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Cranberry Orange Sauce

Zesty Cranberry Orange Sauce – The Best Holiday Side Dish

This Cranberry Orange Sauce combines tart cranberries with sweet oranges to create a zesty holiday favorite.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 80 kcal

Equipment

  • medium-sized saucepan

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce

  • 12 oz fresh whole cranberries ensures a burst of flavor
  • 1 cup orange juice freshly squeezed, can substitute with lemonade
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar adjust for sweetness preference
  • 1 stick cinnamon stick optional, can replace with ground cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp orange zest use fresh zest for maximum flavor

For the Garnish

  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts walnuts or pecans for crunch
  • 1 pinch spice such as clove or nutmeg for added flavor

Instructions
 

How to Make Cranberry Orange Sauce

  • In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, add your rinsed cranberries, freshly squeezed orange juice, granulated sugar, a cinnamon stick, and the vibrant orange zest. Stir gently to mix them well.
  • Keep stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Allow the mixture to simmer, remembering to stir occasionally. Watch for the cranberries to burst, which should take about 10 minutes.
  • Once the sauce thickens and pulls away from the pot's bottom, it's time to remove it from the heat. Check for that perfect consistency—thick enough to hold a line formed by a spatula.
  • Carefully transfer your sauce to a serving dish, removing the cinnamon stick as you go. Allow the sauce to cool for about 10 minutes to further thicken before serving.
  • Optional: For added texture, sprinkle some chopped nuts on top once cooled.

Notes

This Cranberry Orange Sauce is a family favorite that brightens up holiday spreads and pairs well with a variety of dishes.
Keyword cranberries, Cranberry Orange Sauce, Holiday, oranges, sauce, side dish