Cranberry Orange Sauce

Cranberry orange sauce is a bright and aromatic twist on the classic cranberry sauce. It blends the tartness of fresh cranberries with the vibrant flavor of oranges. This quick stovetop recipe is a must-have for holiday gatherings or any meal where you want to add a burst of color and flavor. The combination of sweet and tangy makes it a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with turkey, ham or roasted vegetables.

This cranberry sauce with orange will surely become a favorite at your table whether you’re a fan of traditional cranberry sauce or looking to try something new.

Cranberry Orange Sauce Ingredients

• Cranberries: The star of this recipe provides a tart and slightly bitter flavor that balances perfectly with the sweetness of the other ingredients. They bring a vibrant red color and a burst of antioxidants to the sauce. Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh. (Just make sure to thaw them before using.)
• Sugar: Granulated white sugar sweetens the cranberries and reduces their tartness. It helps to create a thick and glossy sauce that’s both flavorful and visually appealing.
• Water: Add water to help dissolve the sugar and soften the cranberries as they cook. It also allows the flavors to meld together, creating a smooth and cohesive sauce.
• Triple sec: The orange liqueur enhances the sauce’s citrus flavor. For a non-alcoholic version, orange juice works just as well to bring a fresh and tangy flavor that compliments the cranberries.
• Orange juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice adds brightness and acidity to the sauce, enhancing the overall citrus flavor. It also helps to balance the sweetness of the sugar and the tartness of the cranberries.
• Orange zest: Some zest provides a concentrated burst of orange flavor and a fragrant aroma. It adds depth to the sauce and gives it a more complex and rich citrus profile.

Directions

Step 1: Combine the ingredients

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In a large saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, triple sec and orange juice.

Step 2: Cook the sauce

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Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the cranberries begin to pop, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat, stir in orange zest and transfer the sauce to a small bowl. Let it cool to room temperature. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. Keep it covered and chilled in the refrigerator if you’re not serving it immediately.

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Cranberry Orange Sauce Variations

• Try cran-apple or cran-apricot: Diced apples or apricots can be added to the cranberries for fruity sweetness and a slightly softer texture.
• Spiced sauce: Add a pinch of cinnamon, cloves or nutmeg to the sauce for a warm and cozy flavor. These spices pair beautifully with the citrus and cranberry notes.
• Go nuts: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts after the sauce has cooled for added crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the tartness of the cranberries.

How to Store Cranberry Orange Sauce

Store the cranberry orange sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits, making it even more delicious.

Can you freeze orange cranberry sauce ?

Yes. The sauce can also be frozen for up to two months. Transfer the cooled sauce to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Can I make cranberry orange sauce ahead of time?

This sauce can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat if you prefer to serve the sauce warm, stirring occasionally.

Cranberry Orange Sauce Tips

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What makes cranberry sauce gel?

Cranberries contain pectin, a natural starch found in many fruits and veggies. Pectin gels when combined with sugar and acid.

How should you serve cranberry orange sauce?

Cranberry orange sauce can be served warm or cold. It’s a classic condiment for a turkey dinner but you can also use it as a glaze for baked ham or roasted pork. You can also spoon the chilled sauce over cream cheese for a no-fuss appetizer or over vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert.

How do you get the bitterness out of cranberry sauce?

To reduce the bitterness in cranberry sauce, stir in maple syrup, sweet wine or sweetened fruit juice with a pinch of salt. The salt intensifies the flavor so you don’t have to add too much sweetener. Check out more problem-solving cooking tips for your holiday dinner.

What can you do with leftover cranberry orange sauce?

Leftover cranberry orange sauce can be used to make many recipes, including turkey gouda and apple sandwiches, cranberry-sauerkraut meatballs and cranberry orange cheesecake!