Description
Looking for a fresh, vibrant side to brighten up your holiday table? This Homemade Cranberry Orange Sauce is a must-try! Made with juicy cranberries, fresh orange juice, and a touch of zest, it’s the perfect blend of tart and sweet. Whether you’re planning quick breakfast spreads, elegant dinner ideas, or need a healthy snack upgrade, this easy recipe fits right in. Forget the canned stuff—this beautiful, jewel-toned sauce adds color, flavor, and a homemade touch to your meals. Great for holiday food ideas or everyday sides!
Ingredients
12 oz fresh cranberries
1 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon orange zest
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1 small sprig rosemary (optional)
Pinch salt
Instructions
1. Rinse the cranberries and discard any that are soft or damaged. Zest the orange before juicing it. Juice enough oranges to make 1 cup of juice.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, sugar, orange zest, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt. Add the rosemary if using.
3. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally as the cranberries begin to pop and the mixture starts to thicken.
4. Simmer for about 10–15 minutes until most cranberries have burst and the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.
5. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. Remove rosemary sprig if added.
6. Let the sauce cool to room temperature, then transfer to a container or serving bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice and zest instead of store-bought juice.
Make ahead: This sauce can be prepared several days in advance and stored in the fridge.
Add a splash of lemon juice or a drizzle of honey to customize the flavor balance to your liking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cranberry orange sauce, homemade cranberry sauce, easy recipe, holiday sides, food ideas