Description
A bright and tangy Zesty Orange Cranberry Sauce that perfectly balances sweet and citrus flavors, making it an ideal accompaniment for holiday meals or any time you crave a refreshing fruit sauce. This easy-to-make recipe highlights fresh cranberries enhanced by vibrant orange juice and zest, cooked to a luscious, thick consistency.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce Ingredients
- ¼ cup white sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- Zest of one orange
- Juice of one orange (about ½ cup)
- ½ cup water
- 1 (12-ounce) bag fresh cranberries
Instructions
- Prepare the base: In a medium saucepan, combine both sugars, orange zest, orange juice, and water. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugars are fully dissolved.
- Add cranberries and boil: Stir in the fresh cranberries, then bring the mixture to a rolling boil on medium-high heat.
- Simmer the sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the cranberries begin to pop and the sauce will thicken to a jam-like consistency.
- Cool the sauce: Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the saucepan from heat and allow it to cool at room temperature.
- Refrigerate and serve: Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl, refrigerate until chilled. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, making it perfect for serving alongside turkey, chicken, or festive dishes.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, you can blend the sauce slightly after cooking.
- Adjust sugar levels to taste if you prefer it less sweet or more tart.
- Can be made ahead up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Fresh cranberries work best, but frozen can be used if thawed.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for best flavor.
