Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Orange
A vibrant and fresh homemade cranberry sauce infused with orange zest and spice. This easy condiment is a perfect balance of tart and sweet, far superior to any canned version, and an essential accompaniment to Thanksgiving feasts.
🧂 Ingredients
- 12 oz Fresh cranberries
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup Fresh orange juice
- 1 tbsp Orange zest
- 1 Cinnamon stick
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest. Add the cinnamon stick to the pot. Stir everything together to ensure the cranberries are evenly coated with the sugar and liquid.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 2
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring more frequently as it thickens. You'll notice the cranberries begin to soften and burst, releasing their juices. The sauce is ready when it has thickened to your desired consistency, and most of the cranberries have popped. A good visual cue is when the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
⏱️ 15-20 minutes - 3
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully remove and discard the cinnamon stick. Allow the cranberry sauce to cool at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
⏱️ 15-20 minutes - 4
Transfer the cooled cranberry sauce to an airtight container. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1.5 hours, or until thoroughly chilled and fully thickened. The sauce will become even more jam-like as it chills.
⏱️ 1.5 hours
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Listen for the distinct 'pop' of the cranberries as they cook; this indicates they are softening and releasing their pectin, which helps thicken the sauce.
- ✓The sauce will thicken considerably as it cools and chills. If it seems too thin after cooking, simmer for a few more minutes. If it becomes too thick after chilling, you can stir in a tablespoon or two of orange juice or water to loosen it.
- ✓Homemade cranberry sauce offers a brighter, fresher flavor profile compared to canned versions, with customizable sweetness and spice.
- ✓For a smoother sauce, you can mash some of the cranberries with the back of your spoon while simmering.
🔄 Variations
- Add 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger along with the other ingredients for a spicy kick.
- Substitute 1/4 cup of port wine for 1/4 cup of the orange juice for a richer, more complex flavor.