Orange-Cranberry Sauce

Prep: 10 min Cook: 11 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

A vibrant and tangy cranberry-orange sauce with a hint of ginger and optional nuts, perfect for holiday dinners or festive gatherings, adding bright flavor and texture.

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Ingredients

  • 11 oz. can mandarin oranges
  • 12 oz. pkg. fresh cranberries
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp. ground ginger
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Instructions

  1. Drain oranges, reserving 1/4 cup of syrup.
  2. In a 2-quart saucepan, cook cranberries, sugar, ginger, and the reserved syrup. Cover and cook on high for 7 to 11 minutes or until cranberries pop. Stir twice during cooking.
  3. Stir in oranges and nuts; chill before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a vibrant twist, consider adding a splash of orange juice or zest to enhance the citrus flavor. If you prefer a nut-free version, feel free to omit the pecans or walnuts. You can also substitute honey or maple syrup for sugar to create a more natural sweetness. This sauce can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

This Orange-Cranberry Sauce pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or chicken, making it a perfect addition to your holiday table. Serve it alongside stuffing or as a condiment for sandwiches. For a refreshing contrast, try it with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or serve it over a bed of mixed greens for a festive salad.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Orange-Cranberry Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It can also be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Orange-Cranberry Sauce contains roughly 548 calories, with 6g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 10g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

548 kcal 27% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.5g 13% DV
Total Fat 41.3g 53% DV
Carbs 48.8g 18% DV
Fiber 9.6g 34% DV
Sugar 27.2g 54% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 7.6mg
Potassium 402.2mg 9% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 10.7mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 23.5mg 26% DV
Calcium 57.2mg 4% DV
Iron 2.1mg 12% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Tree nuts

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! Just ensure they are thawed and drained before use. They may take a little longer to cook down, so keep an eye on them while preparing the sauce.

Is it possible to reduce the sugar in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can reduce the sugar to 1/2 cup or even use a sugar substitute like stevia or agave syrup. Just remember that adjusting sugar may impact the overall sweetness and texture of the sauce.

Can I add other fruits to this sauce?

Definitely! Feel free to add diced apples, pears, or even chopped dates for added sweetness. Mixing in these fruits can give your sauce a unique flavor profile and texture, enhancing the overall dish.

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).

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