Cranberry BBQ Sauce Recipe is a unique twist on traditional BBQ sauces, blending the tartness of cranberries with the smoky, tangy flavors of classic barbecue.
This Cranberry BBQ Sauce Recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it an ideal accompaniment for a variety of meats, especially turkey, chicken, and pork.
The combination of cranberries with ingredients like brown sugar, vinegar, and spices creates a rich, flavorful topping that enhances grilled or roasted dishes.
Though the exact origins of Cranberry BBQ Sauce Recipe are unclear, it is believed to have first gained popularity in North America, where cranberries are abundant.
Over time, people began experimenting with them as a base for sauces, especially around Thanksgiving.
To make Cranberry BBQ Sauce Recipe, you’ll need fresh or canned cranberries, along with brown sugar, vinegar, garlic, and other spices.
Simply simmer everything until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. This Cranberry BBQ Sauce Recipe is perfect for those who enjoy bold, fruity flavors with their grilled foods!
How To Prepare Cranberry BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Recipe Details:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Course: Sauce/Dip
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Calories: Approximately 100 calories per 2-tablespoon serving (depending on the final consistency and ingredients used)
Yield: Makes about 2 cups of cranberry BBQ sauce
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Medium-sized saucepan or pot
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Blender or immersion blender (optional for smooth sauce)
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How To Make Cranberry BBQ Sauce Recipe
1. Prep Ingredients:
Start by dicing the onion, mincing the garlic and ginger, and measuring all the other ingredients. If using fresh cranberries, rinse them under cold water.
2. Cook Aromatics:
In a medium-sized saucepan, add the diced yellow onion, minced garlic, and ginger. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until the onions are softened and fragrant. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
Add the ketchup, tomato paste, red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco sauce to the saucepan with the onions. Stir everything together.
4. Add Cranberries & Seasonings:
Stir in the cranberries, liquid smoke, brown sugar, dried tarragon, Dijon mustard (optional), ground mustard, cayenne pepper (optional), salt, and pepper. Add the water, ensuring that the cranberries are fully submerged.
5. Simmer:
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cranberries will begin to pop and break down, releasing their juice. You’ll notice the sauce thickening as it cooks.
6. Blend (Optional):
If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can either use an immersion blender directly in the saucepan or transfer the sauce to a regular blender once it’s cooled down a bit. Blend until smooth, or leave it chunky if you like a more textured BBQ sauce.
7. Adjust Consistency & Seasoning:
After blending, if the sauce is too thick, add a bit more water to reach your desired consistency. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or a splash more vinegar if needed.
8. Cool & Serve:
Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature before serving. It can be used immediately or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
How To Serve
Cranberry BBQ Sauce can be served in various ways to enhance your meals. It’s perfect as a glaze for grilled or roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or pork, adding a sweet and tangy finish.
Use it as a dipping sauce for appetizers like wings, sliders, or meatballs. It also pairs wonderfully with burgers or sandwiches for an extra burst of flavor.
For a creative twist, drizzle it over roasted vegetables or even use it as a topping for baked potatoes, adding a unique, flavorful layer to any dish.
My Tips For Making
Here are some tips for making the perfect Cranberry BBQ Sauce Recipe:
➤ Use Fresh Cranberries: For the best flavor, fresh cranberries work wonders, but you can also use canned cranberries if fresh ones aren’t available.
➤ Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the sugar to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more brown sugar or honey.
➤ Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like smoked paprika, chili flakes, or cinnamon to add depth and a little heat.
➤ Simmer Slowly: Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken over low heat, ensuring the flavors meld together perfectly.
➤ Blend for Smoothness: For a smoother sauce, use a blender or immersion blender to puree it after cooking.
What Is Cranberry Sauce Good To Eat With?
Cranberry sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. It’s most commonly served with roasted meats like turkey, chicken, and pork, providing a sweet and tangy contrast.
It also complements stuffing, roasted vegetables, and sandwiches, adding a burst of flavor. Cranberry sauce can even enhance cheese platters, particularly with soft cheeses like brie.
For a creative twist, try it as a topping for desserts like cheesecake or ice cream, where its fruity tartness balances the richness of the treat. Its versatility makes it a great addition to many meals!
Why Do Americans Eat Cranberry Sauce?
Native Americans were the first to use cranberries, incorporating them into both cooking and medicine. They utilized the berries for their medicinal properties, such as treating infections and digestive issues, and also mixed them with other ingredients like venison to create a nutrient-rich dish.
Early European settlers adopted cranberries into their cuisine, making sauces, jams, and preserves. As the years passed, cranberry sauce became a cherished part of the Thanksgiving feast in America.
By the 19th century, it became a widely recognized tradition, although regional variations in the recipe, such as adding spices or sweeteners, began to emerge.
Proper Storage
For proper storage, Cranberry BBQ Sauce Recipe should be kept in an airtight container and refrigerated. It will stay fresh for up to a week in the fridge.
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. To freeze, transfer the sauce into a freezer-safe container, leaving space at the top for expansion.
When ready to use, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and stir before serving. I recommend making cranberry sauce ahead of time, as its flavors improve after sitting for a day or two!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make cranberry sauce ahead of time?
Yes, cranberry sauce can be made a few days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors often deepen and improve after sitting for a day or two.
Can cranberry sauce be frozen?
Yes, cranberry sauce can be frozen for up to three months. Just store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, and thaw in the fridge before serving.
How can I make cranberry sauce less sweet?
To make cranberry sauce less sweet, reduce the amount of sugar or sweeteners in the recipe. You can also add a little more vinegar or citrus juice for extra tartness.
What can I add to cranberry sauce to give it more flavor?
You can add spices like cinnamon, cloves, or nutmeg, or incorporate orange zest, ginger, or even a splash of wine for added complexity.
How long does homemade cranberry sauce last in the fridge?
Homemade cranberry sauce will last about 5-7 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.
Conclusion
Cranberry BBQ Sauce Recipe offers a delightful fusion of tart cranberries and smoky, savory barbecue flavors, making it a perfect complement for meats like turkey, chicken, and pork.
Its balance of sweetness and tang creates a unique taste that elevates any dish. The sauce is easy to prepare with a few simple ingredients, making it a go-to option for those looking to add something special to their meals.
Whether used as a glaze or dipping sauce, Cranberry BBQ Sauce Recipe is sure to impress at any barbecue or festive gathering, providing a fresh and exciting twist on traditional BBQ flavors.