When I was younger, cranberry sauce was one of those Thanksgiving sides that wasn't given much thought; often, we ate something that was pre-made or canned. However, I have since learned that fresh cranberry sauce is light-years better than the canned variety. It's exceptionally easy to make and can be prepared up to three days prior to the feast.

The combination of sweet caramelized onions and tart cranberries is perfect to pair with turkey. While I might not be cooking my bird for a couple more weeks, I can't wait to use this sauce to top chicken or a meatloaf sandwich. If you want to give up the can and make your own scrumptious cranberry sauce, keep reading.

Fresh Cranberry Sauce With Caramelized Onions
Fine CookingFresh Cranberry Sauce With Caramelized Onions

Ingredients

1 Tbs. vegetable or canola oil
1 large yellow onion, cut into medium dice
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
One 12-oz. bag fresh or thawed frozen cranberries, rinsed and picked over (3-1/2 cups)
1 cup granulated sugar

Directions

  1. In a 10-inch straight-sided sauté pan or skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onions, a pinch of salt, and a grind or two of pepper. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden-brown and very soft, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove the lid, increase the heat to medium high, and cook the onions, stirring often, until deep caramel-brown, an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
  2. Add the cranberries, sugar, a pinch of salt, and 1/2 cup water and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
  3. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then cover, turn off the heat, and let cool to room temperature.

Makes 2 1/2-3 cups.

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