Cranberry Orange Sauce
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever get bored of the same old holiday sides? This Cranberry Orange Sauce will rescue your taste buds! It's zingy, bright, and totally beats the canned stuff, hands down.
Honestly, you'll wonder why you didn't try this years ago.
Brief Overview
The Cranberry Orange Sauce is a classic American condiment with Native American roots. This recipe is dead simple: easy peasy, ready in about 35 minutes.
This recipe makes about 6-8 servings, perfect for your Thanksgiving or Christmas spread.
Main Benefits
Cranberries are packed with antioxidants, so this Holiday Sauce Recipe is actually good for you...ish! Serve this Festive Cranberry Condiment at your next holiday gathering to impress your guests.
This Easy Cranberry Sauce is special because it's homemade and tastes a million times better than store-bought.
Craving that Classic Cranberry Sauce Taste?
Bright and Bouncy Cranberry Orange Sauce
You know, I used to be terrified of making anything beyond toast. Then, I discovered the joy of simple recipes like this! It's a game changer, really.
Forget the jellied stuff in a can Homemade Cranberry Sauce is where it's at.
Why this Recipe?
This Cranberry Sauce Recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a vibrant, flavorful, and easy Thanksgiving Side Dish . Plus, it's a total crowd pleaser! This is that recipe you will use over and over.
Ingredients You'll Need
Alright, let's gather our bits and bobs. You will need 12 ounces of fresh or frozen cranberries. Don't forget one cup of granulated sugar, a cup of water, and one large orange.
Grab that orange for both zest and juice. Finally, round it off with some optional spices like cinnamon.
Ingredients & Equipment for Killer Cranberry Orange Sauce
Okay, so you're ready to ditch the canned jelly and make some real Cranberry Orange Sauce ? Awesome! This recipe is so easy, even I can't mess it up (usually!).
Let's get to the good stuff. Honestly, the right ingredients make all the difference when you make a Homemade Cranberry Sauce , like this Easy Cranberry Sauce !
Main Players: Cranberries and Oranges
- Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: You'll need 12 ounces (340g) . Seriously, fresh or frozen, doesn't matter. I always use frozen because they're usually cheaper and I'm a bit of a cheapskate. Quality wise you should check for firm berries and avoid mushy ones. That's the key indicator.
- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup (200g) . Plain ol' sugar, nothing fancy. If you are keen you can try with maple syrup!
- Water: 1 cup (240ml) . Tap water is fine.
- Orange: 1 large. We need both the zest and the juice (about 1/2 cup). For a great Orange Sauce Recipe , make sure your orange is nice and juicy, with a bright, fragrant peel. It elevates the Cranberry Orange Relish to another level, like a Festive Cranberry Condiment !
Seasoning is Your Friend
- Essential Spice Combo: A pinch of ground cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon) and a tiny pinch of ground cloves is optional but so worth it. It just warms everything up!
- Flavor Enhancers: That orange zest? Don't skip it! It adds so much zing.
- Quick Sub: If you don't have cloves, a tiny bit more cinnamon works in a pinch. This is still a great Cranberry Relish .
Gear Up (Bare Minimum Edition)
- Saucepan: Medium sized. Nothing special. Just needs to hold all the ingredients.
- Zester: A microplane or fine grater for that orange zest. Trust me, it makes a difference.
- Wooden Spoon: For stirring. A heat resistant spatula works too. Basically, anything that won't melt.
That's it, really! See? I told you it was easy. This Thanksgiving Side Dish (or any holiday side dish, really) is about to become your new favorite.
Now go forth and make some awesome Cranberry Orange Sauce !
Cooking Method: The Easiest Cranberry Orange Sauce Ever!
Honestly, making Cranberry Orange Sauce shouldn't feel like a chore. Forget the canned stuff! Let's ditch the overly processed holiday sauce recipe this year.
This is your guide to a bright and zesty homemade version. We are doing Homemade Cranberry Sauce the easy way.
It’s perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday. I promise even your pickiest relatives will gobble it up.
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks (and Cranberries!) in a Row
- Essential mise en place: First, rinse your 12 ounces of cranberries. Zest and juice one large orange. Measure out 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water. Grab your 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of cloves if you're feeling fancy.
- Time saving organization tips: Honestly, the best tip is to get everything out before you start. No frantic searching for the cinnamon while the cranberries are bubbling!
- Safety Reminders: Keep an eye on the pot to prevent it from boiling over. Hot sugar is no joke!
step-by-step: From Cranberries to Crave berries
- Combine: In a medium saucepan, toss in the cranberries, sugar, water, orange zest, orange juice, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Boil: Bring to a boil over medium high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20- 25 minutes , stirring occasionally. The berries will burst, and the sauce will thicken. Those little red guys go "pop!" when they are ready!
- Cool: Remove from the heat and let it cool. It will thicken as it cools.
- Chill: Chill for at least an hour.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Cranberry Orange Relish
- Expert Technique: Add a splash of orange liqueur for an adult twist! Or a pinch of ginger for warmth. I tried adding a star anise once.
- Common Mistakes: Don’t overcook it! Overcooked cranberry orange relish is too thick.
- make-ahead Option: You can make this up to 3-5 days ahead of time. Perfect for Thanksgiving! Store your festive cranberry condiment in the fridge.
So, there you have it! A Cranberry Sauce Recipe that is stupid proof. A thanksgiving side dish that even I can make and it is easy cranberry sauce , and is a guaranteed win.
This Orange Sauce Recipe is delicious, festive, and WAY better than anything you can buy in a can. Enjoy!
Alright, let's chat about some recipe notes for our Bright & Bouncy Cranberry Orange Sauce ! This isn't just any Cranberry Sauce Recipe ; it's your recipe now, so let’s make it amazing!
Recipe Rundown
Serving Suggestions: Making it Look Good
Let's talk plating! Honestly, even a simple dollop of this Festive Cranberry Condiment looks gorgeous next to a golden roast turkey.
Wanna get fancy? Swirl it artfully on the plate. It's all about the vibes, innit?
For sides, think simple. Mashed potatoes are a classic for a reason. Or roasted Brussels sprouts for a bit of green.
A nice sparkling cider or a dry white wine makes it fancy. Perfect for a holiday, you know? This Thanksgiving Side Dish will impress everyone!
Storage Secrets: Keeping it Fresh
Got leftovers? This Homemade Cranberry Sauce keeps beautifully in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Just pop it in an airtight container.
Freezing? Yep, you can do it! Freeze it in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months . When you're ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Then, just give it a quick stir before serving. Reheating is super easy too. Just a gentle warm-up on the hob on low heat.
Remixing the Recipe: Variations and Swaps
Want to get creative? Go for it!
Got a vegan mate coming over? Easy peasy. Just use maple syrup instead of sugar. Boom, done. I swear the maple adds an amazing taste to the Cranberry Orange Relish .
Fancy a seasonal twist? In autumn, add a touch of apple cider vinegar. In winter, maybe some crystallized ginger.
Nutrition Nuggets: The Good Stuff
Okay, let's be real; this Holiday Sauce Recipe isn't exactly a health food. But! Cranberries are packed with antioxidants. Plus, oranges give you a vitamin C boost.
So, while it's a treat, it's a slightly less guilty one. Each serving will have ~120 calories.
Honestly, making Easy Cranberry Sauce is so rewarding, and it's so much better than the store-bought stuff. So, go on, give it a go! I swear you won't regret it! It's like the Orange Sauce Recipe and the cranberries had a baby! You got this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Cranberry Orange Sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend it. Cranberry Orange Sauce can be made 3-5 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This actually helps the flavors meld together even more, making it taste even better on the big day one less thing to worry about when you're already juggling a roast, sides, and a gravy boat disaster waiting to happen!
I don't have any fresh oranges, can I use orange juice for my Cranberry Orange Sauce?
While fresh oranges are ideal for that bright, zesty flavor, you can indeed use orange juice in a pinch! Use 1 cup of good quality orange juice, and if you have orange extract, add 1/2 teaspoon to mimic the zest. Just remember, the zest adds a lot of aroma, so the flavor might be slightly less intense.
My Cranberry Orange Sauce is too tart! How do I fix it?
Don't panic! If your sauce is a bit too puckery for your liking, you can easily sweeten it up. Add a tablespoon of sugar or maple syrup at a time, stirring it in and tasting as you go, until you reach your desired sweetness. A squeeze of orange juice can also help balance the flavors.
Can I freeze leftover Cranberry Orange Sauce?
Yes, you can definitely freeze leftover cranberry sauce! Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag, pressing out any excess air. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to use it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
It might be a bit looser in texture after thawing, but the flavor will still be great!
What can I do with leftover Cranberry Orange Sauce besides just eating it with turkey?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! Spread it on a turkey or brie sandwich, use it as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal, or even bake it into muffins or scones. It also makes a fantastic glaze for pork or chicken.
Think of it as your festive, fruity secret weapon in the kitchen a bit like a culinary Swiss Army knife!
I want to spice things up. What variations can I make to this Cranberry Orange Sauce recipe?
Feeling adventurous, eh? You can add a pinch of ground ginger, a cinnamon stick (remove before serving), a star anise (also remove before serving), or even a splash of orange liqueur like Cointreau or Grand Marnier for an adult twist. Some people like to add chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture too.
Get creative and make it your own "signature" Cranberry Orange Sauce!
Cranberry Orange Sauce
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 120 |
|---|---|
| Fat | <1g |
| Fiber | <1g |
