This orange cinnamon cranberry sauce is a bright and zesty addition to your meals. With a mix of tart cranberries and sweet orange, it’s perfect for Thanksgiving or anytime you crave something special!
Honestly, I love how easy it is to make this sauce. Just simmer everything on the stove, and you’ll be rewarded with a delicious scent that fills your kitchen. It’s a holiday favorite! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Cranberries: They are the star of this sauce! If you can’t find fresh cranberries, frozen ones work just as well. Just don’t thaw them before using; toss them frozen right into the pot!
Granulated Sugar: Sugar balances the tartness of the cranberries. For a healthier option, you could try honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind they may change the flavor a bit.
Fresh Orange Juice & Zest: Fresh oranges give the sauce a vibrant flavor. If you want to save time, you can use bottled juice, but freshly squeezed is always best for taste. The zest adds a nice punch, so don’t skip it!
Cinnamon Stick: It adds warmth to the sauce. If you don’t have whole cinnamon, powdered cinnamon will do in a pinch. Add it toward the end of cooking to avoid a gritty texture.
How Do I Make Sure My Sauce Is the Right Consistency?
The sauce should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, you can easily adjust it! After the cranberries burst, check the consistency. If it’s not where you want it, add a bit of water, a tablespoon at a time, while continuing to simmer. Stir often to ensure everything combines well!
- Start with 1/4 cup water if you think you might need it.
- If you like your sauce thicker, let it simmer longer—around 15 minutes is usually perfect!
After removing it from heat, remember it will thicken more as it cools, so keep that in mind when deciding the final texture!
Orange Cinnamon Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 large oranges)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup water (optional, to adjust consistency)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Orange Cinnamon Cranberry Sauce takes about 5 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook. So, you’ll be ready to enjoy this tasty treat in about 20 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep Your Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cool water. Make sure to sort through them and remove any stems or berries that look damaged. You want only the best cranberries for your sauce!
2. Combine Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon stick, and salt. This colorful mixture is going to cook down into a delicious sauce!
3. Bring to a Simmer:
Put the saucepan on the stove over medium heat. Keep an eye on it as it heats up. Soon, you’ll hear the cranberries start to pop as they release their juices! This is a good sign that things are cooking along nicely.
4. Simmer and Stir:
Stir the mixture occasionally while it simmers. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes until most of the cranberries have burst open, and the sauce has thickened to your preference. If it’s looking a bit too thick, add a splash of water, a little at a time, to reach the desired consistency.
5. Finish Up:
Once the sauce is thickened, take it off the heat and remove the cinnamon stick. This step is important because you don’t want any bites of cinnamon bark in your final dish!
6. Cool and Serve:
Let the sauce cool to room temperature. As it cools, it will continue to thicken. You can serve it right away, but it’s best when chilled! Feel free to garnish with extra orange slices and a cinnamon stick for a pretty presentation.
This tangy, sweet sauce is perfect for pairing with roasted turkey, chicken, or pork. It’s a lovely touch to any holiday meal! Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work great and don’t need to be thawed beforehand. Just toss them straight into the pot with the other ingredients, and they’ll cook up beautifully.
How Should I Store Leftover Cranberry Sauce?
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors tend to deepen after a day or two, making it even more delicious!
Can I Adjust the Sugar Content?
Yes, you can adjust the sugar based on your taste preferences. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, start with 3/4 cup of sugar and then taste it, adding more as needed.
Is It Possible to Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?
Definitely! This cranberry sauce actually tastes even better after a day in the fridge. You can make it up to a week in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together wonderfully before serving!
