Simple, and different than the usual cranberry sauce. It's something you'll want to eat all cranberry season long. Plus, this easy recipe only uses 3 ingredients!

Why Make this Recipe
Why fuss around with sauce that takes hours to make when you can make this tried and true 3-ingredient version that is easy enough for the kids to make?
If you’re looking to perfect a reliable and delicious recipe, this one is ideal. It’s simple to master and always produces a crowd-pleasing sauce. Plus it only has three ingredients, so you can get creative and put your own twist on it if you like. Cranberry sauce is a staple for the holidays, and is worth getting right!
I love these roasted cranberries as a topping over ice cream, too.
The 3-Ingredients & Variations

fresh or frozen cranberries - pour your cranberries onto a lined or non-stick baking tray. Drizzle with the honey, pour over the orange juice and cook 15-18 minutes at 400F until the cranberries start to burst.
Add the orange zest while still warm and toss to coat. Then, cool before serving, or serve warm! It's the perfect side dish and tastes great spread on bread for turkey sandwiches the next day.
Variations:
- Variation 1: Use apple juice instead of orange juice.
- Variation 2: Add 2 teaspoon of chopped tarragon.
- Variation 3: Use brown sugar instead of honey.
- Variation 4: Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
- Variation 5: Cook them in a saucepan instead of roasting them.
Cranberry Sauce FAQs
Usually, it is served straight out of the can or chilled. This sauce can be served at room temperature or warm.
I prefer my cranberry sauce a little tart, but if you'd like it a little sweeter, you can add a tablespoon of honey at a time until you reach the desired sweetness.
You can add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. But do so sparingly.
Looking for more Thanksgiving recipes?
Try some of these favorites that get requested every year!
...or just enjoy all my Fall season recipes here! You can also get my (FREE) Thanksgiving ebook, Thanksgiving Sides & Desserts here!
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3-Ingredient Roasted Cranberries
Ingredients
- 12 oz. cranberries fresh
- 1 orange zested & juiced
- 2 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F.
- Pour your cranberries onto a baking tray. Drizzle with the honey, pour over the orange juice and cook 15-18 minutes until the cranberries start to burst.
- Add the orange zest while still warm and toss to coat.
Notes
Some variations:
- Variation 1: Use apple juice instead of orange juice.
- Variation 2: Add 2 teaspoon of chopped tarragon.
- Variation 3: Use brown sugar instead of honey.
- Variation 4: Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
- Variation 5: Cook them in a saucepan instead of roasting them.
Nutrition
This post was originally published in November of 2019 but was republished with new photos, step by step instructions, and tips in October of 2020.
Carrie Bettencourt
Making this today!
Candice
Ah!! That makes me so happy to hear... how did it go??