Homemade cranberry sauce is a simple yet essential addition to any holiday table. With a perfect balance of tart cranberries and a hint of sweetness, this recipe also offers an optional twist of orange flavor that adds depth and brightness. This sauce pairs beautifully with holiday main courses and provides a deliciously fresh contrast to richer dishes. Not only is it quick to make, but it also beats any store-bought version in taste and texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Just 15 minutes from start to finish—perfect for busy holiday cooking.
- Few Ingredients: Only four simple ingredients, with an optional orange twist to enhance the flavor.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: It can be prepared up to three days in advance and stored in the fridge, making it easy to plan ahead.
- Versatile Flavor: The hint of orange complements the tart cranberries, making this sauce suitable for a variety of dishes.
- Beautiful Presentation: The rich red color adds a festive touch to the table and looks as good as it tastes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 12 oz fresh cranberries, washed
- Orange peel or orange juice, to taste (optional)
Step-by-Step Directions
- Prepare the Base: In a medium saucepan, combine water, sugar, and orange peel or orange juice if you’re adding it for extra flavor. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar fully dissolves.
- Add the Cranberries: Carefully add the fresh cranberries to the pot. Stir well, then return the mixture to a gentle boil before reducing the heat to low.
- Cook the Sauce: Let the cranberries cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. As they heat, the cranberries will start to pop and break down, releasing their juices and naturally thickening the sauce.
- Cool and Set: Once the cranberries have softened and the sauce has thickened, turn off the heat. Transfer the sauce to a serving dish or storage container, allowing it to cool to room temperature. The sauce will thicken more as it cools. For best results, store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before serving.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Stirring spoon
- Serving dish or storage container
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve the cranberry sauce chilled or at room temperature. Pair it with roasted turkey, ham, or even as a spread on sandwiches.
- Storage: Store any leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and stir well before serving.
Variations
- Cinnamon Spice: Add a cinnamon stick to the saucepan for a warm, spiced flavor. Remove before serving.
- Zesty Lemon: Use lemon peel or juice in place of orange for a slightly more tangy, refreshing taste.
- Honey Sweetened: Swap half of the sugar for honey for a richer, more complex sweetness.
- Berry Mix: Mix in a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries or raspberries to add an extra berry flavor and a fun color twist.
Helpful Notes and Tips
- Taste Adjustment: After the sauce cools, taste it to see if it needs any additional sweetness. Stir in a small amount of sugar or honey if desired.
- Thicker Sauce: For a thicker consistency, let the sauce cook for a couple of extra minutes until it reaches your preferred thickness.
- Easy Additions: Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can add a gourmet touch. Add a sprig while cooking and remove before serving.
- Texture Control: If you prefer a smoother sauce, use a spoon or potato masher to break down the cranberries further as they cook.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Alton Brown recommends adding a pinch of salt to balance the sauce’s sweetness and bring out the cranberry flavor even more.
- Martha Stewart suggests using fresh cranberries whenever possible for the brightest color and flavor, though frozen cranberries can work in a pinch.
- Ina Garten advises adding a splash of liqueur, such as Grand Marnier, for an elegant flavor boost that enhances the cranberry and orange combination.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes! Simply add them straight from the freezer without thawing; the cooking time may increase by a couple of minutes. - Is it possible to make this sauce less sweet?
Absolutely. Start with 3/4 cup sugar and add more as needed to reach your desired sweetness level. - Can I use an alternative sweetener?
Yes, honey or maple syrup work well, though they will slightly alter the flavor. Start by substituting half the sugar for a balanced sweetness. - How can I make this sauce smooth?
For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender after cooking to blend the cranberries to your desired consistency. - Is it possible to double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all the ingredients and extend the cooking time slightly to allow the cranberries to cook down evenly.
With its vibrant color and fresh flavors, this Homemade Cranberry Sauce with a hint of orange is sure to become a staple on your holiday table. It’s a simple recipe that brings out the natural taste of cranberries and can be tailored to your preferences, whether you like it sweet, tangy, or spiced. Enjoy every spoonful!
Fresh Cranberry Sauce with a Hint of Orange
Made this simple cranberry sauce, and I’ll never go back to canned! Perfect blend of sweet and tart with a hint of orange!
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 12 oz fresh cranberries washed
- Orange peel or orange juice to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In a medium saucepan, combine water, sugar, and orange peel or juice (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved.
- Add the Cranberries: Once boiling, carefully add the cranberries to the pot. Stir, then bring to a gentle boil, and reduce the heat to low.
- Cook the Sauce: Allow the cranberries to cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. As they cook, the cranberries will start to pop and break down, thickening the sauce.
- Cool and Set: Turn off the heat. The cranberry sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. Transfer to a serving dish or storage container, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Taste Adjustment: After the sauce cools, taste it to see if it needs any additional sweetness. Stir in a small amount of sugar or honey if desired.
- Thicker Sauce: For a thicker consistency, let the sauce cook for a couple of extra minutes until it reaches your preferred thickness.
- Easy Additions: Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can add a gourmet touch. Add a sprig while cooking and remove before serving.
- Texture Control: If you prefer a smoother sauce, use a spoon or potato masher to break down the cranberries further as they cook.