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.
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.