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Delicious homemade cranberry orange sauce in a bowl with fresh cranberries and oranges

Cranberry Orange Sauce

A sweet and tangy cranberry orange sauce perfect for holiday meals and versatile enough for everyday dishes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Condiment, Sauce
Cuisine American, Festive
Servings 8 servings
Calories 80 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 12 ounces fresh cranberries Avoid any berries that appear soft or mushy.
  • 1 cup orange juice Freshly squeezed is recommended.
  • 1 cup sugar Feel free to substitute honey or maple syrup.
  • Zest of 1 orange zest from 1 orange Adds vibrant flavor.
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon Optional for added warmth.
  • a pinch salt

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Rinse the cranberries under cold water and remove any stems or damaged berries.
  • In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, orange juice, sugar, and salt. If you’re using cinnamon, add that too.

Cooking

  • Heat the mixture over medium heat until it comes to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. The cranberries will begin to pop and break down, creating a thick sauce. This should take about 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Stir in the orange zest and mix thoroughly. Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool slightly. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
  • Transfer the sauce to a bowl or jar and let it cool completely at room temperature before serving or storing.

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Notes

Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze for up to six months. Avoid microwaving directly from frozen to prevent uneven cooking.
Keyword Cranberry Orange Sauce, Easy Sauce, Festive Condiment, Fruit Sauce, Holiday Sauce