Chunky Orange Cranberry Sauce
Brighten your holiday table with this tangy-sweet Chunky Orange Cranberry Sauce, a refreshingly vibrant twist on the classic Thanksgiving side dish. Bursting with fresh cranberries and chunks of juicy orange, this sauce balances tartness with the natural sweetness of orange juice and a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg for warm, spiced notes. The addition of orange zest adds a zippy citrus aroma, while a hint of pure vanilla extract rounds out the flavors beautifully. With a quick prep time of just 10 minutes and a simmer that thickens to the perfect chunky texture, this homemade cranberry sauce is a delightful upgrade to store-bought versions. Serve it chilled alongside turkey, ham, or as a zesty topping for baked brie and crostini. Make ahead for maximum flavor and enjoy a holiday favorite that’s as easy as it is impressive! Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive occasion.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 orange
- 3 quarters cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup water
- 0.5 cup orange juice
- 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.125 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 0.5 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
Rinse the cranberries under cold water and discard any that are mushy or spoiled.
Zest the orange, setting aside about 1 teaspoon of the zest. Then, peel the orange and chop the fruit into small chunks, removing any seeds.
In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, chopped orange pieces, orange zest, granulated sugar, water, and orange juice.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and add the ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine.
Simmer the sauce for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens. For a chunkier texture, lightly mash the cranberries with the back of a spoon while leaving some intact.
Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool to room temperature. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.
Transfer the sauce to a serving dish or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before serving for best flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
871 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 1.1 g | 1% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 157 mg | 7% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 222.5 g | 81% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.1 g | 58% | |
| Total Sugars | 188.5 g | ||
| Protein | 3.8 g | 8% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 111 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 1.2 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 769 mg | 16% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
