This Orange Cranberry Sauce is a zesty twist on the classic holiday favorite. Made with fresh cranberries and vibrant orange juice, it’s sweet and tangy, perfect for turkey!
I love how easy this sauce is to whip up. Just cook the ingredients for a bit and let it cool. It’s a colorful addition that even the pickiest eaters can’t resist! 🍊🍁
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are vital for that tart flavor. If they’re hard to find, you can use frozen cranberries. Just don’t thaw them before adding to the sauce; they’ll cook down perfectly!
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice gives the best flavor, but you can use store-bought juice if needed. For a twist, try using blood orange juice for a beautiful color.
Sugar: Granulated sugar balances the tartness. If you’re looking for a lower sugar option, consider using honey or maple syrup. Just adjust to taste, as these sweeteners are sweeter than sugar.
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are optional, but they add warmth to the flavor. If you don’t have them, a pinch of allspice or ginger can work well, too!
How Do I Ensure My Cranberry Sauce Is The Perfect Thickness?
Getting the right thickness for your sauce can be tricky, but here’s how to make it work. First, remember that the sauce will thicken more as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit runny right after cooking.
- Keep an eye on the cooking time. Letting the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes usually does the trick.
- If you like a smoother sauce, mash some of the cranberries with a fork right in the pot.
- For a chunkier sauce, leave the cranberries mostly whole.
By following these tips, you’ll have a flavorful and beautifully textured cranberry sauce that pairs wonderfully with your holiday dishes! Enjoy! 🍊🍂
How to Make Orange Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (about 340g) fresh cranberries
- 1 cup (240 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice (about 2 large oranges)
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary (for garnish)
- Orange slices (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5-10 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of cooking time. After making it, allow a little time for it to cool and thicken further, which can be around 15-30 minutes. So in total, expect about 30-55 minutes to have it ready!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Rinse the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cool water. Take a moment to look through them and remove any stems or damaged berries, ensuring your sauce will taste fresh and delicious.
2. Combine Juice and Sugar:
In a medium saucepan, pour in the freshly squeezed orange juice and add the granulated sugar. Turn the heat to medium and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved in the juice.
3. Add the Cranberries and Spices:
Now it’s time to add the rinsed cranberries, orange zest, and if you want an extra kick, the ground cinnamon and nutmeg. Stir everything together until well mixed.
4. Cook the Mixture:
Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to let it simmer. Remember to stir occasionally! This will help the cranberries burst and mix nicely with the sauce.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Let it cook until most cranberries have burst, which should take about 10-15 minutes. You’ll notice the sauce thickening and becoming more vibrant in color.
6. Cool the Sauce:
When done cooking, remove the saucepan from heat. Let the sauce cool at room temperature; it will thicken more as it cools.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Once cool, transfer your lovely sauce to a serving bowl. For a beautiful presentation, garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig and a slice of orange.
8. Enjoy:
Serve your Orange Cranberry Sauce chilled or at room temperature. It’s perfect alongside turkey, ham, or even spooned over desserts!
Enjoy the sweet, tangy, and citrusy flavors that add a perfect festive flair to your meals!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! There’s no need to thaw them beforehand; just add them directly to the saucepan. The cooking time may remain the same as frozen cranberries will break down as they cook.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, feel free to reduce the amount of sugar. Start by using 3/4 cup instead of a full cup and adjust according to your taste during cooking. You can always add more sugar later if needed!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 5-7 days. To serve again, simply scoop out what you need, and enjoy! You can also reheat it gently on the stove if desired.
Can I Make This Sauce in Advance?
Absolutely! This sauce is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare it up to a week in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just let it cool completely before sealing it in an airtight container!
