Fresh Cranberry Sauce with Orange Juice
Heavenly cranberry sauce made with fresh cranberries and orange juice is a perfect, traditional side dish bursting with homemade, mouthwatering flavors. A Thanksgiving MUST! If you are looking for an easy homemade cranberry sauce that has orange juice, look no further! This is the BEST and QUICKEST cranberry sauce that goes from stove to table in under 30 minutes. Fine to prep ahead of time, only 3 ingredients are needed for a traditional holiday favorite. There is no holiday complete without this classic cranberry side dish.
Servings: 2 1/2 cups
Calories: 174kcal
Ingredients
- 12 oz. fresh OR frozen cranberries thawed and drained of excess moisture OR bag fresh cranberries (recommended)
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup orange juice
Instructions
- Add bag of fresh cranberries, white sugar and orange juice in a large sauce pan and whisk together. Know that cranberries and the liquid will expand in the pot, so its best to have a deep pot to ensure nothing overboils.
- Heat cranberry mixture over medium high, stirring occasionally.
- After about 5 minutes on the stove, the cranberries will begin to sizzle and make noise as they pop and boil.
- Once the cranberries begin to boil, reduce heat to medium low and continue to cook and stir for an additional 5-7 minutes or until most or all of the berries are popped open. Stir occasionally while in pot. Remove cranberry sauce from heat and let stand, off heat.
- As mixture cools, the sauce will naturally begin to thicken. Spoon sauce into a serving dish, where cranberries can be served hot or completely cooled and served cold.
- Store any left overs covered in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Video
Notes
BIG TIP -
If you prefer a sweeter cranberry sauce over tart - while boiling, add 1/4th cup of Grape Jam! That sweetness gets into the sauce and brings a great level of sweetness. This is how we did our Thanksgiving 2022, so I am updating this recipe to share.Can you freeze cranberry sauce?
There are many people that freeze cranberry sauce. It is recommended that the sauce be poured into a plastic bag or sealed container.What is the best way to mash cranberries for a smoother finish?
Since the mixture is hot once off the stove, if you want less berries and more of a purified sauce, use a potato masher. Once cool, you can use an immersion handheld blender if desired.Can you make Orange Juice Cranberry Sauce ahead of time?
Yes, cranberry sauce can be made 2-3 days ahead of time. It can be served cold or reheated on the stove for a warm sauce.Cranberry Sauce Variations
- Cinnamon– A dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even apple pie spice is a great way to give it some fall flavor.
- Maple Syrup or Honey – Cut some of the sugar in the recipe and substitute with honey, maple syrup or brown sugar. This also helps with some of the tartness in the berry.
- Changing the Juice – Orange juice and cranberry go really well together, but I have found that grape, cran-grape and blackberry juices are just as good in homemade cranberry sauce. I have made different versions at the holiday time with great success.
- Zest – Need to serve this recipe up fancy? Add a bit of orange zest on the top of the bowl – adds a bit of color and fanciness.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 | Calories: 174kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 1g | Sodium: 2mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 39g