Imagine a vibrant, tangy sauce that transforms your holiday table from ordinary to extraordinary in just 20 minutes! This Homemade Cranberry Orange Sauce is not just a side dish—it's a culinary masterpiece that will have your guests begging for the recipe. Bursting with fresh cranberries, bright orange zest, and the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, this sauce is about to become your new go-to condiment for everything from roast turkey to morning toast.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
Instructions
- Rinse the fresh cranberries thoroughly under cold water, removing any stems or damaged berries.
- Using a fine grater, carefully zest one orange to obtain 1 teaspoon of fresh orange zest, being careful to only scrape the bright orange outer layer and avoid the bitter white pith.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, orange juice, and orange zest.
- Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to help the sugar dissolve.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and burning.
- As the cranberries heat, they will begin to pop and burst, releasing their natural pectin and creating a sauce-like consistency.
- Continue cooking for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and most cranberries have broken down.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the cranberry orange sauce cool to room temperature.
- The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, creating a perfect jellied texture.
- Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl or storage container and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips
- • Use fresh, firm cranberries for the best texture and flavor • Zest the orange carefully to avoid the bitter white pith • Stir frequently to prevent the sauce from burning or sticking • Don't rush the cooking process—let the cranberries naturally break down • For a smoother sauce, use a potato masher to help break down the berries • Allow the sauce to cool completely for the best jellied consistency • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week • For extra depth, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 60kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
