Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cranberry sauce is quick and easy to make, with bright citrus notes from the orange zest and juice. The sweetness from the sugar balances the tartness of the cranberries, creating a deliciously smooth sauce. It’s perfect for holiday meals, and it complements turkey, chicken, or even served alongside cheeses.
Ingredients
- 300 g (3 cups) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 125 g (¾ cup) golden caster sugar (or use regular caster or superfine sugar)
- Zest and juice of 1 large orange
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a small saucepan, add the cranberries, sugar, and the zest and juice of the orange.
Step 2: Cook
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once it starts to boil, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries soften, begin to burst, and the mixture thickens slightly.
Step 3: Texture Adjustment (Optional)
For a smoother texture, you can mash the cranberries with a potato masher while cooking, or use a blender after the sauce has cooled.
Step 4: Cool and Store
Once the sauce has reached the desired consistency, allow it to cool to room temperature. Transfer it to a covered container and refrigerate for up to one week.
Step 5: Serving
Before serving, take the sauce out of the fridge about an hour before so it reaches room temperature.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 10
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ground ginger to spice up the sauce.
- Less Sweet: Adjust the sweetness by using less sugar, or substitute it with honey or maple syrup.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: This cranberry sauce is already alcohol-free, making it perfect for all ages.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or serve cold or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I make this cranberry sauce ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, this sauce can be made up to a week in advance, and the flavors will continue to develop as it sits.
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Yes, frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. There’s no need to thaw them before using.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar based on your preference. You can also use alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
Can I freeze this cranberry sauce?
Yes, you can freeze the sauce for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
Conclusion
This Cranberry Sauce with Orange is a vibrant and flavorful addition to your holiday meals. It’s quick and easy to make, yet it adds a touch of elegance with the fresh citrus notes from orange. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion, this sauce is sure to become a favorite on your table!
Cranberry Sauce with Orange
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive and flavorful twist on the classic cranberry sauce, with fresh cranberries, golden caster sugar, and aromatic orange zest and juice. Perfect for holiday dinners or as a topping for desserts.
Ingredients
300 g (3 cups) fresh or frozen cranberries
125 g (¾ cup) golden caster sugar (or use regular caster or superfine sugar)
Zest and juice of 1 large orange
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, add the cranberries, sugar, and the zest and juice of the orange.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once it starts to boil, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries soften, begin to burst, and the mixture thickens slightly.
- For a smoother texture, you can mash the cranberries with a potato masher while cooking, or use a blender after the sauce has cooled.
- Once the sauce has reached the desired consistency, allow it to cool to room temperature. Transfer it to a covered container and refrigerate for up to one week.
- Before serving, take the sauce out of the fridge about an hour before so it reaches room temperature.
Notes
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ground ginger to spice up the sauce.
Less Sweet: Adjust the sweetness by using less sugar, or substitute it with honey or maple syrup.
Non-Alcoholic Version: This cranberry sauce is already alcohol-free, making it perfect for all ages.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
