Cranberry Sauce with orange juice is a must on any holiday table.
The combination of the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of orange juice and a hint of warmth from a cinnamon stick, offers an easy and flavorful addition to both holiday feasts and everyday meals.
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The Easiest Cranberry Sauce
When I learned how easy it is to make homemade cranberry sauce, I have never looked back. This cranberry sauce recipe with orange juice has been a staple at every holiday meal since!
- Bursting with fresh flavor!
- Only 4 simple ingredients.
- Less than 15 minutes until it’s done.
- So easy, stir everything in one pot and let it cook.
- Make in advance!
Ingredients
- cranberries: use fresh or frozen whole cranberries. Fresh cranberries are widely available in the fall and freeze very well so I grab local cranberries and stock up to have them year-round.
- orange juice: any orange juice will work. If you like, you can squeeze fresh orange juice and add a little of the zest. In a pinch you can sub in water.
- sugar: I find this the perfect amount to balance the tartness of the cranberries, but you can adjust to your liking. Try swapping some of the sugar for brown sugar or maple syrup.
- cinnamon stick: use ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon in place if needed.
Variations: Try a pinch of ground cloves, ground ginger, nutmeg, or a splash of vanilla extract
You will also need a saucepan.
How to Make Cranberry Sauce with Orange Juice
- Add all ingredients to a saucepan.
- Simmer for 10-12 minutes.
- Allow to cool.
I do not feel the need to mash or blend after it’s been cooked, I like the texture with some berries in it. But if you prefer, you can mash with a potato masher or use an immersion blender.
One tip I learned the hard way is don’t let your pot overflow because the sugar combination is impossible to clean off. So once the sauce is boiling, reduce heat to low to keep at a simmer but don’t overflow.
Leftovers? Store leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days. It also freezes well. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Ways to Use Cranberry Sauce
Beyond using as a traditional side for a holiday dinner, there are so many uses for cranberry sauce!
- Make cranberry brie bites
- As a spread on a sandwich or in a wrap
- Use on a charcuterie board
- Top cheesecake or ice cream
- Swirl into yogurt
- Add to overnight oats
- Fill thumbprint cookies or pastries
- Use in a marinade or salad dressing
- Add to a holiday-themed drink
- Top pancakes or waffles
More Holiday Side Dishes
Cranberry Sauce with Orange Juice
Equipment
- saucepan
Ingredients
- 3 cups cranberries
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, sugar, and the cinnamon stick.
- Allow the mixture to come to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes.
- Remove the cinnamon stick and allow the cranberry sauce cool down.
Notes
Nutrition
Recipe from Spend with Pennies
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