Roasted cranberry sauce with grapes has just the right amount of sweetness for your holiday meal. This cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving has just the right amount of sweetness to compliment the meal. Don’t wait for the holidays for this awesome combination.
Cranberry sauce is a must for a dinner that has rich food. Thanksgiving, Christmas or any meal where you might have some decadent sides like potatoes au gratin or corn pudding, really need something a little tart to round things out. We love cranberry sauce and even though we have our favorite orange flavored sauce, my family doesn’t mind trying some new variations.
This is a tart Thanksgiving cranberry recipe that gets its sweetness from sugar and grapes. While it does have sugar, not so much that it feels like a dessert. I love the flavor of roasted grapes with fresh cranberries and it’s so easy to make.
Why you’ll love this cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving
- Cranberries are only available during the holidays so you’ll want to take advantage of this delicious twist with roasted cranberries
- This is a dish you can make ahead and serve the next day or make an extra batch and freeze one. You can enjoy it later!
- Grapes help to naturally sweeten this dish so you can use less sugar.
What you’ll need
- Red seedless grapes – if they are large, cut them in half before adding to the pan.
- Fresh/frozen cranberries – a 12 ounce bag which is about 3 cups.
- Sugar – cranberries are sour, but the grapes add some sweetness so you don’t need as much.
- Fresh thyme – this makes it a little savory
- Lemon zest – this adds a little zing
How to make cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving
Step 1: Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Otherwise the sugar will start to smoke as the fruit roasts and it will be a mess to clean up.
Step 2: Toss all the ingredients together and place on the prepared sheet.
Step 3: Bake for about 20 minutes until the grapes have started to shrivel and the berries have burst, stir half way through. The time will vary depending on the type of grape, so just watch for when they start to get soft.
The best part about any relish or sauce you make is that it’s actually better if prepared a day ahead of time. One less thing to worry about while you’re preparing the rest of the meal. If you’re looking for a sweeter version, then try cranberry sauce with Grand Marnier and Walnuts or one with Port and figs.
Whichever you choose, a special meal is not complete without some version. All three of these variations are super easy to make and the perfect addition for your feast.
If you’re ready to branch out and try something new this year, try making a batch of this delicious and easy Thanksgiving side dish. It may become a permanent part of your feast.
FAQ’s and tips
Yes, you can prepare this dish with cranberries that have been frozen. Since cranberries are only available in the grocery from September to January, you should buy an extra bag or two to freeze!
Small red grapes work the best. If the grapes are large, cut them in half before adding to the baking pan.
Yes, if you don’t line the pan with parchment or foil, the sugar will burn on the pan and smoke up the kitchen and it will be a mess to clean up (not that I’m speaking from experience or anything).
The flavors are even better if this is made the day before serving. Make this ahead and it’ll be one less recipe to prepare when having guests.
Since this is cooked, it can last a couple of weeks; think of it like a jam.
What goes with cranberry sauce
More dishes with roasted grapes
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Roasted Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb seedless red grapes
- 3 cups fresh/frozen cranberries 12 ounce bag
- ¾ cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest 1 lemon
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425º. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, toss all the ingredients together. Place on prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. Stir half way through.
- Let cool before serving.
Barbara’s Tips + Notes
- You can use fresh or frozen cranberries.
- If the grapes are large, slice in half or they will take longer to roast then the cranberries.
- Make sure you line the baking sheet.
- This is even better the next day.
- You can freeze in an airtight container.
Nutrition
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