Sides & Snacks Festive & Seasonal Meat & Game

Homemade Cranberry Sauce and Pigs in Blankets

Fresh cranberry sauce with orange and cinnamon, paired with crispy bacon-wrapped cocktail sausages. These classic Christmas sides are simple to make and far superior to shop-bought versions.

By Ricky Robinson Updated December 19, 2023

Cranberry sauce is an essential part of the Christmas table, especially when you're serving a classic turkey and ham dinner. Its vibrant, tangy flavour complements the rich meats beautifully, but it's far more versatile than that. You can use it as a glaze for ribs, a topping for cocktail sausages, or the bonus ingredient in your leftover turkey sandwiches. It works just as well throughout the festive season.

Once you've tried the rich, full-bodied taste of homemade cranberry sauce, the jarred version will seem unthinkable.

I'm also making pigs in blankets here, which are another essential component of a proper Christmas dinner. The homemade cranberry sauce is just the right touch to bring out their flavour. If you've never made your own sauce before, this straightforward recipe will convert you. It's fuss-free and delivers freshness and depth of flavour you simply won't find in shop-bought varieties.

Homemade Cranberry Sauce and Pigs in Blankets recipe image
Homemade Cranberry Sauce and Pigs in Blankets

What sets this recipe apart is the combination of fresh cranberries, orange zest and juice, and warming spices like cinnamon and bay leaf. The cranberries burst and soften as they simmer, creating a thick, glossy sauce with a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. The orange adds brightness, whilst the spices bring a gentle warmth that feels right for the season.

You can make this sauce in advance and keep it in the fridge for several days, which takes the pressure off on the day itself. As it cools, it thickens up nicely, so don't worry if it looks a bit loose in the pan. The pigs in blankets are equally simple. Just wrap cocktail sausages in streaky bacon, pop them in the oven, and let them turn golden and crispy. Both of these additions bring a personal touch to your festive meals, something your guests will appreciate and remember.

Homemade Cranberry Sauce and Pigs in Blankets

Bacon Cranberry Sausage
Total Time 45 min
Servings 8 servings
Calories 285 cal
Protein 12g

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Baking Tray
  • Oven
  • Saucepan

Instructions

  1. 1
    Put all the ingredients into a pan, give everything a stir and turn on the heat.
  2. 2
    Simmer for 8-10 mins until the cranberries start to pop. If using frozen cranberries, this will take a few mins longer.
  3. 3
    Take off the heat, and leave to cool (the sauce will thicken while it cools).
  4. 4
    Preheat oven to 200C
  5. 5
    Cut each bacon slice in half & separate the cocktail sausages
  6. 6
    Wrap a piece of bacon around each of the cocktail sausages and place on a baking tray
  7. 7
    Pop into the oven and cook until golden, which should take around 20-30 mins
Ricky Robinson - Recipe Author
Ricky Robinson

Home cook sharing delicious recipes with a focus on flavour and simplicity.

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Storage

Store the cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The pigs in blankets are best eaten fresh but can be reheated in the oven.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the cranberry sauce alongside turkey, ham, or use it as a dipping sauce for the pigs in blankets. It also works brilliantly in leftover sandwiches.

Homemade Cranberry Sauce and Pigs in Blankets

Rate & Review

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