Cranberry sauce is a holiday table essential for many of us, and making it yourself is easier than you think. Forget the can this year and make a homemade cranberry sauce that everyone will love.
Today, I’m sharing two wonderful orange cranberry sauce recipes that are simple to make and packed with fresh flavor. Whether you like a hint of warm spice or a purely bright citrus taste, I have something for you right here.
Jump to Recipe:
- 1. Bright & Tangy Orange Cranberry Sauce Recipe
- 2. Orange Cinnamon Cranberry Sauce: A Warm Spice Classic
Bright & Tangy Orange Cranberry Sauce Recipe
If you love a straightforward, zesty cranberry sauce, this recipe is for you. It’s packed with fresh orange flavor and has a perfect balance of sweet and tart.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Fresh Orange Juice: Squeezing fresh orange juice instead of just water adds a vibrant citrus depth.
- Adjust Sugar: You can always add a little more sugar at the end if you prefer a sweeter sauce. Taste it first!
What You Need
- 1 (12-ounce) bag fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
⏱️ Time: 18 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2 cups
How to Make It
Step 1: Cook the Sauce
In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer.
Step 2: Thicken and Chill
Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring often, until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened slightly. Remove from heat, mash some of the berries if you like, and let it cool completely before serving.
📝 Final Note
This bright sauce is fantastic not just for holiday meals, but also spread on toast or served with roasted chicken.
Orange Cinnamon Cranberry Sauce: A Warm Spice Classic
This cranberry sauce recipe brings a lovely warmth to your plate with a hint of cinnamon. It’s easy to make and tastes much better than anything from a can.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Cinnamon Stick: Using a whole cinnamon stick gives a gentle, warm spice that isn’t too strong.
- Orange Zest: Grating fresh orange zest directly into the pot adds a bright citrus punch to the sauce.
What You Need
- 1 (12-ounce) bag fresh cranberries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 orange, zested
- 1 cinnamon stick
⏱️ Time: 20 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2 cups
How to Make It
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, sugar, water, orange zest, and cinnamon stick. Stir everything gently to mix it all together.
Step 2: Simmer and Cool
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the cranberries have burst. Remove from heat, take out the cinnamon stick, and let the sauce cool completely before serving.
📝 Final Note
This sauce thickens as it cools. You can make it a few days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.