Description
This Best Ever Cranberry Sauce recipe offers a vibrant and tangy complement to holiday dishes, made with fresh cranberries simmered with sugar, orange juice, and a hint of cinnamon. Perfectly balancing sweetness and citrus zest, it is easy to prepare in just 20 minutes and a delightful addition to any festive meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and water to prepare the base for the sauce.
- Bring to Boil: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves fully.
- Simmer Cranberries: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes until the cranberries have burst and the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the orange zest and cinnamon, if using, then remove the saucepan from the heat to stop cooking and preserve the fresh flavors.
- Cool the Sauce: Allow the cranberry sauce to cool to room temperature to thicken further and develop flavor before serving.
- Refrigerate: Transfer the cooled sauce to a serving dish or airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve, for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can use either fresh or frozen cranberries; there’s no need to thaw frozen ones before cooking.
- Adjust the sugar amount if you prefer a less sweet or more tart sauce.
- The optional cinnamon adds a warm aroma but can be omitted for a more classic cranberry flavor.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest provide the best flavor, but store-bought orange juice can be used if needed.
- Leftover sauce keeps well refrigerated for up to one week and can be served warm or cold.
