🍽️Easy Holiday Cranberry Sauce, Made Two Ways (SCD + mSCD)
A Thanksgiving Table Isn’t Complete Without Cranberry Sauce
There are certain dishes that simply belong on a Thanksgiving table, no matter how many new recipes we try each year, and cranberry sauce is one of them. Whether it’s spooned next to the turkey or spread onto that perfect bite of leftovers the next day, cranberry sauce brings a bright, tangy sweetness that balances all the rich, cozy flavors of the holiday.
But if you’ve only ever had the canned, ridged, jelly version… you’re in for something completely different. Homemade cranberry sauce is vibrant and fragrant, with whole berries that burst gently into a ruby-red jam. The combination of tart cranberries, warm cinnamon, nutmeg, fresh orange zest, and honey creates a flavor that’s both nostalgic and fresh — the kind of dish that makes the whole kitchen smell like the holidays.
Cranberries themselves have been part of American harvest and celebration long before Thanksgiving was ever a national holiday. Early settlers and Indigenous communities alike used cranberries for food, medicine, and dye, and then they eventually made their way to the holiday table as a sweet-tart addition to roasted meats. Homemade versions became common in the early 20th century — and later on, the canned jellied log we all know entered the scene.
Today, we’re bringing cranberry sauce back to its roots: simple, bright, homemade, and full of real ingredients.
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SCD vs. mSCD — What’s the Difference?
This recipe includes two versions so you can choose what works best for you or your table!
SCD Version
The SCD-friendly cranberry sauce uses gelatin to help set the sauce once it cools.
The texture is more like a soft, scoopable jelly — smooth, glossy, and classic.
Everything else stays strictly SCD-compliant with just honey as the sweetener and no starches.
mSCD Version
The mSCD version uses a potato starch slurry instead of gelatin.
This creates a slightly thicker, more spoonable sauce, closer to a compote or jam.
Perfect for those who want a familiar texture without the need to bloom gelatin.
Both versions taste nearly identical, bright, citrusy, warm, and naturally sweet, but the texture varies slightly depending on which thickening method you choose.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Sauce
It tastes like real cranberry sauce! Bright, citrusy, and perfectly sweet-tart.
Two versions for every household: whether you’re strict SCD or more mSCD I’ve got you covered!
Just a handful of wholesome ingredients you probably already have for your Thanksgiving prep.
Make-ahead friendly! Chill it the night before and it’s ready to serve. talk about a stress-free recipe!
A true holiday staple that feels homemade, comforting, and festive.
Looking for More Thanksgiving Inspiration?
I’ve gathered all my favorite holiday recipes, from turkey to sides to pies, into one cozy collection to help you plan your Thanksgiving table with ease.
→ Check out your Thanksgiving recipe roundup here!
You’ll find appetizers, mains, sides, desserts, and even SCD/mSCD holiday staples like gravy, stuffing, and pumpkin pie.
Wishing you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving season filled with good food and gratitude!
Nutrition Facts: SCD
Calories- 123
Carbs- 30.2 g
Fat- 0.0 g
Protein- 0.7 g
Nutrition Facts: mSCD
Calories- 127
Carbs- 31.8 g
Fat- 0.0 g
Protein- 0.2 g