This Pineapple Cranberry Orange Sauce is a bright and tangy treat! With sweet pineapple, tart cranberries, and zesty orange, it’s perfect for both holiday meals and casual dinners.
I love how this sauce adds a pop of color and flavor to my table. It’s super easy to make—just simmer the ingredients together and watch the magic happen! Perfect with turkey or on a cozy breakfast toast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are ideal for this sauce, but frozen can work just as well. Just be sure to thaw them before cooking. If you’re looking for something smoother, consider using cranberry juice to start.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds natural sweetness and texture, but canned pineapple can be a quick substitute. Just be sure to drain it well to avoid excess liquid. I love adding extra bits for garnish too!
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice gives a vibrant flavor. If you’re short on oranges, store-bought juice is fine, though it may be less fresh. Always add in a bit of zest for that lovely aroma.
Sweetener: Granulated sugar works perfectly, but you can substitute with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor. Just adjust to taste, as these sweeteners are generally sweeter than sugar.
How Do I Thicken My Sauce Just Right?
Getting the right thickness for your sauce is key! It’s all about simmering the sauce to let the cranberries burst and break down, which helps thicken it naturally. Here’s how to do it successfully:
- Cook the mixture on medium-high heat until it boils, which helps activate the juices.
- Once boiled, drop the heat to medium-low and continue to simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Keep in mind that the sauce will thicken as it cools, so don’t panic if it’s a bit runny while hot!
Pineapple Cranberry Orange Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sauce:
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2-3 oranges)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Optional: pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg for warm spice notes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful sauce takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 15 minutes to cook, giving you a total of about 25 minutes. Perfect for a quick and delicious addition to your meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Your Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, mix together the cranberries, pineapple chunks, fresh orange juice, granulated sugar, and water. This mixture is where all your bright flavors will come together!
2. Bring to a Boil:
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and stir occasionally. You want to bring the mixture to a boil, which helps wake up the berries and release their juices.
3. Simmer for Flavor:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer. Stir the sauce frequently to prevent anything from sticking. After about 10-15 minutes, the cranberries will begin to burst, and you’ll see the sauce start to thicken! Yum!
4. Add the Zest and Spices:
Next, stir in the orange zest and ground cinnamon. If you like a touch of warm spices, this is when you would add the optional cloves or nutmeg. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing those wonderful aromas to mesh together.
5. Cool Down:
Remove your sauce from the heat and let it cool slightly. Don’t worry if it seems a little loose; it will thicken more as it cools. You can taste it here and adjust the sweetness if you like!
6. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl and top with a few extra pineapple chunks for a beautiful finish. You can enjoy this sauce warm or chill it in the fridge for later.
7. Enjoy!
This Pineapple Cranberry Orange Sauce is the perfect tangy companion for turkey, pork, or even as a bright addition to your breakfast table. Enjoy the colorful and vibrant flavors!
Can I Use Canned Cranberries Instead of Fresh or Frozen?
While canned cranberries can be used in a pinch, they often have added sugars and preservatives that may alter the flavor. Fresh or frozen cranberries provide the best tartness and texture for this sauce.
How Do I Store Leftover Sauce?
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. To reheat, simply warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
Absolutely! If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to add more sugar to taste during cooking. Alternatively, you can decrease the sugar for a more tart flavor.
What Can I Serve This Sauce With?
This vibrant sauce pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, pork, or chicken. It can also be a delightful topping for pancakes, waffles, or yogurt for breakfast. Enjoy experimenting with different pairings!