This bright and tangy cranberry orange sauce is a perfect blend of sweet and sour. It’s quick to make and adds a lovely pop of flavor to your meals!
Making this sauce is so easy! Just simmer cranberries with fresh orange juice and zest. It’s like a burst of holiday cheer in a jar! 🍊❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are essential for the best flavor. If they aren’t available, frozen cranberries work well too. Just use them straight from the freezer without thawing.
Granulated Sugar: Sugar balances the tartness of the cranberries. For a healthier option, you can use honey or maple syrup, but you may need to adjust the amount since they’re sweeter.
Fresh Orange Juice and Zest: Using fresh orange juice greatly enhances the flavor. If you’re short on fresh oranges, bottled juice can be used, but go for 100% juice without additives. Lime juice can also be a zesty substitute for a twist.
Salt: Just a pinch can enhance the sweetness. If you’re watching sodium, you can leave it out or use a salt substitute.
How Do I Get the Right Consistency for My Sauce?
Getting the sauce just right is key to a great cranberry orange sauce. Pay attention to the simmering process:
- Start by boiling your mixture to help the cranberries break down quickly. This allows the sauce to thicken faster.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to let it simmer gently. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
- Watch for the popping sound of berries bursting—that’s when the sauce is developing its texture! It should thicken in about 10-12 minutes.
- Let it cool completely after taking it off the heat; it’ll thicken even more as it cools, giving you that perfect spreadable sauce.
Cranberry Orange Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh cranberries
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) fresh orange juice (about 2 medium oranges)
- 1 tbsp orange zest (from 1 medium orange)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Optional garnish: fresh orange slices, fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cranberry orange sauce takes about 5 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook, making it a quick and hassle-free addition to your meal. You’ll have it ready in just 20 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Rinse the Cranberries:
Begin by rinsing the cranberries under cold water. Make sure to pick out and discard any that look damaged or soft, as they won’t add to the flavor and texture of your sauce.
2. Combine the Ingredients:
In a medium-sized saucepan, mix together the rinsed cranberries, granulated sugar, fresh orange juice, orange zest, and salt. Stir everything gently to combine.
3. Start Cooking:
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Keep stirring occasionally. Once it begins to boil, you’ll notice the cranberries start to pop!
4. Simmer the Sauce:
After it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. You’ll see it thicken as most of the cranberries burst and mingle with the sugar and orange juice.
5. Cool It Down:
Once the sauce has thickened and the cranberries have burst, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let the sauce cool, as it will continue to thicken while cooling.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the sauce into a bowl. For a beautiful touch, you can garnish it with fresh orange slices and a few sprigs of rosemary or thyme if you like. It’s ready to enjoy!
Delight in this vibrant and tangy cranberry orange sauce as a delightful addition to your holiday meals or any dinner! Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries for This Sauce?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work great in this recipe as well. Just throw them in straight from the freezer without thawing, and they’ll break down during cooking.
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
Yes, you can definitely adjust the sugar to taste! If you prefer a less sweet sauce, start with 3/4 cup of sugar and add more if needed after tasting. For a different sweetness profile, consider using honey or maple syrup, keeping in mind that they are sweeter than sugar.
How Should I Store Leftover Cranberry Orange Sauce?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container!
Can I Add Other Ingredients for Extra Flavor?
Definitely! You can enhance the flavor by adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger while it simmers. A splash of vanilla extract or a bit of chopped apple can also be delicious additions!
