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Amazing Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Amazing Cranberry Sauce Recipe

4.8 from 25 reviews

This Amazing Cranberry Sauce Recipe is a tangy and sweet condiment perfect for holiday meals or any occasion. Made with fresh cranberries, brown sugar, and a touch of orange zest and juice, it offers a delightful balance of flavors with a hint of cinnamon. Easy to prepare and versatile in serving, this sauce enhances turkey, chicken, or even desserts.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit and Zest

  • 1 tsp orange zest
  • ¼ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 12 oz cranberries (fresh; rinsed)

Sweeteners and Liquids

  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • ¾ cup water

Spices and Seasoning

  • ⅛ tsp cinnamon
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Orange Zest: Zest the orange carefully and set the zest aside for later use. This adds a fresh citrus aroma and flavor to your cranberry sauce.
  2. Combine Ingredients and Simmer: In a saucepan, mix the brown sugar, water, freshly squeezed orange juice, cinnamon, and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally until the brown sugar fully dissolves. Then add all but ½ cup of the fresh cranberries to the saucepan.
  3. Cook the Cranberries: Continue simmering the mixture, stirring occasionally for about 10 to 11 minutes. You will notice the cranberries start to pop and the sauce thickens slightly, which creates a nice texture and releases the berries’ flavors.
  4. Add Remaining Cranberries and Finish: Add the reserved ½ cup of cranberries and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the orange zest to infuse the sauce with citrus brightness.
  5. Cool and Serve: Let the sauce cool to your preferred temperature—warm, room temperature, or chilled. It will continue to thicken as it cools. Once cooled completely, cover and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Notes

  • The sauce thickens further as it cools, so avoid overcooking for a perfect consistency.
  • Use freshly squeezed orange juice and zest for the best flavor.
  • Can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
  • Serve alongside poultry, pork, or use as a topping for desserts like cheesecake.
  • For a spicier twist, you can add a small pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry sauce, holiday condiment, fresh cranberry recipe, orange zest cranberry sauce, easy cranberry sauce