Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe is a delightful and straightforward way to bring a touch of freshness and tang to your holiday table. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a sauce that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors. This recipe is not only tasty but also customizable, making it ideal for busy days when you want to whip up something special without a lot of fuss.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 130
Protein: 0.3 grams
Carbohydrates: 34 grams
Fat: 0.1 grams
Fiber: 3 grams
Sugar: 20 grams
Sodium: 1 mg
Why Make Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Making your own cranberry sauce is not only healthier than store-bought options, but it also allows you to control the sweetness and flavor profile. Cranberries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making this sauce a nutritious addition to your meals. Plus, it complements a wide range of dishes, from roasted turkey to salads, enhancing their overall flavor.
How to Make Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe Step by Step
Ingredients
- 12 ounce bag cranberries, rinsed (about 3 to 4 cups)
- 3/4 cup (150g) water
- 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh orange juice (about 1/2 large orange)
- 3/4 cup (150g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Directions
Zest one large orange first and set the zest aside. Then, cut and juice the orange to yield 1/4 cup of fresh orange juice. Rinse the cranberries and set aside 1/2 cup whole cranberries for texture to add later. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the remaining cranberries, water, orange juice, and brown sugar. Stir occasionally as the mixture heats and comes to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low-medium. Continue to cook while stirring occasionally for about 15 minutes until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens and the liquid reduces. Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the reserved 1/2 cup of whole cranberries, orange zest, and vanilla extract. The sauce will thicken further as it cools. Serve the sauce warm or at room temperature. Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently before serving if desired.
How to Serve Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe
This Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe pairs excellently with roasted turkey or chicken. You can also serve it alongside a simple green salad for a refreshing twist or as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal for a wholesome breakfast. It also makes a unique addition to cheese platters, bringing a sweet and tart element to complement the flavors of the cheeses.
How to Store Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe
To store leftover Easy Cranberry Sauce, cover it and place it in the fridge where it will keep for up to 5 days. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze the sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it gently on the stove or microwave it until warm.
Expert Tips for Cooking Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe
- For extra zest, try adding a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice flavor.
- If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar to 1/2 cup and adjust to taste.
- Feel free to mix in spices like cloves or cardamom for a unique flavor twist.
- If you like a smoother sauce, blend it after cooking to achieve your desired consistency.
- Experiment with different citrus juices, like lemon or lime, for a refreshing variation.
Delicious Variations of Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe
- For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Incorporate chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory twist perfect for holiday meals.
- Substitute apples or pears for a fruitier flavor profile, adding diced pieces into the mix.
Conclusion
Try this Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe for your next gathering, and you won’t be disappointed. Its fresh, vibrant flavor is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Whether you serve it warm or chilled, it will surely impress your family and friends, becoming a cherished holiday staple.
Easy Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- Zest one large orange first and set the zest aside.
- Cut and juice the orange to yield 1/4 cup of fresh orange juice.
- Rinse the cranberries and set aside 1/2 cup of whole cranberries for texture to add later.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the remaining cranberries, water, orange juice, and brown sugar.
- Stir occasionally as the mixture heats and comes to a simmer.
- Once simmering, reduce the heat to low-medium and continue to cook while stirring occasionally for about 15 minutes until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the reserved 1/2 cup of whole cranberries, orange zest, and vanilla extract.
- The sauce will thicken further as it cools. Serve the sauce warm or at room temperature.
