This zingy cranberry pineapple sauce is perfect for brightening up your meals! It combines tart cranberries with sweet pineapple for a fun and tasty side dish.
It’s a hit during holidays and family dinners. I love serving it with turkey—just the right mix of sweet and sour! Plus, it’s super easy to whip up. 🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh or frozen cranberries are crucial for that tart flavor. If fresh isn’t available, frozen works just as well. Just remember to rinse them off before using!
Crushed Pineapple: This adds sweetness and a nice texture. You can swap it for diced fresh pineapple or canned pineapple chunks if that’s what you have, but make sure they come with juice to keep the sauce moist.
Sugar: Adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try honey or maple syrup. Just keep in mind that it will slightly change the flavor, but it can be delicious!
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice provides acidity. If you’re out of fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice is a good alternative. Just use a tad less to avoid too much acidity.
How Do I Get My Cranberry Sauce to thicken Properly?
Thickening the sauce is essential for that perfect texture! Here’s how to achieve it:
- Bring the mixture to a boil to start breaking down the cranberries. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- When simmering, keep the heat low. This helps the cranberries burst and release their natural pectin, which aids in thickening.
- If it’s still thin after simmering, try mashing some of the cranberries with a fork or removing it from the heat and allowing it to cool; sauces often thicken as they cool!
Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust sugar and acidity until it fits your preference! Enjoy this vibrant sauce on your holiday table or as a delicious condiment any time of the year.
How to Make Cranberry Pineapple Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (with juice)
- 3/4 to 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest (optional)
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious sauce takes about 25 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend roughly 10 minutes gathering and mixing ingredients, followed by about 15 minutes cooking until it thickens. Perfect for making ahead of your meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, toss together the cranberries, crushed pineapple with its juice, granulated sugar, and water. Stir gently to mix them all together.
2. Bring to a Boil:
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Make sure to stir occasionally to help the sugar dissolve and prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
3. Simmer the Sauce:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the sauce to simmer, stirring occasionally. After about 10-15 minutes, most of the cranberries should burst, and the sauce will start thickening. If you notice it’s still a bit runny, don’t worry; it will thicken more as it cools!
4. Add Zing:
After the sauce has thickened, stir in the fresh lemon juice, optional lemon zest, and cinnamon if you’re using it. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes to blend those flavors together.
5. Finish and Garnish:
Remove the saucepan from heat. If you used rosemary or thyme, now’s the time to take those sprigs out. Transfer your sauce to a serving bowl.
6. Cool Down:
Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature before serving. You can also chill it in the refrigerator! It will be thicker as it cools.
Enjoy this vibrant and tangy cranberry pineapple sauce alongside roasted turkey, chicken, or as a glossy, delicious spread. It’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Other Fruits in This Sauce?
Absolutely! You can experiment with adding fruits like diced apples, pears, or even orange segments. Just be mindful of the sugar content, as some fruits are sweeter than others.
How Do I Store Leftover Sauce?
Store any leftover cranberry pineapple sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing. You can reheat it gently on the stove or enjoy it cold!
Is This Sauce Freezable?
Yes, this sauce can be stored in the freezer! Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving some space for expansion. It should last for about 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.
Can I Make This Sauce Less Sweet?
Of course! You can reduce the amount of sugar based on your preference. Start with 1/2 cup of sugar and taste as it cooks, adjusting to your liking. You can also balance sweetness by adding a bit more lemon juice.