This bright and tangy orange cranberry sauce is a treat! It combines sweet cranberries with zesty orange for a fresh twist. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any meal!
Honestly, I love how colorful it looks on the table. Plus, it adds a fun pop of flavor to turkey and ham! You might even find yourself sneaking spoonfuls when no one’s watching! 🍊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries work best for a bright flavor, but frozen ones are a good alternative if fresh isn’t available. Just don’t thaw them before cooking for easier prep!
Orange Juice: Fresh squeezed is always my favorite for the taste it brings. If you’re in a pinch, bottled orange juice will do, but check for no added sugars to keep it healthy.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the sauce nicely, but you can use honey or maple syrup if you’re looking for a natural sweetener. Keep in mind that these might change the flavor a bit.
Rosemary: This herb adds a unique flavor twist, but feel free to leave it out if you prefer a more traditional taste. Thyme or mint can also work in a pinch, just use them sparingly.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Cranberry Sauce Consistency?
The key to getting the right thickness in your cranberry sauce is watching how long you cook it. Start with the mixture on medium heat, bringing it to a boil, and then let it simmer. This allows the cranberries to burst and release their natural pectin, which thickens the sauce.
- Cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- If you like it thicker, simply let it simmer a few extra minutes!
- Remember, it will thicken further as it cools, so don’t overdo it.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a delicious, homemade orange cranberry sauce that adds a special touch to any dish.
How to Make Orange Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
- 1 tsp orange zest (from 1 orange)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary (optional, for infusing and garnish)
- Orange slices, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook. Once you’ve made it, allow some time for it to cool down—about 30 minutes. You can also refrigerate it if you want to serve it later. Altogether, you’re looking at around 50 minutes to complete this delightful sauce!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the cranberries under cool water. Carefully go through them and remove any soft or damaged fruit. This ensures that your sauce will taste fresh and delicious!
2. Combine Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the rinsed cranberries, granulated sugar, fresh orange juice, orange zest, and water. Stir it all together to combine the flavors.
3. Add Rosemary (Optional):
If you decided to use rosemary for extra flavor, now’s the time to add it to the saucepan. It will bring a lovely earthy taste to your sauce as it cooks!
4. Bring to a Boil:
Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. You’ll hear a gentle bubbling sound as the cranberries start to cook.
5. Cook the Sauce:
Let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll know it’s ready when most cranberries have burst, and the sauce has thickened to your liking. Keep an eye on it, as it can thicken more once it cools!
6. Final Touches:
Remove the rosemary sprig and discard it. Now, pour the cranberry sauce into a beautiful serving bowl and allow it to cool to room temperature. If you’re not serving it right away, feel free to pop it into the fridge!
7. Garnishing Your Sauce:
When you’re ready to serve, add some lovely fresh orange slices on top and maybe even a sprig of rosemary for a charming presentation!
Enjoy this vibrant, tangy-sweet Orange Cranberry Sauce as a perfect accompaniment to your holiday meals or any festive occasion! Your guests will love it!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. There’s no need to thaw them beforehand; simply add them directly to the saucepan. They may take a minute longer to cook down, but the results will be just as delicious!
How Do I Store Leftover Sauce?
Leftover orange cranberry sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze it in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before using again!
Can I Modify the Sweetness of the Sauce?
Yes, you can adjust the sweetness to your taste! If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the sugar slightly. Remember that the natural sweetness of the cranberries and orange juice will also play a role in the final flavor, so taste as you go!
What Can I Use Instead of Orange Juice?
If you don’t have orange juice on hand, you can use apple juice or even cranberry juice for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the taste will change a bit, but it will still be delicious!