Description
This easy cranberry sauce recipe combines fresh or frozen cranberries with orange juice and zest for a bright, tangy flavor. Sweetened with sugar and subtly spiced with cinnamon, it’s a perfect, homemade side dish for Thanksgiving or any festive meal. Ready in just 20 minutes, this stovetop sauce is versatile and can be served chilled or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, and orange juice. Stir well to mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Boil and Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the orange zest, ground cinnamon if using, and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor profile of the sauce.
- Cool the Sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the cranberry sauce to cool to room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Serve: Serve the cranberry sauce chilled or at room temperature as a delicious side to your meal.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, mash the cranberries during cooking or blend the sauce after it has cooled.
- This sauce can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
