This Keto Cranberry Sauce is a simple, tangy side dish that’s perfect for holiday meals! Made with fresh cranberries and a sugar-free sweetener, it’s a guilt-free delight.
Honestly, it’s hard to believe it’s low-carb because it tastes so good! I love slathering this sauce on turkey and serving it alongside all my favorite dishes. What a treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Cranberries: These are the star of the sauce! Fresh cranberries bring that bright, tart flavor. If fresh cranberries are unavailable, you can use frozen ones. Just don’t thaw them before cooking.
Erythritol: This is a popular keto sweetener that mimics sugar without the carbs. If you’re looking for alternatives, monk fruit or stevia can also work. Just adjust the amount according to sweetness preference, as different sweeteners vary in sweetness.
Vanilla Extract: This adds depth to the flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use almond extract, but use a little less as it’s more potent. I find the vanilla brings out the best in the cranberries!
Cinnamon: Adding a hint of warmth, cinnamon compliments the tartness of cranberries beautifully. For a twist, consider nutmeg or a pumpkin spice blend instead!
How Do I Make Sure My Cranberries Burst Properly?
The key to a great cranberry sauce is allowing the berries to properly burst and thicken the sauce. Here’s how:
- Start with medium-high heat to get the berries boiling. This really helps to get the bursting action going!
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low to let them simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- You want to cook them for about 10 to 15 minutes. Patience is vital as this duration allows the flavors to meld.
- Keep an eye on the consistency. If it’s too thick, add a little more water, and if it’s too runny, let it simmer a tad longer.
By following these steps, you’ll achieve a delicious, thick cranberry sauce every time!
How to Make Keto Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340g) fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated erythritol (or your preferred keto-friendly sweetener)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Optional: a sprig of fresh rosemary for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Keto Cranberry Sauce takes about 5 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll be looking at around 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick, easy, and so tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Rinse the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold water. As you do this, check for any stems or bad berries and discard them. This ensures you have the best tasting sauce!
2. Combine Ingredients:
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the rinsed cranberries, water, and granulated erythritol. Stir everything together. This mixture is going to create a lovely sauce!
3. Bring to a Boil:
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. Wait for the mixture to come to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. This helps maintain a gentle simmer.
4. Simmer and Stir:
Keep stirring the sauce occasionally. Let the cranberries burst and the sauce thicken over the next 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll start to notice that wonderful cranberry aroma!
5. Add Flavorings:
After simmering, add the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon to the sauce. Give it a good stir to incorporate all those delicious flavors.
6. Final Cooking:
Cook the sauce for another 1 to 2 minutes to meld the flavors. Then, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once cool, transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving bowl. If you like, garnish it with a sprig of fresh rosemary for a touch of elegance.
8. Enjoy:
Serve your Keto Cranberry Sauce chilled or at room temperature alongside your favorite keto-friendly dishes. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use frozen cranberries without thawing them first. Just keep in mind that they may take a couple of extra minutes to cook down, but you’ll still achieve a delicious sauce.
Is There a Low-Carb Sugar Substitute I Can Use?
Yes! Erythritol is a great option, but you can also use other keto-friendly sweeteners like monk fruit or stevia. Just adjust the quantity based on your sweetness preference, as their sweetness levels can vary.
How Do I Store Leftover Cranberry Sauce?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before serving!
Can I Add Other Flavors to This Sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with flavors by adding orange zest for a citrus twist or a pinch of nutmeg for some warmth. Just remember to balance it with the sweetness to enhance the taste!