Looking for the perfect complement to your holiday feast? This Easy Cranberry Orange Sauce is a must-have on your table! Bursting with the vibrant flavors of fresh cranberries and citrusy orange, this sauce adds a delightful tangy-sweet touch to any meal. Learn how to make Orange and Cranberry Sauce with this simple recipe.
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Why This Recipe Works
Whether you’re serving it with turkey, ham, or as a spread for your favorite sandwiches, this quick and simple Homemade Orange Cranberry Sauce recipe will elevate your dishes to the next level. Plus, it’s made with just a handful of ingredients, making it an effortless addition to your holiday preparations. Get ready to wow your guests with this delicious homemade cranberry sauce recipe!
🥘 Ingredients
- Orange Juice: Adds fresh, citrusy brightness and balances tartness.
- Orange Zest: Provides concentrated citrus flavor and aromatic depth.
- Sugar: Balances tartness and enhances the natural flavors.
- Cranberries: The star ingredient, offering tart and tangy flavor with a thick texture.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Consistency Control: If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture after cooking. For a chunkier texture, mash the cranberries slightly with a spoon.
- Add Spices: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to your homemade cranberry orange sauce. These warm spices complement the tartness of the cranberries beautifully.
🔪 How To Make The Cranberry Orange Sauce?
Step One: Prepare all ingredients. Extract the orange juice and zest.
Step Two: Mix juice, zest and sugar or powder in a medium saucepan.
Step Three: Boil until sugar or sugar powder dissolves. About 1-2 min. Add all the fresh whole cranberries.
Step Four: Cook until the cranberries burst and the sauce has thickened, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy your homemade Cranberry Sauce!
👩🍳 Expert Tips
If you're going to make fresh cranberry sauce, be sure to follow these top tips!
- Fresh is best! Use real orange juice and zest for a bright, citrusy pop.
- Sweetness is personal—taste as you go and add more sugar if needed.
- Make it ahead! It keeps for a week in the fridge and gets even better with time.
💭 FAQs
Yes, you can use fresh or frozen cranberries to make cranberry sauce. There is no need to thaw them before cooking; simply add them to the saucepan as you would with fresh cranberries. The cooking time and instructions remain the same.
To adjust the sweetness of your cranberry sauce, you can add more sugar gradually until it reaches your desired taste. Alternatively, you can use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. Taste the sauce as it cooks to ensure you achieve the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
Yes, you can substitute cranberries in recipes with other tart fruits like raspberries, red currants, or sour cherries. For dried cranberries, dried cherries, raisins, or dried currants can be good alternatives. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly, but the substitutions should work well in most recipes.
Place the cranberry sauce in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 10-14 days.
Yes, cranberry sauce freezes well. Make a big batch and freeze in portion-sized containers for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
🧂Serving Suggestions
Here are some of the best sides to serve with Orange Cranberry Sauce:
- Roast Turkey: The classic pairing, especially during Thanksgiving, where the tartness of the cranberry sauce beautifully complements the savory flavors of roast turkey.
- Ham: Cranberry sauce adds a sweet and tangy contrast to the rich and salty taste of baked ham, making it a perfect side.
- Roast Pork: The fruity tartness of the sauce pairs wonderfully with the richness of roast pork, enhancing its flavors.
- Cheese Platter: Serve cranberry sauce as a condiment with a variety of cheeses. It pairs well with brie, goat cheese, and sharp cheddar.
- Sandwiches: Use cranberry sauce as a spread for sandwiches, especially leftover turkey sandwiches or chicken sandwiches, for an added burst of flavor.
- Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle cranberry sauce over roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes for a sweet-tart addition.
- You can also use cranberry sauce in these delicious Air Fryer Turkey Cups!
🍽 Related Recipes
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Orange Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
- ⅓ Cup Orange juice
- 1 orange Zest
- ½ Cup Sugar OR
- 1 tablespoon sugar powder
- 4 ½ cups Cranberrys fresh or frozen
Instructions
- Extract the juice from the orange.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the orange juice, orange zest, and sugar or sugar powder.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the cranberries to the saucepan.
- Continue cooking the mixture until it thickens, about 15 minutes.
- Let the sauce cool slightly and serve.
This is such a great version of cranberry sauce and goes perfect with roast turkey. I love the orange tones...so yummy!