Joanna Gaines’ Holiday Cranberry Sauce
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Are you ready to impress your Thanksgiving guests with Joanna Gaines’ special Cranberry Sauce? With just five simple ingredients, this festive dish packs a flavorful punch without taking up too much of your precious holiday prep time.
I discovered this recipe when I was watching Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines: Episode 2 A Friendsgiving Feast and I was amazed at how easy it could be to make my own cranberry sauce.
But it wasn’t until my daughter bought Magnolia Table, Volume 2: A Collection of Recipes for Gathering that I decided it was time to actually try this recipe out.
The combination of tart cranberries, fresh orange juice, and cinnamon makes this an easy Thanksgiving and Christmas side dish. And because it can be made ahead, it’s one less thing to worry about on the big day.
If you’re a fan of Joanna Gaines recipes or you’re simply looking for an easy homemade cranberry sauce, this recipe is definitely worth trying.
Taking the extra effort to make it from scratch is well worth it – it’s sure to become an annual holiday tradition, one that will bring your family joy and warmth for years to come.
Joanna Gaines’ Holiday Cranberry Sauce pairs beautifully with Cranberry Pecan Bread for a festive breakfast or snack, and complements Cranberry White Chocolate Cookies for a delightful holiday dessert spread.
What better way to say “Happy Thanksgiving” than with a homemade Cranberry Sauce made with love?
What is Joanna Gaines’ Holiday Cranberry Sauce?
Joanna Gaines’ Holiday Cranberry Sauce is a delightful and festive dish that graces the dining table during the holiday season. This is not just your regular side dish; it’s a heartwarming mix of rich and luscious cranberries, subtly infused with the essence of a variety of spices, to elevate your holiday meals.
The burst of tangy cranberries coupled with the aromatic sweetness offers an irresistible appeal that satiates your holiday cravings. With every bite, you’re not just tasting a sauce, you’re immersing yourself in the cozy and warm essence of family holiday gatherings.
It’s not merely about feasting, it’s about the experience of love, joy and togetherness symbolized by the holiday season.
So, bring a bowl of Joanna Gaines’ Holiday Cranberry Sauce to your dinner table and uncork the magic of celebrations!
Why You’ll Love Joanna Gaines’ Cranberry Sauce
- Only five ingredients – You don’t need a long list of specialty ingredients.
- Quick to prepare – The active cooking time is very short.
- Make-ahead friendly – Make it before Thanksgiving or Christmas and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve it.
- Fresh and flavorful – Orange juice and orange zest balance the tart cranberries beautifully.
- Perfect for the holidays – Serve it alongside turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and your favorite Thanksgiving side dishes.
Ingredients
- Cranberries
- Orange juice
- Sugar
- Cinnamon stick
- Orange zest

How to make Joanna Gaines’ Holiday Cranberry Sauce
In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, sugar, cinnamon stick, and orange zest.

Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and cook until thickened and bubbly, stirring constantly, about 3 minutes.

Let cool, then remove the cinnamon stick and refrigerate for 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Serve chilled. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.

Tools For This Recipe
(Amazon affiliate links)- These are the tools I use when making this recipe!
- GreenPan Sauce pan– GreenPan’s healthy non-stick coating make cooking a breeze and cleanup is even easier.
- Pyrex glass mixing bowl – The Pyrex Glass Mixing Bowl is handy to store in the fridge and freezer when you need to freeze contents or keep them fresh.
- Magnolia Table Cookbook – This is my favorite cookbook right now, you can find so many great recipes and inspiration with Joanna Gaines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Joanna Gaines’ cranberry sauce ahead of time?
Yes. This cranberry sauce is actually a great make-ahead Thanksgiving recipe. Prepare it ahead of time, refrigerate it in an airtight container, and serve it chilled.
How long does homemade cranberry sauce last?
Store the cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.
Can I freeze cranberry sauce?
Yes, homemade cranberry sauce can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
Is Joanna Gaines’ cranberry sauce served hot or cold?
Joanna’s Holiday Cranberry Sauce is served chilled, making it especially convenient for Thanksgiving because it can be prepared ahead of time.
Joanna Gaines’ Holiday Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, sugar, cinnamon stick, and orange zest.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and cook until thickened and bubbly, stirring constantly, about 3 minutes.
- Let cool, then remove the cinnamon stick and refrigerate for 2 hours and 30 minutes.
- Serve chilled. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.
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