drinkers
Equipment Notes
You’ll need a larger microwave-safe dish with a lid (cranberries pop and splatter a lot)! I’m using my new Anyday 10-cup square cookware that they recently sent me to try out (I had a smaller one I already loved, so getting a larger one was a no brainer for me). As soon as I saw it, I knew I had to use it for making my cranberry sauce!
This size is absolutely perfect for making enough cranberry sauce for the holiday table, as it easily holds 4-6 servings. Plus, you can pop it in the dishwasher for easy cleanup, and even use it in the fridge to store leftovers if you run out of Tupperware. Win!
If you’re interested in grabbing one of these awesome microwave dishes yourself, you can find them on Amazon or direct from Anyday! Check out more reasons why I love this cookware line in my Best Microwave Steamers article!
Step By Step Instructions
- Soak the dried blueberries in the orange liqueur (or orange juice if you’re not using liqueur) for about 15 minutes to soften them. Skip this step if using fresh or frozen fruit instead
- Add the cranberries, sugar, blueberries, orange juice, zest, and liqueur to your microwave safe dish. Cover the bowl (you don’t want to seal it too tight, use an offset lid or a paper towel, or just pop up the central vent on an Anyday dish)
- Cook on high power for 5 minutes. Stir, and cook an additional 3-5 minutes, until all berries are burst (if you need to add an extra minute or two for your specific microwave, this is totally fine)!
- Taste and adjust – if it’s too tart, add an extra 1-2 Tbsp sugar and microwave for 30-60 seconds to dissolve (but this is entirely up to preferences and will vary by fruits used too)
- Cool, then transfer to an airtight container or mason jar (or leave in your Anyday cookware, putting the vent down) and store in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions
Holiday Dinner
- Turkey or Roast Chicken – The classic pairing; cranberry brightens every bite. Any of my Air Fryer Turkey Recipes are great choices!
- Ham or Pork Tenderloin – Sweet-tart contrast cuts through salty, savory meats
- Stuffing & Mashed Potatoes – Cranberries add a juicy, tangy element to balance carb-heavy sides. Try my Air Fryer Cornbread Dressing for a delicious option!
Lunches & Light Fare
- Turkey or Ham Sliders – The sauce is a perfect condiment for leftover turkey sandwiches. My Air Fryer Turkey Sliders are a great choice
- Charcuterie Boards – Spoon alongside brie, goat cheese, or aged cheddar, or use it to top my Cranberry Baked Brie!
- Meatballs or Cocktail Sausages – Use leftover sauce as a festive glaze or dip!
Desserts
- Cheesecake – A dollop adds brightness and color as a topping!
- Vanilla Ice Cream – Easy, elegant way to stretch leftovers into dessert
- Pound Cake or Angel Food Cake – Turns simple cakes into something festive and special
Breakfast & Brunch
- Yogurt Parfaits – Swirl it in with creamy yogurt and crunchy granola
- Pancakes or Waffles – Use as a sweet-tart alternative to syrup
- Buttered Toast or Bagels with Cream Cheese – Instant festive upgrade!
Recipe FAQs
How Do You Make Cranberry Sauce Less Tart?
If your cranberry sauce tastes too tart, you can adjust the sweetness after cooking. Stir in a bit more sugar, maple syrup, or honey a tablespoon at a time until the flavor balances to your liking.
Adding a splash of orange juice or a pinch of salt can also help mellow the sourness without making it overly sweet.
What Are Some Common Mistakes When Making Cranberry Sauce?
Make sure not to overcook the berries (they’ll be mushy), adjust the sweetener so it’s not too tart, and definitely stir halfway through cooking to prevent clumping.
Note that the consistency thickens as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems slightly runny and try to overcook to compensate.
What Is The Best Type Of Sugar To Use In Cranberry Sauce?
Classic granulated white sugar is the go-to because it dissolves smoothly and keeps the flavor bright. Brown sugar adds a deeper, caramel-like richness. You can also combine both to strike a perfect balance.
Tips For the Best Microwave Cranberry Sauce
- I made this recipe in my 1000W microwave. Cooking times will vary between wattages, different dish sizes, and the size of your berries, so if you need a minute or two additional, that’s completely normal! Just look for the berries to have popped and you’ll know it’s ready
- The mixture will thicken as it cools so if it’s a little runny looking don’t worry. Just let it chill for a bit (I usually make mine a day or two in advance honestly, since it keeps well and saves time)!
Storage and Serving
- Refrigeration: Store your cranberry sauce in an airtight container for up to 10-14 days. It actually tastes better after a day or two as the flavors meld!
- Freezing: Cranberry sauce freezes beautifully. Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This is the perfect Thanksgiving prep item: make it up to a week ahead to save kitchen time on the big day!
- Serving Temperature: You can serve cranberry sauce chilled, room temp, or slightly warmed depending on preference. Turkey pairs wonderfully with warm sauce, while chilled sauce is refreshing with baked ham
- Texture Refresh: If the sauce thickens too much in the fridge, stir in a teaspoon or two of water or orange juice before serving
Final Thoughts
This microwave cranberry sauce is so easy, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try homemade sooner! It takes just minutes to put together, is a simple recipe to make ahead for low stress entertaining, and is delicious enough to even make the skeptics try it.
It makes the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday party, and freezes well too. I also like to use leftovers to make various sandwiches, appetizers, or even Air Fryer Thanksgiving Egg Rolls too!
I also love that this homemade cranberry sauce is super customizable, with different fruits, seasonings, and even liqueur to add that perfect finishing touch. Enjoy!
Easy Homemade Microwave Cranberry Sauce
Equipment
- 10-cup Anyday cookware (or similar)
- Spatula (or spoon; for stirring)
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- ½ cup dried blueberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup premium orange liqueur (like Grand Marnier, Cointreau, or similar)
- 1 Tbsp grated fresh orange rind
Instructions
- Soak the dried blueberries in the orange liqueur (or orange juice if you’re not using liqueur) for about 15 minutes to soften them. Skip this step if using fresh or frozen fruit instead½ cup dried blueberries, ¼ cup premium orange liqueur
- Add the cranberries, sugar, blueberries, orange juice, zest, and liqueur to your microwave safe dish. Cover the bowl (you don’t want to seal it too tight, use an offset lid or a paper towel, or just pop up the central vent on an Anyday dish)12 ounces fresh cranberries, 1 cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup orange juice, 1 Tbsp grated fresh orange rind
- Cook on high power for 5 minutes. Stir, and cook an additional 3-5 minutes, until all berries are burst (if you need to add an extra minute or two for your specific microwave, this is totally fine)!
- Taste and adjust – if it’s too tart, add an extra 1-2 Tbsp sugar and microwave for 30-60 seconds to dissolve (but this is entirely up to personal preference and will vary by fruits used as well)
- Cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container or mason jar (or leave in your Anyday cookware, putting the vent down) and store in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy!
Notes
- You can also use frozen cranberries, but it usually takes a minute or so longer to cook
- The granulated sugar can be swapped for brown sugar if desired. You can alternatively substitute honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, apple juice, or sugar substitutes like stevia or monk fruit. Liquid sweeteners may take an extra couple minutes to cook down and thicken (and the texture varies a little between all of them)
- Instead of blueberries, try other fruits like cherries, apples, pears, or anything similar! They don’t have to be dried, you can use fresh or frozen as well (it just makes the dish a little runnier overall)
- The alcohol does not completely cook out here, so use extra orange juice or water instead if you’ll be serving kids or non-drinkers
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any swaps or additions, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
