Kicked Up Cranberry Sauce
Elevate your holiday table with this bold and flavorful Kicked Up Cranberry Sauce, a delightful twist on a classic favorite. This recipe combines fresh cranberries with the vibrant zing of orange juice and zest, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and a subtle kick of heat from optional minced jalapeño. A perfect balance of sweet and tart is achieved with a blend of white and brown sugars, while fresh ginger and a touch of vanilla extract add layers of depth and complexity. Ready in just 20 minutes, this easy homemade cranberry sauce is ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special meal. Serve it warm, chilled, or at room temperature for a versatile and crowd-pleasing side dish that pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, or your favorite holiday entrees.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 0.5 cups orange juice (preferably fresh-squeezed)
- 0.5 cups water
- 0.75 cups white granulated sugar
- 0.25 cups light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoons orange zest
- 0.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 0.5 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
- 1 small jalapeño, finely minced (optional for heat)
- 0.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
Rinse the cranberries under cold water and discard any that are bruised or mushy.
In a medium-sized saucepan set over medium heat, combine the orange juice, water, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Stir until the sugars have dissolved completely.
Add the cranberries, orange zest, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, grated fresh ginger, and minced jalapeño (if using) to the saucepan.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens slightly.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Allow the cranberry sauce to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a serving dish or airtight container. It will thicken further as it cools.
Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to one week. This sauce can be enjoyed warm, room temperature, or chilled, depending on your preference.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1020 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 1.5 g | 2% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 27 mg | 1% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 256.9 g | 93% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.3 g | 51% | |
| Total Sugars | 225.4 g | ||
| Protein | 2.6 g | 5% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 100 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 1.6 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 639 mg | 14% | |
*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.
