I adore this cranberry sauce recipe because it effortlessly blends tangy cranberries with zesty orange and warming cinnamon. The fresh ingredients create a vibrant, lively flavor perfect for holiday feasts. Quick to make and uniquely delicious, it transforms any meal into a heartwarming, festive experience. Every spoonful truly delights.

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I love sharing my Best Ever Cranberry Sauce recipe because it’s become a staple in my holiday meals. I first tried this with 12 oz of fresh cranberries, a cup of granulated sugar and a cup of freshly squeezed orange juice.

The zest of one orange and a dash of ground cinnamon give it a warm kick while a pinch of salt brings all the flavors together. This sauce is not only bursting with vitamin C and antioxidants but its real fruit ingredients make it a healthier option compared to canned versions.

Its rich taste often reminds me of other variations like those inspired by Natasha’s Kitchen Cranberry Sauce or even the familiar touches found in some Cranberry Sauce With Pineapple recipes. I like to think of it as an easy, fresh twist on our traditional Thanksgiving food sides that transforms any meal into a festive celebration.

Enjoy making it in just 15 minutes and savor each flavorful bite.

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I really dig how simple this recipe is to make, even if im not a pro chef its easy enough that I can whip it up without too much hassle.
2. I love the way the orange juice and zest give it a bright, tangy kick that livens up the natural sweetness of the cranberries.
3. I like that its made with real, whole ingredients so I feel like im eating something fresh and not loaded with weird additives.
4. I appreciate that you can enjoy it warm or chill it in the fridge, which makes it super versatile for different kinds of holiday meals.

Ingredients

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Fresh cranberries are tart, fibrous, full of vitamins and antioxidants boostin health.
Granulated sugar adds sweetness and carbs, though its not the healthiest option if overused.
Freshly squeezed orange juice brings tang, natural sweetness, and plenty of vitamin C.
Zest of one orange adds bright citrus aroma and extra antioxidants boosting flavor.
Ground cinnamon gives a warm, spicy note and offers mild health benefits.
A pinch of salt enhances all flavors and balances the sauce’s sweet and tang notes.
These ingredients create a balanced blend of tart, sweet, and warm flavors elevating every bite.

Ingredient Quantities

12 oz fresh cranberries

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

Zest of one orange

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

A pinch of salt

How to Make this

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1. Rinse the cranberries in cold water and set them aside.

2. Zest the orange and squeeze out enough juice so you’ll have 1 cup.

3. In a medium saucepan, mix together the sugar, freshly squeezed orange juice, orange zest, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.

4. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat while stirring a bit so the sugar dissolves.

5. Once it’s boiling, add the cranberries and stir them in.

6. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll see most berries start to pop.

7. Keep an eye on it – you dont want to overcook or it will lose its nice texture.

8. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool for a few minutes.

9. Serve warm or let it chill in the fridge before you use it on your holiday meals.

10. Enjoy your Best Ever Cranberry Sauce as a perfect, flavorful addition to your feast!

Equipment Needed

1. Medium saucepan
2. Spoon for stirring
3. Citrus juicer for squeezing the orange
4. Zester or grater for the orange zest
5. Colander for rinsing the cranberries
6. Measuring cups for the sugar and juice
7. Small bowl to set aside the cranberries

FAQ

Can I make this sauce ahead of time? Yes, you can make it a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge; many folks say its flavor even gets better with time.

Can I use bottled orange juice? You can use bottled juice if you dont have fresh oranges, but freshly squeezed juice really boosts the flavor and makes the sauce taste way more lively.

How do I freeze the cranberry sauce? Absolutely, you can freeze it, just be sure its completely cool and stored in a sealed container; keep in mind that the texture might change a bit when you thaw it.

What can I substitute for granulated sugar? If you dont have granulated sugar, you could try honey or maple syrup, though the sauce might end up a bit runnier and with a slightly different taste.

Do I really need to add the orange zest? The zest really ups the flavor, but if you dont like it or dont have any, you can skip it; just know you'll be missing out on a nice citrus punch.

Best Ever Cranberry Sauce Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Granulated sugar: You could swap it for honey or maple syrup but you might have to reduce the other wet ingredients a bit
Fresh cranberries: If you cant get them fresh, frozen cranberries work too (just let them thaw first)
Freshly squeezed orange juice: Try using a mix of pineapple juice and apple cider if you’re looking for a twist
Orange zest: You can use lemon zest instead, it gives a slightly different flavor but still tastes great
Ground cinnamon: Substitute with a pinch of ground nutmeg or ginger if you dont have cinnamon on hand

Pro Tips

1. Be careful not to overcook the berries – you wanna keep some of their texture so they don’t all turn into mush and lose that fresh pop.
2. Using freshly squeezed orange juice and the zest really makes the sauce shine. If you can, avoid bottled juice cause it won’t have that punch of flavor you’re looking for.
3. Stir the sauce often while it simmers. This helps to keep the sugar from burning on the bottom and mixes in the spices evenly.
4. If you like a little extra kick, try adding just a teensy extra pinch of cinnamon or a splash more orange juice after the sauce cools a bit for a different twist.