This zesty blueberry cranberry sauce adds a sweet and tart kick to your meals. It’s perfect for holidays or whenever you want a lively side dish!
Making this sauce is a breeze! I love pairing it with turkey or spreading it on toast. It even makes me feel fancy, like I’m a gourmet chef. 🍇🍒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: These are the star of the sauce! Fresh cranberries are ideal, but if they’re out of season, frozen cranberries work just as well. They will give you the sour bite that balances the sweetness.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries add a soft sweetness. If you can’t find fresh ones, frozen blueberries make a great substitute. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before use to avoid excess water.
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar is commonly used. For a healthier option, you can swap it with honey or maple syrup, adjusting the quantity to taste since they are sweeter than sugar.
Orange Juice and Zest: Freshly squeezed orange juice adds a bright flavor. If you don’t have an orange, you could use lemon juice instead. Just remember that it will change the flavor profile slightly!
How Do You Get Your Sauce to Thicken Perfectly?
Thickening your cranberry sauce can seem tricky, but it’s all about the cooking time. When you heat the mixture, the cranberries burst and release their natural pectin, which thickens the sauce. Here’s how to do it right:
- Cook the cranberries for about 5 minutes until they pop. This releases their juices.
- After adding the blueberries and spices, keep cooking for another 5-7 minutes. Watch as it thickens.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can mash some of the berries while they cook or blend the mixture once cooled.
Give it time to cool down after cooking, as it will thicken further. This sauce is best served chilled or at room temperature.
Delicious Blueberry Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Fruits:
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
For Sweetness:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Liquids:
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
Flavor Boosters:
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Garnish:
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Blueberry Cranberry Sauce is quick to make! You’ll need about 10 minutes for preparation and 15 minutes for cooking. After that, just let it cool down, and it’s ready to serve. In total, plan for about 30 minutes from start to finish, but it will be best after chilling in the fridge for a little while!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Rinsing the Fruits:
Start by giving the cranberries and blueberries a good rinse in cold water. Make sure they’re clean, and then drain well to get rid of excess water.
2. Mixing the Base:
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and orange juice. Turn the heat to medium and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. This will create the sweet base for your sauce!
3. Cooking the Cranberries:
Add the rinsed cranberries to the saucepan. Cook for about 5 minutes, occasionally stirring until you hear the cranberries start to pop. This means they’re releasing their juices, which is exactly what you want!
4. Adding Blueberries and Spices:
Now, stir in the blueberries, orange zest, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the mixture thickening as it simmers to a delicious sauce-like consistency.
5. Cooling It Down:
Once it’s thickened to your liking, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let the sauce cool to room temperature; don’t worry if it’s a bit runny now! It’ll thicken more as it cools off.
6. Serving Preparations:
Transfer your beautiful sauce into a serving bowl. Feel free to garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary and a sprinkle of whole blueberries and cranberries for a festive touch.
7. Enjoying Your Sauce:
Your Blueberry Cranberry Sauce can be served chilled or at room temperature. It’s perfect as a side dish for holiday meals, drizzled over desserts, or simply on toast. Enjoy!
Can I Use A Different Sweetener Instead of Sugar?
Absolutely! You can substitute granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup. Just keep in mind that both are sweeter than sugar, so you might want to start with a bit less and adjust to taste as the sauce cooks.
How Do I Store Leftover Sauce?
Store any leftover blueberry cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It can also be frozen for up to three months. Just let it thaw in the fridge before serving again!
Can I Use Dried Cranberries or Blueberries for This Recipe?
While fresh or frozen berries yield the best texture and flavor, you can use dried cranberries or blueberries in a pinch. However, you may need to increase the liquid slightly (add a bit more water or orange juice) since dried fruits won’t release their juices as fresh ones do.
What’s the Best Way to Serve This Sauce?
This sauce pairs wonderfully with turkey or chicken as a holiday condiment. It can also be drizzled over desserts like cheesecake or pancakes. For a refreshing touch, serve it chilled with yogurt or whipped cream!