Blueberry Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Blueberry Cranberry Sauce is a vibrant and tangy twist on the classic holiday condiment. Combining the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of blueberries and a hint of orange zest, this sauce brightens up any meal. It’s easy to make and perfect for serving with turkey, pork, or even breakfast dishes.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (227g) fresh cranberries
- 4 ounces (113g) fresh blueberries
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240mL) water
- Zest of one orange
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, blueberries, sugar, water, and orange zest.
- Step 2: Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Step 3: Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring frequently and watching carefully to prevent the mixture from boiling over the sides of the pan. The cranberries will soften and burst, and the sauce will thicken.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool to room temperature.
- Step 5: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Tips & Variations
- You can use frozen cranberries or blueberries if fresh are unavailable—no need to thaw before cooking.
- Adding orange zest is optional but highly recommended for a bright, citrusy complement to the berries.
- For a spiced version, add a cinnamon stick or a pinch of ground ginger during simmering and remove before cooling.
Storage
Store the cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Reheat gently if you prefer it warm, though it’s delightful served cold or at room temperature.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cranberries and blueberries can be used directly without thawing. The cooking time remains the same.
How far in advance can I make this sauce?
This sauce can be made up to one week ahead. Keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
PrintBlueberry Cranberry Sauce Recipe
This vibrant Blueberry Cranberry Sauce blends fresh cranberries and blueberries with a touch of orange zest, creating a sweet and tangy condiment perfect for holiday meals or as a refreshing accompaniment to a variety of dishes. Simmered gently to enhance the flavors, this sauce thickens to a luscious consistency and can be made ahead for convenience.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Fruits
- 8 ounces (227g) fresh cranberries
- 4 ounces (113g) fresh blueberries
- Zest of one orange
Sweeteners & Liquids
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240mL) water
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the cranberries, blueberries, granulated sugar, water, and orange zest, stirring gently to combine all ingredients.
- Bring to Boil: Heat the mixture until it reaches a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a simmer to prevent overflow and maintain gentle cooking.
- Simmer Sauce: Allow the mixture to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring frequently. The cranberries will begin to macerate, and the sauce will thicken; some berries may remain whole, which is perfectly fine.
- Cool and Refrigerate: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight to let the flavors meld and the sauce to fully set.
- Store Leftovers: Keep any leftover sauce covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze it for up to 2 months, thawing in the refrigerator overnight when ready to use.
Notes
- Fresh berries can be substituted with frozen ones without altering the taste or texture significantly.
- Orange zest is optional but highly recommended as it adds a bright and complementary flavor to the berry sauce.
- This sauce can be prepared up to one week ahead, making it ideal for meal prepping or holiday entertaining.
- Freezing the sauce extends its shelf life up to 2 months.
Keywords: blueberry cranberry sauce, holiday sauce, cranberry blueberry condiment, homemade cranberry sauce, berry sauce recipe
