This cranberry sauce is a simple and tasty side dish that brightens up any holiday meal. With fresh cranberries, a hint of orange, and just the right amount of sweetness, it’s a winner!
I love making this sauce because it takes no time at all. Just mix, cook, and chill! Plus, it always impresses my family—who knew it could be this easy? 🍊✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries give the best flavor and texture. If you’re in a pinch, you could use frozen cranberries. Just make sure to thaw and rinse them before cooking!
Sugar: The granulated sugar balances the tartness of the cranberries. If you want to cut down on sugar, try using honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile. Just remember that these alternatives may change the flavor slightly.
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice is ideal for bright flavor. If you don’t have fresh oranges, bottled juice can work, but make sure it doesn’t have added sugars, which can make it too sweet.
Salt: A touch of salt enhances all the other flavors. If you’re cutting back on sodium, just a pinch or even omitting it entirely won’t hurt the final taste much.
Rosemary: This herb adds a lovely aromatic touch. If you don’t have rosemary, consider using thyme or even a hint of cinnamon for a warm flavor instead.
How Can I Ensure My Cranberry Sauce is Perfectly Thicker?
Cooking cranberry sauce until it thickens just right can be tricky, but here are some tips:
- Keep the heat at medium when simmering to prevent burning. Stir occasionally to keep everything from sticking.
- Look for the cranberries to pop and release their natural pectin, which helps thicken the sauce. This usually happens after about 10 minutes of simmering.
- If your sauce isn’t thickening enough, you can mash some of the cranberries with a fork to help it along.
- Let the sauce cool at room temperature. It thickens more as it cools, so don’t worry if it looks a little runny right after cooking.
Following these tips and insights will help you whip up a cranberry sauce that pairs perfectly with your holiday meals!
Alton Brown Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces (about 340 grams) fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (from about 2 oranges)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary (for garnish and subtle infusion)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cranberry sauce will take about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. After that, let it cool for an hour or so at room temperature, and it will be ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold water. Take a moment to pick out any that look soft or damaged—this helps ensure your sauce is fresh and tasty!
2. Make the Orange Base:
In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh orange juice and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves. You want this mixture warm but not boiling yet.
3. Cook the Cranberries:
Now it’s time to add the cranberries and a pinch of salt to the saucepan. Keep the heat at medium and cook the mixture, stirring occasionally. You’ll see the cranberries start to pop, and the sauce will thicken as it simmers—this usually takes about 10 minutes!
4. Add Rosemary for Flavor:
If you’d like to add a little extra flavor, you can tuck in a sprig of fresh rosemary while the sauce cooks. Just remember to remove it before serving if you prefer not to include it in the final dish.
5. Cool and Thicken:
Once the sauce is done cooking, transfer it to a bowl and let it cool at room temperature. It will thicken more as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit runny right after cooking.
6. Garnish and Serve:
If you want to get fancy, you can garnish the sauce with another sprig of fresh rosemary right before serving. This adds a nice touch!
7. Enjoy!
Serve your homemade cranberry sauce chilled or at room temperature as a perfect accompaniment to your holiday meals. It’s a classic that balances tartness and sweetness beautifully!
Enjoy your delicious cranberry sauce, made the Alton Brown way! 🍊✨
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Frozen cranberries work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them first and rinse them under cold water before use. They may take a minute or two longer to cook, but the results will be just as delicious!
What Can I Use Instead of Orange Juice?
If you don’t have orange juice on hand, you can substitute it with apple juice or cranberry juice. This will alter the flavor slightly, but it will still create a tasty sauce!
How Long Will This Cranberry Sauce Last?
Homemade cranberry sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Just give it a good stir before serving if it separates a bit.
Can I Make It Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This cranberry sauce can be made up to a week in advance. Just prepare it, cool it down, and store it in the fridge. It often tastes even better after letting the flavors meld together for a few days!
