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Add a touch of coziness to your holiday table with this Cottagecore Homemade Spiced Cranberry Orange Sauce recipe.
This homemade cranberry orange sauce is a holiday favorite, bringing a balance of sweet and tart flavors to any Thanksgiving meal or Christmas dinner. Made with fresh cranberries, fresh orange juice, and a hint of warm spices like cinnamon, this sauce is an essential part of our holiday traditions.
We love how the zest of fresh oranges enhances the natural tartness of the cranberries, adding depth of flavor to this classic cranberry sauce. It’s the perfect complement to roast turkey, warm rolls, or even as a topping for leftover turkey sandwiches.
If you’re planning your holiday table, don’t forget to try our Cozy Cottage-Style Sourdough Cornbread Dressing Recipe, another classic side that pairs beautifully with this cranberry-orange sauce recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bursting with Flavor – Sweet, tart, and spiced, this sauce is a holiday favorite.
Easy to Make – Simple steps and fresh ingredients create a delicious result.
Versatile Side Dish – Perfect for turkey, pork, or even as a dessert topping.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients – Use fresh cranberries and juicy oranges for the best flavor.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste – Taste the sauce while cooking and add more sugar if you prefer it sweeter.
- Don’t Skip the Blending – Blending creates a smooth texture that works well as a spread or topping.
Recipe FAQ’s for Cranberry Orange Sauce
What’s the best way to store leftover cranberry sauce?
Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 10–14 days.
Can I freeze cranberry orange sauce?
Yes, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
What can I use leftover cranberry sauce for?
Leftovers are perfect for turkey sandwiches, stirring into yogurt, or topping pancakes and waffles.
How do I make the sauce less tart?
Add more sugar or a drizzle of honey during cooking to sweeten it.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! This sauce tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Tools You May Need
Medium Saucepan – Perfect for simmering the cranberries and spices.
Measuring Spoons and Cups – Ideal for measuring out your ingredients.
Ingredients
- Fresh Cranberries – Bright and tart, these are the base of this classic holiday sauce.
- Orange Zest and Juice – Adds citrusy sweetness and a zesty kick.
- Brown Sugar – Balances the tartness with a hint of molasses flavor.
A full list of ingredients with exact amounts is available in the recipe card below.
How to Make This Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Rinse fresh cranberries under cool running water. Peel the orange and cut it into small pieces, removing seeds.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Saucepan
Add cranberries, orange pieces, brown sugar, orange zest, ground cinnamon, cloves, and a pinch of salt to a medium saucepan. Stir gently to combine.
Step 3: Heat the Mixture
Heat over medium heat, covering the saucepan with a lid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Cook Until Cranberries Pop
Once the cranberries start popping, remove the lid and reduce the heat slightly. Allow the sauce to cook and thicken, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Blend the Mixture
Use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a countertop blender. Blend until the sauce reaches a smooth, even consistency.
Step 6: Cool and Store
Cool the sauce to room temperature, then refrigerate it for several hours to thicken.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve chilled or warm, paired with your favorite holiday dishes!
Enjoy this flavorful and cozy addition to your holiday meal!
Storage Ideas for Cranberry Orange Sauce
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 10-14 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
- Pour the cooled sauce into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
- Label the container with the date and freeze for up to one month.
- To use, thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight and stir before serving.
- Prepare the sauce up to three days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
More Holiday Recipes from the Cottage;
- Festive Sourdough Cranberry Orange Star Bread Recipe
- Cozy Cottage-Style Sourdough Cornbread Dressing Recipe
- Homemade Sourdough Pop Tarts (discard or starter)
- Raspberry Sourdough Popovers (discard or starter)
- Waffles and Pancakes (discard or starter)
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Cottagecore Homemade Spiced Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries rinsed
- 1 medium orange peeled, deseeded, and cut into pieces
- ½ cup pure apple juice
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon Ceylon recommended
- 1 pinch ground clove
- 1 pinch salt
How To Make
- Rinse the cranberries under cool running water and set them aside in a colander to drain.
- Wash the orange, peel it, remove any seeds, and cut it into small pieces.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange pieces, apple juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, clove, and salt. Stir gently to mix.
- Cover the saucepan and place it over medium heat. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Once the cranberries begin to pop, remove the lid and reduce the heat slightly. Stir occasionally and cook until the sauce thickens, about 10-12 minutes.
- Carefully remove the saucepan from heat and blend the mixture using an immersion blender or transfer it to a countertop blender. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the sauce into a heat-safe glass bowl or storage container. Let it cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for several hours. The sauce will thicken as it chills.
- Serve once the sauce has set. Enjoy as a flavorful addition to your holiday meal!
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