This orange cranberry sauce is a zesty twist on a classic favorite! With fresh cranberries and a splash of orange juice, it’s the perfect blend of tart and sweet flavors.
You’ll love how easy it is to make! Just simmer everything together, and in no time, your kitchen will smell amazing. I like to pour it over turkey or just eat it with a spoon! 🍊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries give the best flavor and texture, but frozen cranberries work well too. If you can’t find cranberries, use a canned cranberry sauce and add fresh orange juice for that zesty kick.
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice is my go-to for this recipe, as it has the brightest flavor. If you’re in a pinch, bottled juice is fine, but always choose 100% pure juice to avoid additives.
Granulated Sugar: The sugar balances the tartness of the cranberries. You can substitute with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener, but adjust the amount based on your taste.
Cinnamon and Cloves: These spices add warmth to the sauce. If you’re not a fan of cloves, you can skip them or use nutmeg as an alternative for a different flavor profile.
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture for My Cranberry Sauce?
Getting the right texture for cranberry sauce is all about the cooking time and technique. Here’s how to ensure it turns out just right:
- Simmer until the cranberries burst: Keep an eye on the sauce as it cooks. You want most of the cranberries to pop, which thickens the sauce naturally.
- Keep stirring: Stirring occasionally prevents the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan and ensures even cooking.
- Cool it down: Once off the heat, let it cool in the saucepan. It will continue thickening as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a little runny at first!
These simple steps will help you achieve a wonderfully chunky yet smooth cranberry sauce. Enjoy making it! 🍊
How to Make Orange Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (about 340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup (240 ml) fresh orange juice (about 2 large oranges)
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves or a few whole cloves (optional)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
- Orange slices (for garnish)
Time Needed:
This orange cranberry sauce takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook. After that, let it cool to room temperature, and it can be served right away or chilled in the fridge for later. Total time is about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the cranberries under cold water. Look through them and remove any stems or bad berries, as you want only the fresh and plump ones for this recipe.
2. Combine Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, mix together the cleaned cranberries, fresh orange juice, granulated sugar, and orange zest. Stir everything together until well combined, so the sugar starts to dissolve with the juice.
3. Add Spices:
If you like a hint of spice, now’s the time to add in the ground cinnamon and cloves. This will give your sauce a warm, aromatic flavor. Stir again to mix these in well.
4. Cook the Sauce:
Place the saucepan on the stove over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, watching carefully. Once it hits a boil, reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll hear the cranberries pop as they cook, and the sauce will start to thicken up.
5. Cool Down:
After cooking, remove the saucepan from the heat. Allow the cranberry sauce to cool at room temperature. As it cools, it will thicken more, which is perfect!
6. Serve and Garnish:
Once cooled, transfer your delicious cranberry sauce to a serving bowl. To make it look extra special, garnish it with fresh rosemary sprigs and a few orange slices on top.
7. Enjoy It Fresh:
This orange cranberry sauce can be served chilled or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with turkey, chicken, or even on toast! Enjoy your fresh, zesty homemade orange cranberry sauce!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly in this recipe. Just use them straight from the freezer; there’s no need to thaw them first. You might need to simmer a bit longer to reach the desired thickness, but the flavor will be just as delicious!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Orange Cranberry Sauce?
You can store any leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge before serving.
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
Definitely! If you prefer a less sweet sauce, start with 1/2 cup of sugar and taste it as it cooks. You can always add more sugar later if you want it sweeter. Alternatively, you can use honey or maple syrup as a natural sweetener, adjusting to taste!
What Else Can I Use This Sauce For?
This orange cranberry sauce is not just for Thanksgiving! Try it as a topping for pancakes, yogurt, or ice cream. It also makes a great addition to a cheese board or as a spread in sandwiches for a zesty kick!
