Introduction
No Thanksgiving or holiday feast feels complete without a bowl of vibrant, tangy, and slightly sweet cranberry sauce. This Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest is a refreshing upgrade from the canned version—it’s bursting with the natural tartness of cranberries, balanced by sugar, and elevated with the zesty brightness of fresh orange.
This recipe is quick, easy, and made with only a handful of ingredients. It brings a pop of color and a burst of flavor to your holiday table, pairing beautifully with roast turkey, chicken, or even spread over bread and desserts.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The cranberries cook down into a glossy sauce with a hint of citrusy freshness that cuts through rich holiday foods. The addition of orange zest adds just the right amount of brightness, making it taste homemade and special.
Another reason I adore this recipe is its versatility. It’s not just for turkey—it works wonderfully as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, pancakes, and even cheesecake. I also love how quick it is to make (just 15 minutes!) while tasting like something much more elaborate.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
This recipe is a must-try because:
- It’s so much better than store-bought cranberry sauce.
- The balance of tart cranberries with sweet sugar and zesty orange makes it irresistible.
- It’s a make-ahead recipe, perfect for stress-free holiday cooking.
- It adds a bright, festive color and flavor contrast to rich holiday meals.
Preparation & Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10–15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings & Nutrition
- Servings: 8 (about 2 cups)
- Calories per Serving: ~100 kcal
Cuisine & Course
- Cuisine: American (Holiday/Thanksgiving tradition)
- Course: Side Dish / Condiment
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (finely grated)
- (Optional) ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick
- (Optional) ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Simple Cooking Directions
- Combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and water in a saucepan.
- Simmer until the cranberries burst and sauce thickens.
- Stir in orange zest and optional spices.
- Cool slightly, then refrigerate until serving.
Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation
- Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, add cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and water. Stir to combine.
- Cook the cranberries: Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and let simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- The cranberries will begin to pop and release their juices.
- Add zest and flavorings: Once the sauce has thickened, stir in orange zest, and (if using) cinnamon or vanilla extract.
- Cool down: Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Chill before serving: Transfer to a serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight) before serving.
How to Serve
- As a side dish with roast turkey, chicken, or ham.
- Spread on sandwiches or leftover turkey sliders.
- As a topping for pancakes, waffles, or yogurt.
- Spoon over cheesecake or pound cake for a festive dessert twist.
Additional Recipe Tips
- Taste the sauce before cooling—add more sugar if you prefer sweeter sauce.
- For a chunkier sauce, mash lightly with a spoon. For smoother sauce, blend with an immersion blender.
- Using fresh orange juice makes a big difference in flavor.
- The sauce thickens more as it chills, so don’t overcook it.
Variations
- Spiced Cranberry Sauce: Add cloves, nutmeg, or star anise for warm holiday flavors.
- Apple-Cranberry Sauce: Add 1 diced apple for sweetness and texture.
- Boozy Twist: Add a splash of Grand Marnier or brandy after cooking.
- Ginger Cranberry Sauce: Stir in fresh grated ginger for a zingy kick.
Freezing & Storage
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 10–12 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Special Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Zester or microplane (for orange zest)
Conclusion
Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest is a bright, tangy, and sweet condiment that turns any holiday meal into something special. It’s quick to make, versatile, and so much fresher than canned versions. With the balance of tart cranberries and citrusy zest, it’s the perfect complement to rich dishes like turkey, ham, or creamy sides.
Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest
Description
No Thanksgiving or holiday feast feels complete without a bowl of vibrant, tangy, and slightly sweet cranberry sauce. This Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest is a refreshing upgrade from the canned version—it’s bursting with the natural tartness of cranberries, balanced by sugar, and elevated with the zesty brightness of fresh orange.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Combine ingredients : In a medium saucepan, add cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and water. Stir to combine.
-
Cook the cranberries : Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and let simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cranberries will begin to pop and release their juices.
-
Add zest and flavorings : Once the sauce has thickened, stir in orange zest, and (if using) cinnamon or vanilla extract.
-
Cool down : Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
-
Chill before serving : Transfer to a serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight) before serving.
