cranberry orange sauce recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
cranberry orange sauce recipe
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The Best cranberry orange sauce recipe

I’m so excited to share this amazing cranberry orange sauce recipe with you all! As a busy mom, I’m always on the lookout for delicious and easy-to-make dishes that my whole family can enjoy. This sauce has become a staple in our household, and I just can’t get enough of it. Not only is it incredibly tasty, but it’s also packed with nutrients and antioxidants from the cranberries and oranges.

The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills. My kids absolutely love it, and I love that it’s a great way to get them to eat more fruits and veggies. Growing up, I remember my grandmother would make this sauce every Thanksgiving.

It was her special tradition, and I think that’s what makes it so special to me. The smell of fresh cranberries and oranges simmering on the stovetop instantly transports me back to those cozy family gatherings. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve experimented with different variations of this recipe, but the classic version remains my favorite. One of the key techniques to making this sauce is using fresh or frozen cranberries.

Don’t even think about using the dried stuff – it just doesn’t have the same flavor and texture. And yes, you can use fresh or frozen oranges too, but be sure to squeeze out as much juice as possible before adding them to the pot. The other crucial element is letting this sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow all those flavors to meld together. It’s tempting to rush it along, but trust me, patience is key here.

I love serving this sauce over turkey or pork during the holidays, but we also enjoy it as a healthy breakfast topping or snack throughout the year. This sauce has become such a staple in our home that I’ve started experimenting with different flavor combinations – like adding cinnamon or nutmeg for a warmer twist. But honestly, the classic version is still my absolute favorite. If you’re new to making your own cranberry sauce from scratch, don’t worry – this recipe is super easy and forgiving.

Just be sure to adjust the amount of sugar depending on how tart your cranberries are. Now that you’ve got this amazing recipe in your arsenal, go ahead and give it a try! Your taste buds (and your family) will thank you.

Cranberry Orange Sauce

Cranberry Orange Sauce

4.7 from 1408 votes

This classic cranberry orange sauce is a festive and tangy condiment perfect for holidays. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats and poultry.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 160 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

2 cups fresh cranberries
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup orange juice
1 tbsp orange zest
1/2 cup water
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, water, and cinnamon.
2Stir well to combine the ingredients.
3Place the saucepan over medium heat.
4Cook for 10 minutes.
5Stir occasionally until the mixture begins to boil.
6Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer.
7Stir frequently to prevent burning.
8Continue to simmer until the cranberries have broken down and the sauce has thickened, about 5 more minutes.
9The sauce should be reduced by about half and have a jam-like consistency.
10Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool slightly.
11Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed.
12Transfer the sauce to a serving dish and let it cool to room temperature.
13Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
14This sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
15Serve chilled or at room temperature.

🔧Equipment

Medium saucepan
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 160 kcal🧈Total Fat: 0g💛Saturated Fat: 0g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 5mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 35g🥩Protein: 0g

📝Notes

Tips: For a smoother sauce, you can blend it with an immersion blender before serving. Adjust the sugar to taste depending on the tartness of the cranberries.

Watch Video Of How Cranberry Orange Sauce Works

This homemade cranberry orange sauce is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just need a quick breakfast topping idea for your family on-the-go days!

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is – we enjoy it over turkey during Thanksgiving dinner or as a healthier snack option throughout the year.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Orange Sauce

1. Q: What if I don’t have fresh cranberries?

A: No problem at all! You can use frozen or even dried cranberries if you don’t have access to fresh ones. Just be aware that they might not have the same vibrant flavor as fresh berries.

2. Q: Can I use orange juice instead of freshly squeezed orange?

A: While you can certainly use OJ as a substitute, keep in mind that it’ll alter the flavor profile slightly. If you do decide to use OJ, reduce the amount used since it’s sweeter than freshly squeezed orange.

3. Q: How long does this sauce keep in the fridge?

A: This sauce will keep for up to two weeks in an airtight container stored in the refrigerator. If you want to extend its shelf life further, simply freeze it for up to six months.

4. Q: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! In fact, letting this sauce simmer for an hour or two before serving allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully.

5. Q: What if my kids don’t like citrusy flavors?

A: No worries at all! You can always omit the orange zest if your kids aren’t fans of citrus flavors.

6. Q: Can I use this sauce as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal?

A: Yes indeed! This sauce makes an excellent topping for both yogurt and oatmeal – add some granola for extra crunch!

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