Cranberry Orange Sauce Recipe: A Festive Side Dish for Your Thanksgiving Feast
This Thanksgiving, ditch the canned cranberry sauce and wow your guests with this homemade cranberry orange sauce recipe. It's surprisingly easy to make, bursting with fresh flavor, and guaranteed to become a new family favorite. This recipe is perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike, delivering a sophisticated yet simple side dish that complements your Thanksgiving turkey and all the trimmings.
Why This Cranberry Orange Sauce Recipe is the BEST
This recipe stands out because it emphasizes fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. Unlike store-bought versions, which often rely on excessive sugar and artificial preservatives, this homemade sauce allows you to control the sweetness and highlight the natural tartness of cranberries, balanced perfectly by the zest and juice of fresh oranges. The result? A bright, tangy, and subtly sweet sauce that elevates your Thanksgiving meal.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 1 large orange, zested and juiced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or to taste, adjust based on your preference for sweetness)
- 1/4 cup water
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Prep your ingredients: Begin by thoroughly washing your cranberries. Zest the orange using a microplane or fine grater, ensuring you only get the outer colorful part (avoiding the white pith, which can be bitter). Then, juice the orange. Have all your ingredients measured and ready to go before you start cooking.
Cooking the Sauce:
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Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, sugar, and water.
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Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Check for consistency: Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more sugar if needed. If you prefer a thicker sauce, continue simmering uncovered for a few more minutes.
Cooling and Serving:
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Cool completely: Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool completely before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken further.
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Serve and enjoy: Serve your delicious cranberry orange sauce alongside your Thanksgiving turkey, ham, or other festive dishes. It's also delightful served over vanilla ice cream for a sweet treat!
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon, cloves, or ginger for a warm, spiced twist.
- Boost the citrus: Incorporate the juice and zest of a lemon or lime for an extra layer of bright citrus flavor.
- Make it ahead: This cranberry orange sauce can be made a day or two in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Reduce the sugar: For a less sweet sauce, start with less sugar and adjust to taste. You can also use a sugar substitute like maple syrup or agave nectar.
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