This spiced cranberry sauce brings sweetness and warmth with zesty orange and a hint of ginger. It’s a perfect sidekick for holiday meals and beyond!
I love how it adds a splash of color and flavor to my plate. Plus, it’s super easy to make, so I can impress my guests without stressing out! 🍊✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are ideal, but if you can’t find them, frozen cranberries work just as well. They may take a little longer to thaw but will still give you a great flavor.
Sugar: I use granulated sugar to balance the tartness. If you want a healthier option, try honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind this may alter the flavor slightly.
Orange Juice & Zest: Fresh juice and zest add brightness to the sauce. You can substitute bottled orange juice, but fresh really makes a difference in taste. If oranges are unavailable, try lemon or lime juice.
Ginger: Fresh ginger is preferred for its strong flavor. However, ground ginger is a good alternative if that’s what you have on hand—just use a bit less, about 1 teaspoon.
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture for My Cranberry Sauce?
Creating the right texture is key for a successful cranberry sauce. You want it thick but not too chunky. Here’s how to achieve that perfect balance:
- Start with fresh or frozen cranberries. Rinse them well and remove any bad ones.
- Boil the mixture until the cranberries start to burst. This typically takes about 10-15 minutes.
- Stir gently as it simmers to help break down the berries. If you like it smoother, you can mash some with a fork when it’s almost done.
- Let it cool completely; it will thicken even more as it cools down.
Spiced Cranberry Sauce With Orange And Ginger
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sauce:
- 12 ounces (340g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 large orange)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup water
How Much Time Will You Need?
This spiced cranberry sauce will take about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time. After that, you’ll let it cool to room temperature. Overall, set aside about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Rinse the Cranberries:
Begin by rinsing the cranberries under cold water. Inspect them closely and remove any that are soft or blemished. This helps ensure a vibrant and tasty sauce!
2. Combine the Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, add the cleaned cranberries, granulated sugar, fresh orange juice, orange zest, finely grated ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and water. Mix them together gently to combine.
3. Bring to a Boil:
Set the saucepan on the stove over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir it occasionally to help dissolve the sugar and avoid sticking.
4. Simmer the Sauce:
Once it starts boiling, lower the heat to medium-low. Let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens to your liking.
5. Cool Down:
Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. As it cools, it will continue to get thicker.
6. Transfer and Garnish:
After it cools, transfer the sauce to a serving bowl. If you want, you can add a little garnish by placing a small slice or peel of orange on top for a lovely presentation!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
This delightful cranberry sauce can be served chilled or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, turkey, and any festive side dishes. Enjoy your beautifully spiced, tangy sauce!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly in this recipe. Just toss them in frozen, and they will cook down similarly to fresh ones. No need to thaw beforehand!
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can reduce the amount of sugar by 1/4 cup. Taste the sauce during cooking and add more sugar if you’d like it sweeter—just remember it will naturally sweeten as it cools!
Can I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! This cranberry sauce can be made up to a week in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It actually tastes even better after a day or two as the flavors meld together!
What’s the Best Way to Serve Leftovers?
Leftover cranberry sauce can be served cold or at room temperature. It’s great on sandwiches, with cheeses, or even on pancakes for a delicious breakfast treat!
