Hey y’all! If you’ve never made Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest from scratch, you’re in for a real treat. This vibrant, tangy sauce is bursting with fresh cranberry flavor and zesty citrus notes, making it the perfect companion for holiday feasts, Sunday roasts, or even as a sweet spread for breakfast. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make—no cans necessary! Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest
- Super Quick: Ready in just 20 minutes with minimal prep—perfect for busy cooks!
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of tart cranberries and sweet orange zest is irresistible.
- Made with Real Ingredients: No preservatives or artificial flavors—just fresh, wholesome goodness.
- Versatile: Delicious with turkey, pork, cheese boards, or even on toast!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared in advance to save time during busy holidays.
Ingredients for Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest
- 12 ounces (340g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120ml) freshly squeezed orange juice (about 1 large orange)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 orange)
- ¼ cup (60ml) water
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Rinse the cranberries thoroughly. Zest and juice your orange, measuring out 1 tablespoon of zest and ½ cup of juice.
Step 2: Combine and Cook
In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, water, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently to combine.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. If using, stir in cinnamon and vanilla during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. The sauce will thicken as it cools. Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to use.
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes
Notes for the Best Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest
- For a smoother texture, mash some of the cranberries with a wooden spoon as they cook.
- Try brown sugar or honey for a richer sweetness—find more sweetener swaps at Bon Appétit’s sweetener guide.
- Adjust the orange zest to taste for a more or less citrusy flavor.
Variations on Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest
- Spiced Cranberry Sauce: Add ¼ teaspoon ground cloves and ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg for warmth.
- Apple-Cranberry Sauce: Stir in ½ cup diced apple with the cranberries.
- Ginger-Orange Cranberry Sauce: Add 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger for a zingy twist.
Required Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Zester or fine grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions for Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest
Let the sauce cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve as a classic side with roasted turkey, chicken, or pork tenderloin.
- Spoon over warm brie or cream cheese for a festive appetizer.
- Spread on toast, biscuits, or swirl into Greek yogurt for breakfast.
- Add a dollop to oatmeal or pancakes for a pop of color and flavor.
Pro Tips for the Best Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest
- Don’t overcook—10-12 minutes is perfect for a sauce that thickens as it cools (Serious Eats: Cranberry Sauce Tips).
- For an extra glossy finish, stir in 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter at the end.
- Taste as you go: add more sugar or orange juice if you prefer a sweeter, milder sauce (Healthline: Cranberry Nutrition).
Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest FAQ
- Can I use frozen cranberries?
- Absolutely! No need to thaw first—just add a minute or two to the cooking time.
- How do I make the sauce less tart?
- Increase the sugar to 1 cup or add an extra splash of orange juice for a sweeter sauce.
- Can this be made ahead of time?
- Yes! In fact, it tastes even better after a day or two in the fridge as the flavors meld together.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh cranberries, rinsed
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120 ml) fresh orange juice
- ¼ cup (60 ml) water
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
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1In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and water.
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2Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
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3Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, until cranberries burst and sauce thickens.
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4Stir in orange zest, ground cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract. Cook for 1-2 more minutes.
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5Remove from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
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6Transfer to a serving bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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