Cranberry sauce just got a major upgrade. This naturally sweetened version uses Honey House Alfalfa Honey — our pure, raw, American honey with bright, floral notes that pair perfectly with tart cranberries. It’s fresh, vibrant, and unbelievably easy. Whether you're hosting Thanksgiving or just love a good homemade condiment, this is the cranberry sauce that will win everyone over.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Naturally sweetened: No refined sugar — just the clean, floral sweetness of Honey House Alfalfa Honey.

• Bright, festive flavor: Fresh cranberries, orange zest, and warm spices make it taste like the holidays in every spoonful.

• Quick to make: Comes together in under 20 minutes with minimal prep.

• Make-ahead friendly: This sauce thickens and develops even more flavor as it chills.

• Perfect for any holiday table: Works beautifully with turkey, ham, chicken, or spooned onto brie.

• Versatile: Serve it warm, chilled, or use leftovers for sandwiches and charcuterie boards.

Ingredients

• 12 oz fresh cranberries (1 standard bag), rinsed

• ½ cup water

• ½ cup Honey House Alfalfa Honey

• 1 medium orange, zested and juiced (about ¼ cup juice)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• Optional: 1 small pinch sea salt

Equipment

• Medium saucepan

• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula

• Microplane or zester

• Measuring cups and spoons

Pro Tips

1. Use fresh cranberries when possible: They burst more cleanly and produce a brighter, fresher flavor.

2. Don’t walk away: Cranberry sauce thickens quickly — stir often to prevent sticking.

3. Adjust thickness: Cook longer for a thicker sauce or add a splash of water to thin.

4. Sweeten to taste: Alfalfa honey adds a delicate floral sweetness; add a drizzle at the end if you prefer it sweeter.

5. Let it rest: The sauce thickens significantly as it cools — this is normal and ideal.

Instructions

1. Combine ingredients:
   In a medium saucepan, add the cranberries, water, orange juice, orange zest, Honey House Alfalfa Honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a tiny pinch of sea salt if using.

2. Simmer:
   Set the pan over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened.

3. Taste and adjust:
   Remove from heat. Taste and add an extra drizzle of honey if you want additional sweetness.

4. Cool:
   Let the sauce cool for at least 20 minutes — it will thicken as it cools.

5. Serve:
   Serve warm or chilled. For the prettiest presentation, top with a little extra orange zest.

Storage Tips

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.

• Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

• If too thick after chilling, stir in 1–2 teaspoons of water to loosen.

Recipe Notes

The natural floral sweetness of Honey House Alfalfa Honey transforms this cranberry sauce into something truly special. Unlike refined sugar, alfalfa honey brings gentle herbal notes that enhance the cranberries instead of overpowering them. Orange juice adds brightness, and cinnamon brings a cozy warmth that ties everything together.

We love using Honey House honey in recipes like this because it's 100% pure, raw, and American-sourced, meaning you’re getting real flavor straight from trusted beekeepers. The result is a clean, naturally sweet cranberry sauce that tastes fresher and more vibrant than anything store-bought.

Perfect Pairings

Serve this cranberry sauce with:

• Roasted turkey or turkey breast

• Baked ham

• Brie or goat cheese on a charcuterie board

• Roasted chicken

• Thanksgiving leftover sandwiches

Variation Ideas

While the classic cranberry-orange combination is divine, feel free to get creative with these alternatives:

Honey House Recommendations

• Swap Alfalfa for Honey House Clover Honey for a clean, neutral sweetness.

• Use Honey House Hot Honey to add a sweet, spicy twist—amazing on turkey sliders.

• Mix in Honey House Creamed Honey at the end for a thicker, velvety finish.

Other Great Options

• Add a splash of bourbon for a warm, rich note.

• Stir in ½ cup chopped apples for more texture.

• Add a pinch of cloves or nutmeg for deeper spice.

• Mix in pomegranate seeds for a bright pop.

• Add fresh grated ginger for a zingy twist.

• Fold in a handful of raspberries during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 10–12 minutes

• Total Time: 15–20 minutes

• Course: Side Dish

• Cuisine: American

• Servings: About 2 cups

• Difficulty: Easy