Spiced Orange Cranberry Sauce

🕒 Prep: 5 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

Spiced Orange Cranberry Sauce is the perfect blend of tart and sweet with a warming hint of spice, making it a standout addition to any holiday table. Whether you're a fan of traditional Thanksgiving spreads or just love a good cranberry kick, this sauce will brighten up any meal.

Ingredients for Spiced Orange Cranberry Sauce

Cranberries are the star of the show, offering a tart bite that balances the sweet and spicy elements. Using fresh cranberries is key for the best texture and flavor.

Granulated sugar sweetens the sauce, playing off the natural tartness of the cranberries. Adjust the amount to your taste if you prefer less sweetness.

Freshly squeezed orange juice not only sweetens but adds a zesty citrus note that complements the cranberries beautifully.

Water helps dissolve the sugar and creates the perfect simmering environment for the cranberries.

Ground cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg infuse the sauce with warm, comforting spices that scream holiday cheer.

Orange zest elevates the citrus flavor, adding a fresh and fragrant finish to the sauce.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a smoother sauce, use a blender or food processor to puree after cooking.
  • Make this sauce a day or two in advance to let the flavors meld together.
  • If you like a chunkier texture, mash some of the cranberries with a fork during cooking.

Serving Suggestions

This cranberry sauce pairs perfectly with roast turkey or chicken, but don't stop there! Try it as a spread on sandwiches, dolloped over pancakes, or mixed into yogurt for a festive breakfast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cranberries?
Absolutely! Just rinse them under cold water and proceed with the recipe as usual.
How long will the sauce keep?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it should last up to two weeks.

Spiced Orange Cranberry Sauce Recipe Walkthrough

Start by rinsing your cranberries under cold water. As you do this, keep an eye out for any damaged berries that need to be discarded. You want only the best for your sauce!

Next, grab a medium saucepan and combine the sugar, orange juice, and water. Set it over medium heat and stir occasionally until the sugar completely dissolves. This step ensures a smooth sauce base.

Once the sugar is dissolved, add the cranberries, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg to the pan. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil. When it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to a simmer.

Let your sauce simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally and watch as the cranberries pop and the sauce thickens into a beautiful, rich consistency.

Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the orange zest. This final touch really ties all the flavors together.

Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature. It's now ready to serve or store. Enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of sweet, tart, and spicy flavors.
  • Easy to prepare with just one pot and a handful of ingredients.
  • Makes your kitchen smell like the holidays.
  • Can be made ahead and stored, saving you time on the big day.
  • Versatile enough to pair with many dishes beyond turkey.

Ingredients

12 oz cranberries
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1/2 cup water
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp ground cloves
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tbsp orange zest

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Rinse the cranberries under cold water and discard any that are damaged.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, orange juice, and water over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
3. Add cranberries, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg to the saucepan.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
5. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries pop and the sauce thickens.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the orange zest.
7. Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature before serving or storing.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!