This bright and tangy Orange Cranberry Sauce is a perfect mix of sweet and sour flavors. Fresh cranberries combine with zesty orange for a tasty treat that brightens up any meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries provide the best flavor and texture. If they’re out of season, frozen cranberries work perfectly as a substitute.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the tangy cranberries. For a healthier take, you can use honey or maple syrup, but remember to adjust the quantity since they are sweeter than sugar.
Orange: The zest and juice of a large orange brighten the sauce. If you’re out of fresh oranges, bottled orange juice can be used in a pinch, but fresh has a much better flavor.
Fresh Rosemary: This is optional but adds a nice aromatic touch. For an alternative, try fresh mint or even a bit of cinnamon for warmth.
How Do You Get the Perfect Thickness for Your Cranberry Sauce?
Getting the right consistency is important for cranberry sauce. It should be thick, not runny! Here are some tips:
- Simmer the cranberries and sugar mixture until many berries burst; this helps thicken the sauce naturally.
- Remove it from heat while it’s still a bit thinner than you want—it will continue to thicken as it cools.
- For extra thickness, simmer longer or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water, but be careful not to overdo it!
With these tips, you’ll create a delicious cranberry sauce that everyone will love at the table!
How to Make Orange Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 large orange (zested and juiced)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary (for garnish, optional)
- Orange slices (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Orange Cranberry Sauce takes about 15 minutes to prepare and should be allowed to cool for about 30 minutes. Overall, you’ll be enjoying this delightful sauce in about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the cranberries under cold water. While rinsing, look through them and remove any that are blemished or soft. This helps ensure your sauce turns out fresh and tasty!
2. Make the Sugar Syrup:
In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring every now and then until the sugar is fully dissolved. You want to bring this mixture to a gentle boil.
3. Add the Cranberries:
Once the sugar water is boiling, add in the cranberries. Allow the mixture to boil again, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes. You’ll hear popping sounds as the cranberries begin to burst!
4. Add Orange Flavor:
Now it’s time to add your fresh orange zest and juice, along with the salt. Stir everything together and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to blend those wonderful flavors. It’s starting to smell amazing!
5. Cool the Sauce:
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Let the cranberry sauce cool to room temperature—it will thicken up as it cools, which is just what you want! Trust me, the taste is worth the wait!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Transfer the cooled sauce to a serving bowl. If you’d like, you can add a sprig of fresh rosemary and a few orange slices on top for a lovely presentation. It’s now ready to enjoy!
7. Enjoy Your Sauce:
Serve your Orange Cranberry Sauce chilled or at room temperature, perfect alongside your favorite holiday dishes or roasted meats. This colorful sauce is sure to impress your family and friends!
Happy cooking! You’re going to love how vibrant and flavorful this sauce is!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly in this recipe. Just add them directly to the saucepan without thawing them first, and follow the same cooking instructions.
How Do I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup or even 1/2 cup. Remember, you can always taste the sauce as it cooks and adjust to your liking before it cools!
How Should I Store Leftover Cranberry Sauce?
Store any leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze it for up to three months! Just make sure it’s completely cooled before freezing.
Can I Add Other Ingredients for Extra Flavor?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with additional flavors like a pinch of cinnamon, ginger, or even a splash of vanilla extract to enhance the aroma and taste of your sauce.