Irresistible Homemade Cranberry Orange Sauce Recipe

Homemade Cranberry Orange Sauce is like a festive hug for your taste buds, combining the tartness of cranberries with the zesty brightness of oranges. Picture this: you’re at a holiday dinner, and the aroma wafts through the air, teasing your senses with hints of citrus and sweetness, promising a burst of flavor that will make your turkey dance.

Now, let me take you back to my first Thanksgiving as a newlywed. I was determined to impress my in-laws with my culinary prowess. Little did I know that my “secret” recipe for cranberry sauce was actually just the can opener and a can of jellied cranberry. Fast forward to today, and I’ve mastered this Homemade Cranberry Orange Sauce recipe that not only delivers on flavor but is also something I can proudly serve without hesitation. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just an ordinary Tuesday that feels like a celebration, this sauce is always ready to elevate any meal!

Ingredients for Homemade Cranberry Orange Sauce

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Cranberries: Look for bright red berries; they should be firm and plump for the best flavor.
• Fresh Oranges: You’ll need both the juice and zest. Choose juicy oranges for maximum flavor.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar balances the tartness of the cranberries; adjust according to taste.
• Water: A bit of water helps create the right consistency; use filtered water for purity.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth; feel free to sprinkle in some nutmeg if you’re feeling adventurous.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Homemade Cranberry Orange Sauce

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Rinse and Prepare

Start by rinsing your fresh cranberries under cold water. Discard any mushy ones because nobody likes a party crasher.

Step 2: Zest and Juice

While your cranberries dry off, zest one orange using a microplane grater (or a regular grater if you don’t have one). Be careful not to include the bitter white pith! After zesting, juice that same orange into a measuring cup.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine your rinsed cranberries, orange juice, zest, sugar, and about half a cup of water. Stir well until everything’s cozy together.

Step 4: Simmer Away

Let your mixture simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes. You’ll hear those lovely cranberries popping like little joyful fireworks! Stir occasionally until most berries have burst open and it thickens nicely.

Step 5: Spice It Up

Add ground cinnamon (and nutmeg if you’re feeling fancy) during the last minute of cooking. Stir it in while imagining you’re sprinkling holiday magic into your sauce.

Step 6: Cool Down

Once thickened to your liking, remove from heat and let it cool down slightly before transferring it into a serving dish or jar. The sauce will thicken even more as it cools!

Serving suggestion: Drizzle over roasted turkey or enjoy it as an unexpected twist on yogurt or toast!

And there you have it—a dazzling Homemade Cranberry Orange Sauce that’s sure to steal the spotlight at any gathering! As you serve up this vibrant dish, watch as faces light up with delight—it’s like giving everyone at your table an edible hug!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by rinsing the cranberries and chopping the oranges while the sugar and water simmer on the stove. Once the liquid reaches a gentle boil, add the cranberries and oranges, stirring until everything bursts with flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your homemade cranberry orange sauce by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. You can also swap out some of the sugar for honey or maple syrup for a different twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover homemade cranberry orange sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

I remember making this homemade cranberry orange sauce for Thanksgiving last year and watching my family fight over who got to take home the leftovers. The laughter and joy around that table made all the effort worthwhile!

FAQs :

What is Homemade Cranberry Orange Sauce?

Homemade cranberry orange sauce is a vibrant and tangy condiment made from fresh cranberries, orange juice, and zest. This simple recipe enhances the natural tartness of cranberries with the bright flavor of oranges. Ideal for Thanksgiving or holiday meals, this sauce adds color and a delightful taste to dishes like turkey and ham. Making it from scratch allows you to control the sweetness and consistency, ensuring a perfect balance that complements savory foods beautifully.

How do I make Homemade Cranberry Orange Sauce?

To make homemade cranberry orange sauce, start by rinsing fresh cranberries. Combine them in a saucepan with freshly squeezed orange juice and the zest of one orange. Add sugar to taste, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Allow it to cool before serving for the best flavor.

Can I store Homemade Cranberry Orange Sauce?

Absolutely! Homemade cranberry orange sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The flavors often deepen over time, making it even more delicious after a day or two. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it in small portions. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before using to enjoy its vibrant taste at your next meal.

What dishes pair well with Homemade Cranberry Orange Sauce?

Homemade cranberry orange sauce pairs wonderfully with various dishes, especially during holiday meals. It complements roasted turkey, glazed ham, and pork loin perfectly. You can also use it as a topping for cream cheese on crackers or as a sweet addition to salads. Its bright flavors enhance both savory and sweet dishes, making it a versatile condiment for any occasion.

Conclusion for Homemade Cranberry Orange Sauce :

In summary, homemade cranberry orange sauce is an easy-to-make condiment that elevates holiday meals with its tangy and sweet flavor profile. By following simple steps—cooking fresh cranberries with orange juice and zest—you create a vibrant sauce that enhances many dishes. With proper storage, this sauce remains delicious for weeks. Enjoy crafting this delightful addition to your festive table!

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Homemade Cranberry Orange Sauce

• Author: Sarah
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

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Description

This vibrant, zesty sauce combines the tartness of cranberries with bright orange flavors, creating a delightful addition to your holiday meals or everyday dishes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• 1 large orange (juice and zest)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)

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Instructions

1. Rinse the cranberries under cold water and discard any mushy ones.
2. Zest the orange carefully and then juice it into a measuring cup.
3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the rinsed cranberries, orange juice, zest, sugar, and water.
4. Stir the mixture well until combined.
5. Allow to simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until most cranberries have burst open and the sauce thickens.
6. In the last minute of cooking, add ground cinnamon if desired, stirring to incorporate.
7. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to a serving dish or jar.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 cup (60g)
• Calories: 80
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 2mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: <1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: For added sweetness, consider substituting some sugar with honey or maple syrup. This sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.