Description

Looking for a bright, flavorful addition to your Thanksgiving or holiday table? Cranberry-Orange Sauce is a classic, tangy-sweet condiment that pairs perfectly with turkey, stuffing, or even desserts

Ingredients

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Cranberry-Orange Sauce uses just four ingredients for a bold, flavorful condiment. Here’s what you’ll need for 8-10 servings:

Two 8-ounce packages cranberries, fresh or frozen (about 4 cups): The tart, vibrant base.
1 orange, zest cut into strips and juiced (about ¼ cup juice): Adds citrusy brightness.
½ cup sugar: Balances the tartness with sweetness.
1 cinnamon stick: Infuses warm, spicy notes.

Why These Ingredients Matter

Cranberries: Provide the tart, jammy foundation.
Orange Zest and Juice: Add bright, zesty flavor and aroma.
Sugar: Softens the cranberries’ tartness for balance.
Cinnamon Stick: Brings warmth and depth without overpowering.

Substitutions and Variations

Cranberries: Use fresh or frozen; no need to thaw frozen cranberries.
Sugar: Substitute with honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar (adjust to taste, about ⅓-½ cup).
Orange: Replace with tangerine or clementine zest and juice for a milder citrus flavor.
Cinnamon Stick: Swap with ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, 2 cloves, or a pinch of nutmeg.
Vegan Option: Naturally vegan; use maple syrup or agave for a vegan sweetener.
Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free; no substitutions needed.
Flavor Variations:
- Spicy Cranberry Sauce: Add a pinch of cayenne or 1 teaspoon minced jalapeño.
- Ginger Cranberry Sauce: Add 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger or ¼ teaspoon ground ginger.
- Berry Blend Sauce: Replace one 8-ounce package of cranberries with raspberries or blueberries.
- Boozy Cranberry Sauce: Add 2 tablespoons bourbon or Grand Marnier after cooking.

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Instructions

Step 1: Gather and Prep

Gather all ingredients: two 8-ounce packages cranberries, 1 orange (for zest strips and juice), ½ cup sugar, and 1 cinnamon stick.
Use a vegetable peeler or zester to cut zest from the orange into strips; juice the orange to yield about ¼ cup.

Tip: Cut wide zest strips for easy removal; frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh.

Step 2: Cook the Sauce

In a medium saucepan, combine 4 cups cranberries, orange zest strips, ¼ cup orange juice, ½ cup sugar, and 1 cinnamon stick.
Place over medium heat and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
Simmer until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Tip: Stir gently to help cranberries burst; the sauce will thicken as it cools.

Step 3: Finish and Serve

Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool slightly.
Remove and discard the cinnamon stick (and zest strips if desired, though they can be left for presentation).
Serve at room temperature, or cool completely and refrigerate until ready to use.

Tip: Taste and adjust sweetness with an extra tablespoon of sugar if needed; the sauce sets as it cools.