Looking for a vibrant and flavorful addition to your Thanksgiving or holiday table? This Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce Recipe provides a taste experience far superior to anything you’ll find in a can. Bursting with the tartness of cranberries, the sweetness of oranges, and a hint of warmth from spices, this homemade sauce is surprisingly easy to make and will be the star of your festive meal. Get ready to impress your guests with a bright, delicious, and homemade touch!
What is Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce?
Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce is a delightful condiment typically enjoyed during the fall and winter holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. It’s a vibrant, flavorful sauce made from fresh cranberries, oranges (usually both the juice and zest), sweetener (sugar, maple syrup, or honey), and often a touch of spices like cinnamon or cloves. Unlike the canned version, which can be overly sweet and gelatinous, the homemade version is bright, balanced, and offers a far superior taste and texture.
The combination of tart cranberries and sweet oranges creates a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with savory dishes like roasted turkey, chicken, or pork. Its a simple recipe to make, and you will wow your guest this holiday season!
So, ditch the can and embrace the fresh, vibrant flavors of homemade cranberry orange sauce. Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!
Key Ingredients for Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce
Here’s what you’ll need to create this festive and delicious sauce:
- Fresh Cranberries (12 ounces): Be sure to rinse the cranberries thoroughly and pick out any soft or damaged ones.
- Orange (1 large): You’ll need both the juice and zest of a large orange. Zest the orange before juicing it.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar depending on how tart or sweet you prefer your sauce. You can also substitute with maple syrup or honey.
- Water (1/2 cup): Helps to dissolve the sugar and create the perfect saucy consistency.
- Ground Cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a touch of warmth and spice.
- Ground Cloves (1/8 teaspoon): Use sparingly, as cloves can be overpowering.
- Pinch of Salt: Enhances the other flavors.
How to Make Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce
This Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce is incredibly easy to make – preparation time takes about 5 minutes, and from start to finish, it takes just about 20 minutes. It’s a simple recipe that delivers outstanding flavor and a vibrant addition to your holiday spread. The bright, tart cranberries combined with the sweet orange create a balanced and satisfying sauce that is so much better than anything store-bought.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Orange: Zest the orange using a microplane or fine grater, being careful to avoid the bitter white pith. Then, juice the orange. You should get approximately 1/2 cup of juice.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, granulated sugar, water, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and a pinch of salt.
- Cook the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
- Simmer Until Thickened: Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Pro Tip: The sauce will thicken further as it cools, so don’t overcook it.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the cranberry orange sauce cool completely. As it cools, the sauce will thicken even more. Transfer the sauce to a serving dish and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the cooled sauce and adjust sweetness or spices as needed. Add a little more sugar for sweetness or a tiny pinch of cinnamon or cloves for spiced flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce
This Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce stands out for its vibrant, homemade flavor, its cost-effectiveness, and the delightful layers of flavor created with the addition of orange. The bright, tart cranberry base coupled with the sweet and zesty orange creates a perfectly balanced sauce that is a joy to eat alongside savory holiday dishes. Making it yourself is significantly cheaper than buying pre-made cranberry sauce, and offers the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch. A touch of spice, like cinnamon and cloves provide warming undertones. It’s a definite upgrade from boring canned cranberry sauce!
If you love cranberry flavors, you might also enjoy a Cranberry Apple Crisp for a delightful dessert. Why not try making this fresh and flavourful sauce for yourself this holiday season?
What to Serve Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce With
This Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce is more than just a side dish; it’s a versatile condiment that enhances a variety of meals. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Roasted Turkey: The classic pairing! The tartness of the cranberry sauce cuts through the richness of the turkey, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
- Roasted Chicken or Pork: Works equally well with other poultry and pork dishes.
- Ham: The sweet and tangy flavor of the cranberry sauce complements the salty, smoky ham beautifully.
- Cream Cheese and Crackers: Spread a layer of cream cheese on crackers and top with cranberry sauce for a simple and elegant appetizer.
- ** Brie Cheese:** Top a baked brie with a spoonful of this cranberry sauce for a spectacular holiday appetizer.
- Pancakes or Waffles: Add a spoonful to your breakfast favorites for a festive twist.
- Ice Cream Topping: Adds a tart and sweet element to your sundae.
- Goat Cheese Salad: Use it as part of salad dressing combined in vinaigrette
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Storing: Store leftover cranberry orange sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 5-7 days.
- Freezing: Cranberry orange sauce can be frozen for longer storage. Transfer the cooled sauce to a freezer-safe container, leaving some headspace at the top to allow for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- Reheating: If you prefer a warm sauce, you can gently reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, until warmed.
Final Thoughts
This Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce Recipe is a simple yet stunning way to elevate your holiday meals. The vibrant flavors and homemade touch will impress your guests and make your holiday spread even more special. Once you try this recipe, you’ll never go back to canned cranberry sauce again.
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen cranberries?
A: Yes, you can use frozen cranberries if fresh cranberries are not available. Just be sure to thaw them slightly before cooking.
Q: Can I use maple syrup or honey instead of sugar?
A: Yes, maple syrup or honey can be substituted for sugar. Start with the same amount (1 cup) and adjust to taste.
Q: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, making it a day or two in advance allows the flavors to meld together even more.
Q: How long does the sauce last?
A: Stored properly in the refrigerator, the sauce will last for up to 5-7 days.
Q: Can I add other fruits?
A: Many like to add apples or pears to the sauce to make it more interesting. Chop these into small pieces and add with other ingredients.
Q: Can I double or triple this recipe?
A: Yes, you can easily double or triple this recipe to make a larger batch. Just adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly.