Cranberry Orange Sauce
Bright, tart, and vibrant, this homemade cranberry orange sauce offers a refreshing contrast to heavy holiday dishes. The addition of fresh orange zest and juice elevates the flavor profile, making it a must-have accompaniment to roasted meats.
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Cook time: 64 minutes
- Total time: 94 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Difficulty: Medium
- Cuisine: International
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
- Combine the sugar, orange juice, water, and cinnamon stick in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir until the sugar has completely dissolved.
- Add the fresh cranberries and ground ginger to the pan.
- Simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in the fresh orange zest.
- Discard the cinnamon stick and allow the sauce to cool completely before serving.
Tips
- The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so do not over-reduce.
- Add a splash of grand marnier for an extra festive kick.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries directly; no need to thaw them first.
Is this sauce too sweet?
You can reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup if you prefer a more tart flavor profile.
Can I make this days in advance?
Yes, it actually tastes better after the flavors have melded for 24 hours in the fridge.