Cranberry Orange Sauce
Homemade Cranberry Orange Sauce is a simple, fresh condiment that brings together the tartness of cranberries and the bright sweetness of orange. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation, this sauce is the perfect addition to any holiday meal.
Servings: 8 Servings (1/4 cup each)
Ingredients
- 3 cups cranberries fresh or frozen, about 12 oz
- ¼ cup water
- ¾ cup sugar adjust to taste
- 1 orange juice and zest
- 1 cinnamon stick optional, but adds warmth
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine the cranberries and water. Cook over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. As they heat, the cranberries will pop and soften — that’s when the magic begins!
- Stir in the sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and cinnamon stick (if using). Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the mixture to bubble and thicken. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Test it by placing a spoonful on a cold plate (you can pop the plate in the freezer for a few minutes beforehand). If the sauce wrinkles when you run your finger through it, it’s done! Alternatively, check with a thermometer — the sauce should reach 220°F.
- Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the pan from the heat and discard the cinnamon stick. If there’s any foam on top, gently skim it off with a spoon.
- Let the sauce cool to room temperature before transferring to a serving dish. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. For warm sauce, gently heat in the microwave or on the stove before serving.
Notes
This cranberry orange sauce pairs wonderfully with turkey, chicken, or pork. It’s also a surprising treat on pancakes, waffles, or even vanilla ice cream!
If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend it with an immersion blender after cooling. Enjoy the burst of holiday flavor!
Nutrition
Calories: 98kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 62mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 61IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 0.1mg