Sweet and Tangy Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest Recipe
Introduction
This tangy and sweet cranberry sauce is a classic accompaniment that adds a refreshing contrast to savory dishes. Its vibrant flavor and easy preparation make it a must-have for holiday meals or any time you want a burst of fruity brightness.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Step 1: In a saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, sugar, and orange juice.
- Step 2: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Step 3: Cook until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Stir in the orange zest, then remove from heat and let the sauce cool before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a spiced twist, add a cinnamon stick or a pinch of ground cloves while cooking, then remove before serving.
- You can substitute fresh cranberries with frozen ones if fresh are unavailable; no need to thaw before cooking.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend it briefly after cooking and cooling.
Storage
Store leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat gently on the stove or serve cold, depending on your preference.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make cranberry sauce ahead of time?
Yes, cranberry sauce can be made several days in advance. It often tastes even better after the flavors have melded in the refrigerator overnight.
Can I use cranberry sauce for other dishes?
Absolutely. Cranberry sauce is great as a topping for meats like turkey and chicken, stirred into yogurt or oatmeal, or even spread on sandwiches for added flavor.
PrintSweet and Tangy Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest Recipe
This classic cranberry sauce is a tangy and sweet accompaniment that perfectly complements savory dishes, especially during holiday meals. Made with fresh cranberries, sugar, and citrusy orange juice and zest, it offers a vibrant flavor and a luscious, thick texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 1 1/2 cups 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, add the fresh cranberries, sugar, and orange juice, stirring gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Bring to Boil: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
- Simmer the Sauce: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the cranberries for about 10 minutes, or until most of the berries have burst and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Add Orange Zest: Stir in the teaspoon of orange zest to infuse bright citrus flavor into the sauce just before removing from heat.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cranberry sauce to cool completely at room temperature before transferring to a serving dish. The sauce will thicken more as it cools.
Notes
- The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- For a smoother texture, pulse the cooled cranberry sauce briefly in a blender or food processor.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup and adjust to taste.
- Fresh cranberries can be substituted with frozen cranberries if fresh are unavailable; do not thaw before cooking.
- Adding spices like cinnamon or cloves can provide a warm, festive flavor variation.
Keywords: cranberry sauce, holiday sauce, fresh cranberries, orange zest cranberry sauce, stovetop cranberry sauce, sweet tart sauce
