Description
A vibrant and tangy cranberry sauce made from fresh or frozen cranberries, sweetened with sugar and brightened with orange juice and zest. This easy-to-make sauce is perfect for pairing with festive meals or as a zesty condiment throughout the year.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- Zest of 1 orange (optional, for extra citrus flavor)
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, orange juice, orange zest if using, cinnamon stick if using, and a pinch of salt.
- Cook the Cranberries: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the sauce and add more sugar if desired. Simmer for a few more minutes to dissolve any additional sugar.
- Cool the Sauce: Remove from heat, discard the cinnamon stick, and let the sauce cool to room temperature. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and serve either warm or chilled. The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
Notes
- The cinnamon stick adds a warm spice note, but can be omitted if preferred.
- Adjust sugar to your taste preference, especially if cranberries are very tart.
- This sauce thickens more as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a little thin when hot.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest provide the best flavor, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
