Cranberry Orange Sauce
Elevate your holiday table with this vibrant and tangy Cranberry Orange Sauce, a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and citrusy flavors. Made with just six simple ingredients—fresh cranberries, orange juice, zest, and a hint of optional cinnamon for warmth—this quick and easy sauce comes together in only 20 minutes. As it cooks, the cranberries burst and thicken into a glossy, jewel-toned condiment that is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering, this homemade cranberry sauce pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, ham, or even as a topping for desserts like cheesecake. Make it ahead of time for a stress-free holiday side dish that will wow your guests!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Fresh cranberries
- 0.75 cup Granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup Fresh orange juice
- 0.5 cup Water
- 1 teaspoon Orange zest
- 1 piece Cinnamon stick (optional)
Instructions
Rinse the cranberries under cold running water and discard any that are soft or bruised.
In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, fresh orange juice, and water. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has completely dissolved (about 2-3 minutes).
Add the cranberries to the saucepan and stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and simmer, stirring occasionally, until most of the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened (about 10-12 minutes).
If using, add the cinnamon stick to the sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking for added warmth and spice.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the orange zest.
Let the sauce cool to room temperature. As it cools, it will thicken further.
Transfer the cranberry orange sauce to a serving dish or airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve chilled or at room temperature alongside your favorite holiday dishes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
796 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 0.9 g | 1% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 11 mg | 0% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 206.8 g | 75% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.5 g | 52% | |
| Total Sugars | 174.9 g | ||
| Protein | 2.5 g | 5% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 75 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 1.2 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 521 mg | 11% | |
*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.
