Easy Homemade Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce

A sweet and tangy holiday classic, this Cranberry Orange Sauce is bursting with the vibrant flavors of fresh cranberries, orange juice, and zest. Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, it’s an easy, make-ahead recipe that adds a refreshing twist to your holiday table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: Ready in just 15 minutes with minimal effort.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Ideal for holiday prep, tastes even better chilled.
• Vibrant Flavor: Sweet, tangy, and slightly tart with fresh cranberries and orange.
• Versatile: A perfect side dish for turkey, ham, or even as a topping for desserts.
• Healthy and Homemade: Made with fresh ingredients, no preservatives.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• Zest of one orange
• Juice of one orange (about 1/2 cup)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 (12-ounce) bag fresh cranberries

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Orange

1. Use a zester to zest the peel of one orange completely.
2. Slice the orange and squeeze out the juice, aiming for about 1/2 cup.

Step 2: Dissolve the Sugar

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add white sugar, brown sugar, and water. Stir occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved.

Step 3: Add Cranberries and Orange

1. Stir in the orange zest, orange juice, and fresh cranberries.
2. Simmer for about 10 minutes. The cranberries will pop and burst, creating a thick sauce.

Step 4: Cool the Sauce

1. Remove the pot from heat and let the sauce cool at room temperature.
2. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until completely chilled.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside roasted turkey or ham.
• Use as a topping for cheesecake, pancakes, or ice cream.
• Spread on sandwiches for a flavorful twist.

Notes

• Make Ahead: Prepare 2-3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator.
• Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Custom Sweetness: Adjust the sugar amounts to suit your taste preferences.

Variations

• Cinnamon Twist: Add a cinnamon stick while simmering for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Nutty Addition: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts after the sauce cools for texture.
• Alcohol Infusion: Add a splash of Grand Marnier or bourbon for a grown-up version.
• Berry Blend: Mix in blueberries or raspberries for a fruitier sauce.

Nutrition

• Calories: 249
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 3mg
• Potassium: 88mg
• Vitamin C: 30mg

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, frozen cranberries work well. No need to thaw; just add them directly to the pot.

2. How do I make the sauce thicker?

Cook for a few extra minutes to allow more liquid to evaporate, or use less water.

3. Can I make this recipe sugar-free?

Yes, substitute sugar with a sweetener like erythritol or stevia.

4. What if my sauce is too tart?

Stir in additional sugar or a drizzle of honey while it’s still warm.

5. How long does the sauce last?

Refrigerate for up to 7 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

6. Can I skip the orange zest?

The zest enhances the flavor, but the sauce will still be delicious without it.

7. Can I use orange juice from a carton?

Fresh orange juice is recommended for the best flavor, but carton juice can work in a pinch.

8. What dishes pair well with this sauce?

Serve with turkey, ham, pork loin, or as a topping for baked brie.

9. How do I prevent the cranberries from sticking?

Stir frequently during cooking to prevent sticking or burning.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and extend the cooking time slightly as needed.

Conclusion

Easy Homemade Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce is a simple yet impressive addition to your holiday feast. With its tangy-sweet balance and vibrant color, this versatile sauce is sure to delight your guests. Whether served with turkey or as a topping for desserts, it’s a must-have on your holiday menu. Make it ahead and enjoy stress-free entertaining!

Easy Homemade Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce

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• Author: Asma
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

This sweet and tangy Cranberry Orange Sauce is made with fresh cranberries, orange zest, and juice. A simple, make-ahead Thanksgiving side dish perfect for any holiday table!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• Zest of one orange
• Juice of one orange (about 1/2 cup)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 (12-ounce) bag fresh cranberries

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Orange

1. Zest the entire peel of the orange using a zester.
2. Cut the orange and squeeze to extract the juice (approximately 1/2 cup).

Step 2: Dissolve the Sugar

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add white sugar, brown sugar, and water to the pot. Stir occasionally until the sugar is fully dissolved.

Step 3: Add the Flavor and Cranberries

1. Stir in the orange zest, orange juice, and cranberries.
2. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cranberries will pop and burst, thickening the sauce.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

1. Remove the pot from heat and allow the cranberry sauce to cool.
2. Transfer to a serving dish or airtight container. Chill completely before serving for the best flavor.

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Notes

• Make Ahead: This sauce is best when made 2-3 days in advance. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Customizations: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of Grand Marnier for a twist.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1
• Calories: 249kcal