When it comes to holiday feasts, few dishes capture the essence of the season as well as the Best Ever Cranberry Sauce. This vibrant sauce, bursting with flavor, harmonizes the sweetness of oranges with the tanginess of fresh cranberries, creating a delightful complement to your holiday table. Whether you’re serving it alongside turkey or spreading it on a warm roll, this sauce deserves a spot on your festive spread every year.
Why We Love This Best Ever Cranberry Sauce Recipe
This recipe has become a staple because it perfectly balances sweetness and tartness, making it an irresistible addition to any meal. You don’t need advanced cooking skills to whip this up; it’s simple and requires minimal time to prepare. Plus, using fresh cranberries ensures you get that delicious, authentic flavor that canned sauces just can’t match. The warm, spiced notes from the cinnamon and the bright burst from the orange juice will have your guests asking for second helpings. It’s not only a treat for the taste buds but also brings a beautiful color to your holiday platter!
Ingredients about Best Ever Cranberry Sauce
To create this delightful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup water
How to Make Best Ever Cranberry Sauce Directions
Making your own cranberry sauce is a satisfying and straightforward process. Start by gathering all your ingredients, ensuring that you have fresh cranberries on hand. Rinse the cranberries under cold water and inspect them for any that may be mushy or discolored—just toss those bad ones aside.
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, orange juice, sugar, ground cinnamon, and water. Stir all the ingredients together well. Place the saucepan on the stove over medium heat, allowing the mixture to come to a steady boil. As it heats, give the mixture a stir here and there to help dissolve the sugar and incorporate the flavors.
Once the sauce reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, letting it simmer gently. This simmering phase is crucial, as it allows the cranberries to burst and release their natural pectin, letting the sauce thicken. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and watch as the vibrant cranberries begin to pop and transform into a thick, glossy sauce. After about 10 minutes of simmering, take a moment to check the consistency—the sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it seems too runny, let it simmer for another few minutes.
Once your sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, remove it from the heat. You’ll want to let it cool down at room temperature, during which it will continue to thicken slightly. This cooling process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enriching the overall taste. Once cooled, transfer your homemade cranberry sauce into a serving dish or an airtight container for storage. With this simple method, you’ll have a delicious cranberry sauce that will be the star of your holiday meal!
How to Serve Best Ever Cranberry Sauce
When it comes to serving your Best Ever Cranberry Sauce, there are countless delicious options to explore. This sauce shines brightly among traditional holiday fare—its vibrant color adds a festive touch to your table. A classic way to serve it is to place it directly beside your turkey or chicken, inviting everyone to spoon a generous portion over their meat. The combination of savory poultry with the sweet-tart sauce creates a mouthwatering contrast that enhances each bite.
You can also offer it as a side dish for sandwiches, providing a refreshing twist on your typical deli fare. Simply spread some creamy cheese or turkey onto a slice of bread and top it with a spoonful of this tantalizing sauce for a delightful crunch. Additionally, consider serving it with warm biscuits or rolls during brunch. The sweet flavor pairs wonderfully with buttered bread, making for a perfect start to any holiday morning.
For a twist, try drizzling it over a cheese platter. The tart notes of the cranberries beautifully complement sharp cheeses, adding a colorful and tasty element to your offerings. Don’t forget—you can also enjoy this sauce on pancakes or waffles, transforming your breakfast experience into a festive feast!
Expert Tips: Best Ever Cranberry Sauce
To ensure your Best Ever Cranberry Sauce turns out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Choose Fresh Cranberries: Make sure to use fresh, firm cranberries. Avoid using any that are soft or discolored, as they can negatively affect the sauce’s taste and texture.
- Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your personal preference and the tartness of the cranberries, you can modify the amount of sugar. If you enjoy a more natural flavor, try reducing the sugar slightly.
- Experiment with Spice: While cinnamon is a delightful addition, you can also play with other spices such as ginger or nutmeg for a unique twist.
- Strain for Smoothness: If you prefer a smoother sauce, consider straining the mixture through a sieve after cooking to remove the skins.
- Chill Well: Allow your cranberry sauce to cool at room temperature before refrigerating. It will thicken more as it cools, enhancing its texture.
Remember, practice makes perfect! Don’t be afraid to adjust and refine this recipe until it perfectly suits your taste.
How to Store Best Ever Cranberry Sauce
If you have any leftovers (though it’s hard to imagine that happening!), storing your Best Ever Cranberry Sauce properly will help maintain its freshness. Let the sauce cool completely at room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store the sauce in the fridge for up to two weeks, allowing the flavors to deepen.
For longer storage, consider freezing your cranberry sauce. Simply spoon it into a freezer-safe container, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. The sauce can be safely frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Variation of Best Ever Cranberry Sauce
Trying new flavors is always fun! Here are a few variations on the Best Ever Cranberry Sauce to consider:
- Add Nuts: Mixing in some chopped pecans or walnuts can give a delightful crunch and a unique flavor to your sauce.
- Citrus Zest: Incorporate some grated orange or lemon zest into the sauce for an extra burst of citrus flavor that brightens up the dish.
- Spiced Up: For those who love a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeño. This can give your sauce a spicy kick that contrasts beautifully with its sweetness.
- Berry Mix: Combine cranberries with other berries like blueberries or raspberries. This can create a more complex flavor while still being fruity and delicious.
- Maple Sweetener: Instead of sugar, try using maple syrup for sweetness. This change not only sweetens the sauce but also adds a unique flavor note.
Experimenting with these variations will keep your holiday meals exciting and full of flavor.
FAQ
What are the main ingredients in Best Ever Cranberry Sauce?
The main ingredients in Best Ever Cranberry Sauce are fresh cranberries, orange juice, sugar, ground cinnamon, and water. These simple ingredients come together to create a delicious and flavorful sauce.
How long should I cook my cranberry sauce?
You should simmer your cranberry sauce for about 10 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Be sure to stir occasionally and keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
Can I make Best Ever Cranberry Sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can absolutely make this cranberry sauce ahead of time. It actually benefits from sitting in the refrigerator for a day, as the flavors deepen and meld beautifully.
How can I store leftover Best Ever Cranberry Sauce?
Let the cranberry sauce cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or freeze it for up to three months in a freezer-safe container.
What do I serve with Best Ever Cranberry Sauce?
Best Ever Cranberry Sauce pairs wonderfully with holiday turkey, chicken, sandwiches, and breakfast foods like pancakes. You can also serve it with cheese platters for a delightful appetizer.
Best Ever Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries Ensure they're firm and fresh
- 1 cup orange juice Freshly squeezed is best
- 1 cup sugar Adjust according to taste
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon Optional spices can be added
- 1/4 cup water For cooking consistency
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse the cranberries under cold water and check for any that are mushy or discolored.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, orange juice, sugar, ground cinnamon, and water.
Cooking
- Place the saucepan on the stove over medium heat, and bring the mixture to a steady boil, stirring occasionally.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
- Check the consistency of the sauce; it should coat the back of a spoon. If too runny, simmer an additional few minutes.
- Once desired consistency is achieved, remove from heat and let it cool at room temperature for further thickening.
Serving
- Transfer to a serving dish or airtight container. Serve alongside turkey or spread on warm rolls.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!