This baked cranberry sauce is a tasty twist on the classic. It combines tart cranberries with sweet oranges and a hint of spice for a bright, zesty flavor!
I love how easy it is to make—just mix, bake, and forget about it while it fills your kitchen with delicious smells. Perfect for Thanksgiving, or any day! 🍊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: These are the star of your sauce! Fresh cranberries are best, but frozen work great too. Just make sure they’re unsweetened. If cranberries are tough to find, you can use a mix of dried cranberries and fresh orange juice for a unique twist.
Orange Juice and Zest: Freshly squeezed orange juice adds a bright flavor. If you’re in a pinch, bottled juice can substitute, though I prefer the fresh taste. Don’t skip the zest; it boosts the aroma and flavor significantly!
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar works well, but you can substitute brown sugar or honey for a deeper, more caramelized taste. Just remember that honey is sweeter, so adjust accordingly!
Spices: Ground cinnamon is a must for warmth, and cloves or allspice can add extra depth. If you want a milder sauce, feel free to omit them or reduce the quantity.
Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch. If you have nut allergies or prefer no nuts, just skip this step or use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for similar texture.
How Do I Get My Cranberry Sauce to thicken properly?
Thickening your cranberry sauce is easy if you follow these steps: First, preheat your oven to the right temperature. As the cranberries bake, they will burst and release their juices. This is crucial for thickening.
- Combine all ingredients in an ovenproof dish. Make sure they’re mixed well so the sugar dissolves into the juice.
- Keep the sauce uncovered while baking. This allows steam to escape, helping the sauce thicken.
- Give it enough time in the oven, about 45 minutes to 1 hour. If you’re using frozen cranberries, they may need a little extra time.
- Let the sauce cool; it will thicken up even more once it’s off the heat!
Baked Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (about 340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 2 large oranges)
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves or allspice (optional)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (for garnish)
- Fresh rosemary sprig (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and about 45 minutes to 1 hour to bake. Allow some time for the sauce to cool before serving; it will thicken while cooling. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This will ensure your sauce bakes evenly and at the right temperature.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a medium ovenproof baking dish or casserole, combine the fresh or frozen cranberries, granulated sugar, freshly squeezed orange juice, orange zest, ground cinnamon, ground cloves (if using), and salt. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to stir everything together nicely.
3. Bake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered. Let it bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Keep an eye on it—the cranberries will burst, and the mixture will gradually thicken into a lovely sauce. You’ll enjoy the sweet and tangy aroma filling your kitchen!
4. Cool the Sauce:
Once the baking time is up, carefully take the dish out of the oven. Allow the sauce to cool for a few minutes; it will thicken more as it cools.
5. Prepare to Serve:
Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl. If you like, sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts on top for a delightful crunch. You can also add a fresh rosemary sprig as a beautiful garnish!
6. Enjoy:
Serve your baked cranberry sauce warm or at room temperature. It’s a fantastic addition to your holiday meals, pairing wonderfully with turkey, ham, or even as a topping for desserts.
Enjoy your rich, tangy baked cranberry sauce with a lovely hint of citrus and spice! 🍊
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries in This Recipe?
Yes, frozen cranberries work perfectly! There’s no need to thaw them before baking; just toss them directly into the mixing bowl with the other ingredients.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup or even 1/2 cup. You can always taste it after baking and add a bit more sugar if it’s not sweet enough for your liking!
Can I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce a day or two in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will keep well. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave before serving.
What’s the Best Way to Serve Baked Cranberry Sauce?
This sauce is delicious served alongside turkey or ham, but it also pairs wonderfully with cheeses or as a topping for desserts like vanilla ice cream or cheesecake. Enjoy experimenting!
