Classic Cranberry Sauce
A vibrant and tangy cranberry sauce with orange zest and juice, perfect for holiday tables or as a sweet-tart accompaniment to poultry and festive dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grate all the zest off the orange.
- Mix orange zest with sugar in a medium saucepan.
- Squeeze juice from the orange into a measuring cup and add enough water to make 1 cup.
- Pour the orange juice and water mixture into the saucepan and stir to dissolve the sugar.
- Heat the mixture to a boil.
- Add the cranberries to the saucepan.
- Return the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer.
- Boil gently until all cranberries pop, about 10-15 minutes.
- Stir often during cooking.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Allow the cranberry sauce to cool in the saucepan.
- Pour the sauce into a serving dish.
- Cover and refrigerate before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg while cooking. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the sugar by a few tablespoons. You can also substitute half of the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a unique twist. For additional texture, stir in some chopped walnuts or pecans once the sauce has cooled.
Serving Suggestions
This classic cranberry sauce is perfect for holiday gatherings, especially alongside turkey or ham. Consider serving it with a cheese platter or as a topping for desserts like cheesecake or ice cream. It also pairs beautifully with Elegant And Easy Strawberry Dessert for a festive touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The sauce can also be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Classic Cranberry Sauce contains roughly 84 calories, with 1g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (19% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries without thawing them first. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they pop and soften properly. The flavor and texture will be just as delicious!
How long does it take for the cranberries to pop?
Cranberries typically take about 10-15 minutes to pop when boiling gently. Keep an eye on them, and stir often to prevent sticking. You'll know they're ready when most of them have burst and the sauce thickens.
Can I make this cranberry sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cranberry sauce can be made up to a week in advance. Just prepare it, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious when served!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).