Cranberry Orange Sauce is a vibrant, tangy-sweet condiment that’s a must-have during the holiday season. Made with just a few simple ingredients, this sauce balances the tartness of cranberries with the natural sweetness and citrusy brightness of fresh orange. Whether served with roasted turkey, spooned over desserts, or spread on sandwiches, it’s an easy way to elevate your festive meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Fresh Flavor: The combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange creates a perfectly balanced sauce.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just about 15 minutes with minimal prep.
- Versatile Use: Ideal for holiday dinners, leftovers, cheese boards, or even desserts.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This sauce can be made days in advance and even frozen for later.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Fresh or frozen cranberries
- Fresh orange juice
- Orange zest
- Granulated sugar
- Water
- Pinch of salt
Directions
- Heat the Liquid
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine water, fresh orange juice, and sugar. Stir occasionally until the sugar fully dissolves. - Add Cranberries
Stir in the cranberries and orange zest. Bring the mixture to a boil. - Simmer the Sauce
Reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 10-12 minutes. As the cranberries cook, they will begin to pop and break down, thickening the sauce. - Cool and Thicken
Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool. It will continue to thicken as it cools. Stir in a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. - Serve or Store
Serve at room temperature or chilled, depending on your preference.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 2 to 2½ cups
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 17 minutes
Variations
- Spiced Cranberry Orange Sauce: Add a cinnamon stick, ground cloves, or star anise while simmering for a warm holiday twist.
- Maple Sweetened: Replace some or all of the sugar with pure maple syrup for a deeper, natural sweetness.
- Ginger Kick: Add a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger to give the sauce a zingy edge.
- Cran-Apple Blend: Mix in diced apples during cooking for added sweetness and texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store cooled cranberry orange sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use.
- Reheating: Gently warm on the stovetop over low heat if you prefer it served warm. Otherwise, it can be served cold or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cranberries work just as well and do not need to be thawed before cooking.
How can I make the sauce less tart?
Add a bit more sugar or a splash of maple syrup or honey after tasting the cooked sauce to balance the tartness.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! It’s even better when made a day or two in advance to allow the flavors to deepen.
What can I serve this sauce with?
It pairs wonderfully with turkey, ham, pork, roasted vegetables, or even spooned over cheesecake, ice cream, or pancakes.
How long does it take for the sauce to thicken?
The sauce will thicken as it simmers, and continue to firm up as it cools—usually within 15–30 minutes after cooking.
Can I can this cranberry sauce?
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh or frozen. For canning, ensure you’re using a tested canning-safe recipe with proper acidity levels.
Can I reduce the sugar for a lower-sugar version?
Yes, though the sauce may be more tart. Start with less sugar and adjust to taste after the cranberries have cooked down.
What’s the benefit of adding orange zest?
The zest adds intense orange flavor and aromatic oils that enhance the overall brightness of the sauce.
Can I add other fruits?
Definitely! Chopped apples, pears, or even pineapple can be added for a fruitier variation.
Should I strain the sauce?
No need to strain, but if you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend it slightly or press it through a sieve.
Conclusion
Cranberry Orange Sauce is a simple yet flavorful side that brings brightness and tang to any meal, especially during the holidays. With just a handful of ingredients and under 20 minutes of cook time, you can whip up a fresh, homemade sauce that’s leagues better than the canned variety. Make it ahead, customize it to your liking, and enjoy it with everything from roasts to desserts.
Print
Cranberry Orange Sauce
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cranberry Orange Sauce is a bright and flavorful twist on the classic. Made with fresh cranberries, orange juice, and just the right amount of sweetness, it’s a perfect side dish for turkey, ham, or even as a topping for desserts and breakfast dishes.
Ingredients
-
12 oz fresh cranberries (1 bag)
-
3/4 cup granulated sugar
-
1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed, if possible)
-
1/4 cup water
-
1 tablespoon orange zest
-
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
-
Combine ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, add cranberries, sugar, orange juice, water, orange zest, and cinnamon (if using). Stir to combine. -
Cook:
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. -
Cool and serve:
Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. Chill before serving, if desired.
Notes
-
For a smoother sauce, mash the cranberries with a spoon or blend slightly once cooked.
-
Add a splash of vanilla or a pinch of cloves for extra warmth and depth.
-
Keeps well in the fridge for up to a week and can be made ahead of time.