This sweet and tangy Orange Cranberry Sauce is the perfect touch for your holiday meals. It brightens up turkey and is super easy to make—just mix and simmer!
Plus, the fresh orange juice gives it a lovely zing that I can’t resist. I usually make a big batch because leftovers are perfect on breakfast toast or yogurt. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are best, but frozen ones work just as well. They’re often less expensive and just as flavorful. Just make sure to rinse them and check for any spoiled ones before using.
Granulated Sugar: This recipe uses sugar to balance the tartness of the cranberries. You can use honey, maple syrup, or a sugar alternative if you’re looking for something different. Just be mindful that it may change the sauce’s sweetness and thickness.
Orange Juice & Zest: Fresh orange juice brings brightness to the sauce. If you don’t have fresh oranges, you can substitute with bottled juice, but fresh juice has a superior flavor. Adding zest from the orange enhances the citrus fun!
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are optional, but they give the sauce a cozy flavor perfect for holidays. If you prefer a different spice, try ginger or cloves for a unique taste.
How Do You Simmer Cranberry Sauce Perfectly?
Simmering is key to making your cranberry sauce perfectly thick and flavorful. Here’s how to do it:
- After boiling the mixture, lower the heat to medium-low to prevent burning.
- Stir occasionally while it simmers for about 10 minutes. You’ll hear the cranberries pop, which means they are bursting and releasing their natural pectin (this helps thicken the sauce).
- Keep an eye on the consistency; if it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer to thicken up.
Remember, the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so don’t panic if it looks a bit loose while hot!
How to Make Orange Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (about 3 cups) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 medium oranges)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary (for garnish, optional)
Time Needed:
This Orange Cranberry Sauce will take about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. Plus, you can let it cool for a bit before serving, making it perfect for getting things ready ahead of time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Rinse the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the cranberries under cold water. Make sure to check for any blemished or soft ones and discard those. It’s important to have only fresh, firm cranberries for the best flavor!
2. Combine Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, combine the cleaned cranberries, granulated sugar, fresh orange juice, orange zest, and the optional spices (cinnamon and nutmeg). Stir everything together well.
3. Bring to a Boil:
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. You’ll start to hear the cranberries popping as they cook.
4. Simmer the Sauce:
Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally, and watch as the cranberries burst open and the sauce thickens up. If you like a thicker sauce, you can let it simmer a bit longer.
5. Cool the Sauce:
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool slightly. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a little soupy initially!
6. Transfer & Garnish:
Pour the cranberry sauce into a serving bowl. If you’re feeling fancy, you can garnish it with a sprig of fresh rosemary and some extra orange slices for a lovely presentation.
7. Serve:
Your Orange Cranberry Sauce can be served warm or chilled, making it perfect alongside turkey, ham, or your holiday favorites. Enjoy the sweet and tangy flavors!
This sauce is a delightful mix of tart cranberries and zesty orange, sweetened just right. Plus, the optional spices and rosemary add a wonderful aroma that enhances the experience. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen cranberries, there’s no need to thaw them before cooking. Just rinse and add them straight to the pot for the same great flavor!
Can I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, this sauce can be made ahead of time! You can prepare it up to a week in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftover Orange Cranberry Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months! Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use.
What Other Fruits or Flavors Can I Add?
You can enhance the flavors by adding chopped apples or pears for extra texture, or a splash of vanilla extract for richness. Experiment with spices like ginger or allspice to customize it to your taste!