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A vibrant image showcasing homemade Cranberry Orange Sauce, perfect for Thanksgiving dinner.

Easy Cranberry Orange Sauce

This homemade cranberry orange sauce is a vibrant and flavorful addition to any holiday meal. It's made with fresh cranberries and oranges and is surprisingly simple to make, offering a delightful alternative to canned versions. It can be made ahead of time for stress-free holiday preparations.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces fresh cranberries, rinsed
  • 1 large orange
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar adjust to taste
  • 1/4 cup water
  • Optional: 1 cinnamon stick
  • Optional: 1 star anise
  • Optional: Pinch of ground ginger
  • Optional: Splash of orange liqueur

Equipment

  • Zester
  • Juicer
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Medium saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Airtight container

Method
 

  1. Zest the orange, being careful to avoid the white pith.
  2. Juice the orange; you should have about 1/2 cup of juice.
  3. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, sugar, and water. Add any optional spices.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  5. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened slightly, stirring occasionally.
  6. Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness as needed. Add more sugar if it's too tart, or a splash of water if it's too thick.
  7. Remove from heat and let the sauce cool completely. It will thicken as it cools.
  8. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Notes

For a sweeter sauce, add more sugar. For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar. This sauce can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months. If the sauce is too thick, add a little water or orange juice to thin it out. If the sauce is too thin, continue simmering it for a few more minutes. Serve with turkey, ham, chicken, pork, sandwiches, cheese boards, yogurt, oatmeal, or as a dessert topping.