Easy Homemade Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce Recipe

Bursting with flavor, this Easy Homemade Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce Recipe is a delightful twist on the traditional cranberry sauce. It’s sweet yet tangy and perfect for complementing roast turkey during Thanksgiving or any poultry dish throughout the year. With its vibrant taste and simple preparation, making your homemade cranberry sauce is far easier than you think. This recipe will surely impress your guests, proving that fresh ingredients elevate any meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple to follow and takes only 15 minutes from start to finish.
• Fresh Flavors: Using fresh cranberries and orange juice ensures the most vibrant taste in every bite.
• Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for Thanksgiving, holiday meals, or everyday dinners with poultry.
• Healthier Option: Homemade sauce avoids preservatives found in store-bought versions.
• Customizable Sweetness: Adjust the sugar levels to suit your personal taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delightful cranberry orange sauce, you’ll need some essential tools to make the process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Zester
• Sharp knife
• Large pot
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Zester: This tool helps you extract the orange zest without removing the bitter white pith.
• Sharp knife: A good knife makes it easy to cut the orange for juicing, ensuring you get all the delicious juice out.
• Large pot: Allows for even cooking and enough space for cranberries to pop without spilling over.

Ingredients

For the Sauce

• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• zest of one orange
• juice of an orange (about 1/2 cup)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 12 ounce bag fresh cranberries

How to Make Easy Homemade Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Orange

Using a zester, zest all of the peel from one orange. Ensure you only take the outer layer; avoid the bitter white pith.

Step 2: Juice the Orange

Using a sharp knife, cut the orange in half and squeeze all of the juice into a measuring cup. You should have around a 1/2 cup of juice.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add both types of sugar and water to the pot. Stir occasionally to dissolve the sugar completely.

Step 4: Cook the Sauce

Add in the orange zest, orange juice, and cranberries. Simmer for about 10 minutes. The cranberries will begin to pop and burst, creating a thick sauce.

Step 5: Cool Down

Remove the pot from heat. Let the cranberry mixture cool completely before serving.

This Easy Homemade Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce Recipe is sure to become a favorite at your table! Enjoy this flavorful side dish with your next meal!

How to Serve Easy Homemade Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce Recipe

Cranberry orange sauce is a versatile dish that can elevate many meals. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply enjoying a weeknight dinner, this sauce adds a delightful burst of flavor. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

With Roast Turkey

• Pair this sauce with roasted turkey for a classic Thanksgiving meal. The sweet and tangy flavors complement the savory meat perfectly.

On Grilled Chicken

• Drizzle the cranberry orange sauce over grilled chicken for a refreshing twist. It adds moisture and flavor, making your dish stand out.

As a Dip

• Serve as a dip alongside cheese platters or crackers. Its unique taste will surprise your guests and keep them coming back for more.

With Pork Alternatives

• Use this sauce with grilled or roasted chicken or turkey sausages for an easy yet flavorful meal option.

On Pancakes or Waffles

• Spoon this sauce over pancakes or waffles for a delicious breakfast treat. The combination of tart cranberries and sweet maple syrup is irresistible.

How to Perfect Easy Homemade Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce Recipe

To make the most of your cranberry orange sauce, consider these helpful tips. They ensure that each batch is flavorful and satisfying.

• Use fresh cranberries: Fresh cranberries provide the best flavor and texture, enhancing the overall quality of your sauce.
• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to add more sugar gradually until it suits your taste.
• Incorporate spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth and depth in flavor.
• Let it cool completely: Allowing the sauce to cool enhances its thickness and helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
• Store properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness for up to two weeks.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Homemade Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce Recipe

Cranberry orange sauce pairs well with various side dishes, creating delightful combinations at mealtime. Here are some great options to serve alongside your sauce.

1. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables tossed with olive oil and herbs, roasted until tender.
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic flavor, providing a comforting side.
3. Quinoa Salad: A light salad made with quinoa, mixed greens, nuts, and dried fruits for added texture and flavor.
4. Stuffing: A savory stuffing made with herbs, bread cubes, and vegetable broth, perfect for soaking up flavors.
5. Green Bean Almondine: Sautéed green beans topped with toasted almonds for an extra crunch.
6. Sweet Potato Casserole: A rich casserole made from mashed sweet potatoes topped with crunchy pecans or marshmallows.
7. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice cooked with broth and herbs, offering a nice balance to the tartness of the sauce.
8. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins that provide a satisfying contrast in texture when paired with cranberry orange sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making your own cranberry sauce can be easy, but there are some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

• Using old cranberries: Fresh cranberries are essential. Ensure you’re using cranberries that are firm and bright. Discard any that are soft or wrinkled.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Precision is key! Use proper measuring cups for liquids and dry ingredients to maintain the right flavor balance.
• Cooking for too long: Overcooking can make the sauce too thick or mushy. Simmer just until the cranberries burst for the best texture.
• Skipping the zest: Orange zest adds depth and brightness. Don’t skip this step; it enhances the overall flavor of your sauce.
• Ignoring cooling time: Allowing your sauce to cool completely before serving helps flavors develop. Don’t rush this step!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your cranberry orange sauce in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Easy Homemade Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce Recipe

• You can freeze it for up to three months.
• Use freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags for best results.

Reheating Easy Homemade Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered in a baking dish until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between, until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about making Easy Homemade Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce:

Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?

Yes! Frozen cranberries work well in this recipe. Just thaw them before cooking.

How long does homemade cranberry sauce last?

Homemade cranberry sauce lasts up to one week in the refrigerator and three months in the freezer.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! This sauce can be made a few days ahead of time, allowing flavors to deepen.

What can I serve with cranberry orange sauce?

It pairs wonderfully with turkey, chicken, or even as a topping on desserts like cheesecake.

Is it possible to adjust the sweetness?

Yes! Feel free to modify the sugar amounts based on your taste preference. You can also substitute honey or maple syrup.

Final Thoughts

The Easy Homemade Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for holiday feasts or everyday meals. Feel free to customize it by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or try incorporating other fruits such as apples or pears. Enjoy making this delightful sauce at home!

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Easy Homemade Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Easy Homemade Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce Recipe—a delightful take on a classic that brings a sweet and tangy twist to your meals. Bursting with freshness, this sauce perfectly complements roast turkey, grilled chicken, or even your favorite breakfast dishes like pancakes and waffles. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, creating this homemade sauce is not only effortless but also ensures you avoid preservatives commonly found in store-bought varieties. Impress your guests at Thanksgiving or elevate any weeknight dinner with this delectable side dish that showcases the vibrant taste of fresh cranberries and citrus.

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Ingredients

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• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• Zest of 1 orange
• Juice of 1 orange (about 1/2 cup)
• 1/2 cup water
• 12 ounces fresh cranberries

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Instructions

1. Zest the orange using a zester, avoiding the bitter white pith.
2. Cut the orange in half and squeeze out approximately 1/2 cup of juice.
3. In a large pot over medium heat, combine both sugars and water; stir until dissolved.
4. Add the orange zest, juice, and cranberries to the pot; simmer for about 10 minutes until cranberries pop.
5. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 85
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: <1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg