Orange Cranberry Sauce
A classic seasonal combination, this Orange Cranberry Sauce will make your turkey or prime rib dinner shine. It’s bright, bold, and festive, everything you want on your holiday table. Once you’ve had it fresh, you’ll never go back to the canned kind.
This sauce tastes like tart and tangy cranberries just better! They’re lightly sweetened and perfectly balanced with the fresh, citrusy taste of orange. The berries pop as they cook, releasing their natural tartness, while the orange adds a sunny lift that keeps each bite fresh. It’s simple, flavorful, and just the right mix of sweet and tangy.
You’ll impress everyone with this super easy side dish, even if you’re not a seasoned cook. It looks and tastes like something special, but it comes together in just a few minutes. Homemade cranberry sauce feels festive and effortless all at once, perfect for Thanksgiving Turkey, Christmas Prime Rib, or any big festive meal.
What You Need To Make Orange Cranberry Sauce
Making a good shopping list ensures you have everything you need on hand, especially during the holidays when stores get busy. Grab these few ingredients and you’ll be ready to go.
- fresh or frozen whole cranberries
- 1 orange, zest and juice
- water
- granulated sugar
If you don’t have an orange or prefer a different flavor, simply leave it out. You can also try a splash of lemon juice for brightness or a bit of cinnamon for warmth.
How To Clean Cranberries
Before you start cooking, take a few minutes to wash and sort through your cranberries. Look for any little stems on the berries themselves, getting one of those in your mouth during dinner will be a turn off so take the time to pick them out. Then pick out any berries that look soft, shriveled, or scarred, those can affect the texture and flavor of your finished sauce. Give them a good rinse to wash off any dust, dirt or grime.
How To Store Cranberry Sauce
Keep leftover cranberry sauce well covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. It’s great to make ahead, one less thing to worry about on the big day. It even tastes better after the flavors have had time to blend.
Orange Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh or frozen whole cranberries picked over and washed
- 1 orange zest and juice
- water enough to bring orange juice to 1 cup
- 1 cup sugar more or less to taste, as desired
Instructions
- Place the cranberries in a heavy saucepan or Dutch oven
- Wash the orange in hot water to remove the wax
- Zest the orange directly into the saucepan
- Juice the orange through a sieve into a measuring cup
- Add enough water to the juice to make 1 cup of liquid
- Pour the juice mixture into the saucepan
- Add the sugar and stir
- Cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally
- Allow the berries to pop and release their juices as they cook
- Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, about 15 minutes
- Test doneness by dragging a spoon across the bottom of the pan. If the sauce does not immediately run back together, it is ready
- Pour the sauce into a dish
- Chill until ready to serve
Love this recipe but I also add a tablespoon of minced ginger.