This lively orange amaretto cranberry sauce combines tart cranberries with sweet orange and a hint of almond flavor from amaretto. It’s bright, fruity, and simply delicious!
This sauce always adds a festive touch to my holiday meals. Plus, it’s super easy to make! Just simmer the ingredients together and let the flavors shine. Perfect for turkey or just on toast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are the star here! If you’re in a pinch, you can use frozen cranberries; just don’t thaw them before cooking. They’ll still get soft and burst beautifully.
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness to balance the tartness. If you’re looking for a lower-sugar option, you can use honey or maple syrup. Start with a bit less, as these sweeteners are sweeter than sugar.
Orange Juice and Zest: Freshly squeezed juice and zest from a large orange add brightness. If you don’t have an orange, you can use bottled juice, but fresh makes a big difference in flavor!
Amaretto Liqueur: This brings a lovely almond flavor to the sauce. If you want to skip the alcohol, use almond extract (about 1 teaspoon) in place of the amaretto. You can also leave it out for a non-alcoholic version.
Vanilla Extract: It’s optional, but it can enhance the overall flavor profile. If you don’t have vanilla, it can be omitted without a big change to the taste.
How Can You Ensure the Sauce Is Perfectly Thickened?
Getting the right thickness for cranberry sauce is key. As the cranberries cook, they’ll burst and release their natural pectin, which helps thicken the sauce. Here’s how to make it just right:
- Start with rinsed cranberries and mix with sugar and orange juice in a saucepan.
- Cook on medium-high until it boils, then lower the heat to let it simmer. Keep stirring occasionally.
- After about 10-12 minutes, most cranberries should burst. If the sauce looks too thin, simmer a bit longer. It will thicken more as it cools!
Once it’s cooled, give it a stir to check the consistency. If you want it thicker, return to the heat for a few more minutes!
How to Make Orange Amaretto Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 1 large orange)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 orange)
- 1/4 cup amaretto liqueur
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh rosemary sprig or extra orange zest for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing Orange Amaretto Cranberry Sauce takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook, plus time to cool. You’ll be delighted to know that it gets even better as it chills. So, make it ahead of time and enjoy more moments with family during your holiday meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold water. Check for any stems or berries that are mushy or damaged and remove them. We want only the best for our sauce!
2. Combine the Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, add the rinsed cranberries, granulated sugar, freshly squeezed orange juice, and a pinch of salt. Gently stir everything together until mixed well. The sugar should start dissolving in the juice.
3. Cook the Mixture:
Bring the saucepan to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it comes to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer. You’ll hear a nice bubbling sound as it cooks. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent the bottom from burning.
4. Thicken the Sauce:
Cook for about 10-12 minutes until you notice most of the cranberries have burst open and the mixture starts to thicken. This is where all the magic happens, so keep an eye on it!
5. Add Flavor with Orange and Amaretto:
Next, stir in the orange zest and amaretto liqueur. If you’d like a hint of vanilla, this is the right time to add it in! Allow the mixture to simmer for another 2-3 minutes so the flavors can meld together beautifully.
6. Cool Down:
Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat and let it cool. As it cools, it will thicken even more. You can leave it in the pot while it cools or transfer it to a bowl.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Once cooled, transfer the sauce to a lovely serving bowl. If you wish, garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary or some extra orange zest for a festive flair!
8. Enjoy:
This Orange Amaretto Cranberry Sauce can be served chilled or at room temperature. It pairs excellently with turkey, ham, or even as a delicious spread on bread. Enjoy every spoonful!
This delightful combination of tangy cranberries, vibrant citrus, and the warmth of amaretto creates a stunning holiday dish that everyone will love.
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! There’s no need to thaw them before cooking; just toss them directly into the saucepan. The cooking time may be slightly longer, but they’ll still burst and create a delicious sauce.
How Long Does the Sauce Last in the Fridge?
Your Orange Amaretto Cranberry Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Just give it a good stir before serving, as it may thicken a bit more as it sits.
Can I Substitute Amaretto with Something Else?
If you’re looking to avoid alcohol, you can replace the amaretto with almond extract (about 1 teaspoon) for a nutty flavor. Alternatively, you can simply omit it for a traditional cranberry sauce.
Is This Sauce Good for Meal Prep?
Absolutely! This sauce can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve!
