This refreshing cranberry sauce is a holiday favorite! It’s made with fresh cranberries, orange juice, and a bit of sugar for a sweet-tart flavor that’s perfect with turkey.
Making this sauce is super easy! Just cook everything together until the cranberries pop. I love how it brightens up the holiday table, and it’s a hit with family—especially when slathered on sandwiches!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are the star of this recipe. If you can’t find fresh ones, frozen cranberries work well too! They may take a bit longer to cook but will still give you that tart flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Regular granulated sugar brings sweetness to this sauce. If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor or maple syrup for a more natural option.
Orange Juice & Zest: Fresh orange juice and zest add a bright note. If oranges aren’t available, you could substitute lemon juice, but this will alter the flavor slightly. Make sure to taste as you go!
Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warmth to this sauce. It’s optional, but I think it creates a cozy feeling for holiday meals. Feel free to omit it if you prefer a more straightforward flavor.
Fresh Rosemary: This is used for garnish, but you can also use thyme or mint for a different twist. It’ll add just a hint of herbal flavor!
How Do You Make the Cranberry Sauce Just Right?
The key to a perfect cranberry sauce lies in the cooking technique. Start by rinsing the cranberries and discarding any damaged ones. This ensures all the berries in your sauce are fresh and crunchy.
- Combine sugar, water, orange juice, and zest in a saucepan. Stir constantly to dissolve the sugar before heating it to a boil.
- Add the cranberries only after the mixture boils. This helps them burst nicely and release their juices for a thicker sauce.
- Let it simmer and stir occasionally. Don’t rush this step—about 10 minutes will do! You’ll know it’s ready when the berries pop and the sauce thickens.
Let the sauce cool before serving. It thickens even more as it cools. Trust me; it’ll be a delicious addition to your holiday feast!
Joanna Gaines Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (about 3 cups) fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cranberry sauce takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes to cook. After that, let it cool for a bit and then chill in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Total time from start to finish is around 30 minutes, but you’ll want to let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour for the best flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Rinse and Prep the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold water to clean them. As you do this, keep an eye out for any soft or damaged cranberries and discard them. You want only the freshest berries for your sauce!
2. Sweeten the Mixture:
In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, fresh orange juice, and orange zest. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar completely dissolves—this only takes a few minutes!
3. Cook the Cranberries:
Once the sugar has dissolved, bring the mixture to a boil. Carefully add the rinsed cranberries into the saucepan. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally so that the cranberries don’t stick to the bottom. You’ll know it’s done when the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens!
4. Add Cinnamon (Optional):
If you choose to use cinnamon, stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking. This adds a lovely warmth to the flavor of the sauce.
5. Cooling and Storing:
Once your sauce is cooked, remove the saucepan from heat and let the cranberry sauce cool to room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it cools. After it has cooled, transfer it to a serving bowl.
6. Garnish and Chill:
For an extra festive touch, garnish your cranberry sauce with a small sprig of fresh rosemary. This not only looks pretty but adds a hint of herbal flavor. Now, put the bowl in the refrigerator to chill for at least an hour before serving. The cool cranberry sauce is a perfect complement to your holiday turkey!
Enjoy your delicious homemade cranberry sauce!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries can be used in this recipe—just be sure to rinse them before cooking. They may take a little longer to cook down, but they’ll still yield a tasty sauce.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you prefer a less sweet cranberry sauce, you can reduce the amount of sugar by ¼ to ½ cup, or switch to a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Just keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor, so adjust to taste!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Cranberry Sauce?
Your cranberry sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze it for up to three months. When ready to use, just thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Can I Make This Sauce in Advance?
Yes, this cranberry sauce is great for making ahead! You can prepare it up to 2-3 days in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving!
