This Orange Cranberry Sauce is a bright and tangy side dish perfect for your holiday table. The juicy cranberries mixed with fresh orange juice give it a refreshing twist!
The best part? It’s super easy to make! Just simmer the ingredients, and voilà! You’ll have a colorful sauce that everyone will love to spoon on their turkey.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are essential for this sauce. If you can’t find fresh ones, you can use frozen cranberries; just thaw them before cooking for the best flavor and texture.
Orange Juice: Fresh orange juice gives the sauce a bright taste. If you’re short on time, store-bought juice works, but fresh really makes a difference. You can also replace it with lemon juice for a different citrus twist.
Granulated Sugar: The sugar balances the tartness of the cranberries. If you prefer, you can use honey or maple syrup as a natural sweetener, but adjust the quantity to taste since they can be sweeter than sugar.
Orange Zest: Zesting your orange adds an intense citrus flavor. If you don’t have fresh oranges, you can use a bit of bottled orange extract for a hint of orange flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Cranberry Sauce is Perfectly Thick?
Cooking the cranberries properly is key to achieving the right thickness for your sauce. Here’s how to do it.
- After bringing the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to simmer. This slow cooking lets the cranberries burst and release their natural pectin, which helps thicken the sauce.
- Stir occasionally; this prevents the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Cooking time is crucial. Aim for about 10 to 15 minutes, but keep an eye on it. You’re looking for a burst of cranberries and a syrupy consistency.
- Don’t worry if it seems a bit runny right after cooking! The sauce will thicken as it cools, so give it time before you judge the final result.
Orange Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (about 340 g) fresh cranberries
- 1 cup (240 ml) fresh orange juice (about 2 medium oranges)
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1 orange)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional garnish: orange slices and a sprig of rosemary
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Orange Cranberry Sauce takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook, plus a little time to cool down. It’s a quick and delightful side that’s perfect for festive occasions!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberries:
First, rinse the fresh cranberries under cold water to clean them. As you do this, check for any soft or spoiled berries and remove them.
2. Mix the Orange Juice and Sugar:
In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh orange juice, granulated sugar, orange zest, and salt. Place it over medium heat and stir the mixture until the sugar is completely dissolved.
3. Add the Cranberries:
Now, add the cleaned cranberries to the saucepan. Bring everything to a boil while stirring occasionally to mix. You’ll see the cranberries beginning to pop!
4. Simmer and Thicken:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cranberries will burst and the sauce will start to thicken.
5. Cool the Sauce:
After cooking, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature. It will continue thickening as it cools down, so don’t worry if it’s a bit runny at first!
6. Serve and Garnish:
Once cooled, transfer the sauce to a serving bowl. If you’d like, you can garnish it with fresh orange slices and a sprig of rosemary for an extra touch of flair!
7. Enjoy:
This delightful sauce can be served chilled or at room temperature. It’s a perfect accompaniment to your holiday meals or any time you want a refreshing and tangy side!
This sauce beautifully balances the tart flavor of cranberries with the sweetness from the orange juice, making it a festive addition to your table.
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! Just thaw them before cooking but don’t worry about rinsing as they are usually cleaned before freezing. You may need to cook them a minute or two longer until they burst.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze the sauce for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge before serving again!
Can I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before serving as it may thicken slightly when chilled.
What If I Want a Sweeter Sauce?
If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to add more sugar. Start with an additional tablespoon, mix well, and taste before making further adjustments. Remember, the sweetness will balance the tartness!