Hey y'all! Get ready to impress your guests (and your taste buds) with the best Homemade Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce Recipe. This tangy, sweet, and zesty sauce isn’t just for Thanksgiving turkey—it’s a showstopper at weeknight dinners, sandwiches, and even breakfast spreads! With fresh cranberries and zippy orange, the flavors are vibrant and unforgettable. You’ll never go back to the canned stuff after trying this easy, fresh, and utterly delicious recipe. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Homemade Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce Recipe
- Balanced sweet-tart flavor: Fresh cranberries and real oranges create a vibrant taste.
- Super easy & quick: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy cooks.
- Versatile: Pairs beautifully with holiday mains, sandwiches, or breakfast.
- Make ahead: Preps beautifully, so you can focus on entertaining.
- Healthy and fresh: Made with whole fruit and less sugar than store brands.
Homemade Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce Recipe Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) fresh cranberries, rinsed
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice (from about 1 large orange)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- ½ cup water
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon or ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
Homemade Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce Recipe Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Cranberries and Oranges
- Rinse cranberries under cold water and pick out any soft or bruised ones.
- Zest the orange first, then juice it. Set both aside.
Step 2: Simmer the Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, water, and pinch of salt.
- Stir to mix, then bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, let simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes, until most cranberries have burst and the sauce thickens.
Step 3: Final Touches
- If using, stir in cinnamon or ginger for extra warmth and depth.
- Remove from heat. Let sauce cool—it will continue to thicken as it sets.
- Transfer to a serving bowl or airtight container.
Notes for Success with Homemade Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce Recipe
- Taste and adjust sweetness after simmering; you can always add a touch more sugar or a squeeze of honey.
- If you like a chunkier sauce, mash lightly with a fork; for smoother, blend briefly (careful—it's hot!).
- Learn more about the health benefits of cranberries at Medical News Today.
Variations: Try These Twists on Classic Homemade Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce
- Spiced Cranberry Sauce: Add a cinnamon stick and 3 whole cloves while simmering, then remove before serving.
- Cranberry Apple Orange Sauce: Add 1 small diced apple for extra texture and fall flavor.
- Maple Cranberry Orange Sauce: Swap half the sugar for pure maple syrup for rich, earthy sweetness.
Equipment Needed for Homemade Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce Recipe
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Zester or microplane
- Citrus juicer
- Airtight container for storage
Storage Instructions: Homemade Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce Recipe
Let the sauce cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Find more tips on freezing sauces at StillTasty.
Homemade Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce Recipe Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve over roast turkey, chicken, or pork for classic holiday flair.
- Spread on toasted bread, biscuits, or scones for a tangy breakfast twist.
- Pairs wonderfully with cheeses and crackers for appetizer platters.
- Spoon atop Greek yogurt, oatmeal, or pancakes for fruity goodness.
Pro Tips for the Best Homemade Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce Recipe
- Use fresh, firm cranberries for the brightest color and flavor.
- Simmer only until most cranberries burst for the best texture—overcooking can make it too thick.
- For an elegant finish, garnish with extra orange zest or a sprig of rosemary before serving. Discover more sauce-making tips at Serious Eats.
FAQ: Homemade Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce Recipe
- Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
- Absolutely! No need to thaw first—just add an extra minute or two to the simmer time.
- How far in advance can I make cranberry orange sauce?
- Make it up to a week ahead and keep refrigerated for easy planning.
- Will the sauce thicken as it cools?
- Yes, it will thicken considerably after cooling, so don’t worry if it seems a bit runny straight off the stove.
Prep & Total Time for Homemade Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries, rinsed and picked over
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
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1In a medium saucepan, combine the 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 the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and the sauce begins to thicken.
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4Stir in the orange zest, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
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5Remove from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature; it will continue to thicken as it cools.
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6Transfer to a serving dish or 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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