Ready to elevate your holiday spread? This Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe is sweet, tangy, and packed with warm, cozy flavors that will brighten any meal!
Table of Contents
What Is Cranberry Sauce?
Cranberry sauce is a staple on holiday tables, known for its vibrant color and sweet-tart flavor. This classic dish is made by simmering fresh or frozen cranberries with sugar, water, and spices, creating a jam-like consistency that pairs beautifully with savory main courses like turkey or ham. It’s a balance of sweet, tart, and just a hint of spice, making it a versatile side that stands out on any festive plate.
But this orange cranberry sauce recipe isn’t just for the holidays! It can be used year-round as a topping for yogurt and oatmeal, or even as a tangy spread for sandwiches. Whether you’re serving it warm or chilled, this simple dish transforms cranberries into a glossy, flavorful sauce that’s both comforting and versatile.
Ingredients You Need
- Fresh or Frozen Cranberries – These berries bring a tart, vibrant base to the sauce. If you’re using fresh cranberries, rinse them well before cooking.
- Granulated Sugar – White sugar sweetens the sauce and balances out the natural tartness of the cranberries. Adjust the amount if you prefer a less sweet result.
- Water – Helps to cook down the cranberries and create a smooth, saucy texture.
- Orange Juice – This juice adds a citrusy brightness to the sauce. Freshly squeezed juice works best for a bold, fresh flavor.
- Cinnamon Stick – Cinnamon sticks infuse the sauce with a warm, spiced note that complements the tart cranberries beautifully.
- Ground Cloves (Optional) – A small pinch adds a hint of earthy spice. Feel free to skip it if you prefer a simpler flavor.
- Salt – A tiny pinch enhances all the other flavors and rounds out the sweetness.
How to Make the Best Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe
- Combine the ingredients. Add the cranberries, sugar, water, orange juice, cinnamon stick, cloves, and salt to a medium saucepan and stir to mix everything together.
- Simmer the sauce. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir occasionally.
- Thicken the sauce. Once the cranberries pop and soften, continue cooking and stirring, until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency, keeping in mind that it will thicken more as it cools.
- Cool and serve. When the sauce has thickened, take the saucepan off the stove and allow the cranberry sauce to cool to room temperature. Take out the cinnamon stick before transferring it to a serving dish. Serve immediately or store for later use.
Variations
- Zest – Stir in orange zest for an extra citrusy kick.
- Sweeteners – Use maple syrup or honey instead of granulated sugar.
- Spice – Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for more complex spiced notes.
- Fruit – Mix in diced apples, pears, or even raisins for extra texture and sweetness.
- Citrus – Add a splash of lime or lemon juice for a tangy twist.
- Nuts – Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch and a nutty flavor.
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes! Leftovers store beautifully and can even taste better the next day as the flavors meld together.
To refrigerate, place the cranberry sauce in an airtight container for up to one week.
To freeze, transfer the sauce to a freezer-safe container and store it for up to two months.
Common Questions About Orange Cranberry Sauce
Yes, cranberry sauce can be made several days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before serving.
Simply stir in a little water or orange juice to loosen the consistency until it’s just right.
Dried cranberries won’t work for this recipe as they lack the moisture needed to create a sauce. Stick with fresh or frozen cranberries for the best results.
Cranberries are naturally tart, and the sauce may taste bitter if it doesn’t have enough sugar. Add a little more sweetener to balance the flavors.
More Fruity Recipes
If you love berries and fruit as much as we do you won’t want to miss out on these fruity recipes!
Fakhfakhina (Egyptian Fruit Salad)
Whipped Feta with Cranberries and Walnuts
Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 ounces about 3 cups fresh or frozen (thawed) cranberries make sure to rinse
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar more to taste
- 3/4 cup water
- Juice of 1 orange about 1/4 cup
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves optional
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, stir together the cranberries, granulated sugar, water, orange juice, cinnamon stick, cloves, and salt.12 ounces about 3 cups fresh or frozen (thawed) cranberries make sure to rinse, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 3/4 cup water, Juice of 1 orange, 1 cinnamon stick, 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves, Pinch of salt
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the cranberries begin to pop and soften, about 10-12 minutes.
- Continue cooking until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency, usually another 5 minutes. Remember, it will thicken more as it cools.
- Remove from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature. Remove the cinnamon stick before serving. Transfer to a serving bowl and refrigerate if not serving immediately.
Equipment
Notes
– Store leftover orange cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
– Freeze the cooled sauce for up to two months.
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Perfect for the holidays!